Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Wisconsin Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Tuesday, January 6 at 10:38 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Tundra Swans,©Barry Kent Mackay

6 Jan Re: New Bird Manual available (Racine presentation on Thursday 1/8) [Eric Howe ] 6 Jan RBA Madison, WI 05 Jan 09 ["Delia Unson & Charles Heikkinen" ] 6 Jan Armstrong Creek CBC Florence, Forest, and Marinette Cos ["Kay Kavanagh" ] 6 Jan Florence CBC Fw: eBird Report - Florence County, WI, US , 1/3/09 ["Kay Kavanagh" ] 06 Jan Bohemian Waxwings in UW Arb?! [Peter Fissel ] 6 Jan Re: Re. E-bird Question ["Seth Cutright" ] 6 Jan Re. E-bird Question ["Anne Moretti" ] 06 Jan Siskins, Robins -- Madison, Duck Pond area [Nolan Pope ] 6 Jan Birchwood CBC [Rick Pertile ] 6 Jan Ozaukee Co. 6 mile road snowy owls ["Kim Kreimann" ] 6 Jan Re: New Bird Manual available ["Marilyn Bontly" ] 6 Jan La Crosse area birds ["Dan Jackson" ] 6 Jan New Bird Manual available [] 6 Jan Re: New Bird Manual available ["Cutright.Noel" ] 6 Jan White-winged Crossbills in Iowa Co - Carolina Wren in Lafayette Co [john romano ] 6 Jan New books of interest to birders ["R.D. Everhart" ] 6 Jan Redheaded Woodpecker at Goose Island Feeder ["Mitch" ] 06 Jan Snowy Owl article [] 5 Jan New Bird Manual available ["Carl or Patricia Brust" ] 5 Jan Onalaska - more siskins! [Jon Thometz ] 5 Jan Bald Eagle over downtown Milwaukee ["William Holton" ] 6 Jan Snowy Owl 6 Mile, chasing Kestrel [] 05 Jan Birding in Madison ["Alexander R Stark" ] 5 Jan 2 Snowy Owls, Six Mile Rd, Ozaukee Co. ["Seth Cutright" ] 5 Jan Carribean guide [Daniel Graham ] 5 Jan Fremont count/Area 4; carl and barbara schwartz ["Carl Schwartz" ] 05 Jan Jan. 3rd - WSO Field Trip (Winter Birding) ["JEFF BAUGHMAN" ] 5 Jan Update on white-front in McFarland [Andy P ] 5 Jan First bird egg of 2009? ["Cutright.Noel" ] 5 Jan adding to the crossbill sightings, Fond du Lac Co., plus odds and ends ["Sehloff, Kerry" ] 5 Jan Birding Trail Guides ["Cutright.Noel" ] 5 Jan Thank you for eagle info. [] 4 Jan Crossbills Re-visited ["Bob Domagalski" ] 4 Jan Crossbill Saga Continues ["Bob Domagalski" ] 4 Jan Anyone know where I could find WWCB ["Max Seeger" ] 04 Jan Odds and ends from the last few days [Peter Fissel ] 4 Jan Fremont CBC - Crossbills [Andy P ] 4 Jan Milwaukee CGI today, Snowy Owl Photos ["Jim Edlhuber" ] 4 Jan Milwaukee CGI ["Max Seeger" ] 4 Jan Re: "Yellow" Pine Siskin [Chris West ] 4 Jan "Yellow" Pine Siskin ["Paul Schwalbe" ] 4 Jan Milwaukee, CGI ["Todd Wilson" ] 4 Jan Lake Michigan Field Trip ["Ty Baumann" ] 3 Jan Thayer's Gull Photos ["Scott Franke" ] 3 Jan Recap of 2008 [Chris West ] 3 Jan Need help in Fond du Lac ["JOEY REICHHOFF" ] 3 Jan Madison birding today [Chris West ] 3 Jan notes from the Birding Community e-bulletin (long) ["William Mueller" ] 3 Jan Friendship CBC ["Jym Mooney & Carol Lee Hopkins" ] 3 Jan Best birding moment of 2008... [] 3 Jan Trumpeter News! [Jeff Virant ] 3 Jan Re: Snowy Owl CGI ["Robert Mcfall" ] Subject: Re: New Bird Manual available (Racine presentation on Thursday 1/8) From: Eric Howe <wibirder AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 22:37:57 -0600 ...And for those in the Racine/Kenosha area, Vicki Piaskowski will present the program at the Hoy Audubon Society meeting in downtown Racine on Thursday, January 8th. Thursday, January 8, 2009 - 7:00 P.M. How To Manage Your Land To Help Birds YMCA - 725 Lake Avenue - 2nd Floor - The Buhler Room - Racine See http://www.hoyaudubon.org for directions Eric Howe northern Walworth Co. near Troy Center -----Original Message----- From: Wisconsin Birding Network Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:46 AM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] New Bird Manual available And Vicki will be presenting the program at the Benjamin F Goss Bird Club in Waukesha on 1/18/09. (Busy lady!) See the website at: http://www.gossbirdclub.org/ Harlow Bielefeldt ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: RBA Madison, WI 05 Jan 09 From: "Delia Unson & Charles Heikkinen" <deliachuck AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 22:30:32 -0600 -RBA * Wisconsin * Madison * 05 January 2009 * WIMA0901.05 Number: 608-255-2476 Reports: 608-255-2476 Compiler: Madison Audubon Coverage: south-central Wisconsin Transcriber: Chuck Heikkinen (deliachuck AT gmail.com) BIRDS MENTIONED- WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL WHITE-WINGED SCOTER GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Mute Swan Tundra Swan TRUMPETER SWAN LOCATIONS MENTIONED- Roselawn Cemetery, Monona McFarland – Jaeger Road off Exchange St McFarland – Yahara River McFarland – Lewis Park This is the birding hotline report of the Madison Audubon Society for Monday, January 5th. The highlight this report is the group of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS found in Roselawn Cemetery in Monona. The cemetery roads are quite icy, so park your car at the bottom of the hill and walk up carefully. The birds were seen in the pines behind the mausoleum, and have provided excellent views. Other birds reported this week have been in McFarland. The reports are several days old, and the birds may or may not have lingered. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen on Jaeger Road at the end of Exchange St. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was spotted in the Yahara River. All 3 SWANS - MUTE, TUNDRA, and TRUMPETER were noted in Lewis Park. Good birding! ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Armstrong Creek CBC Florence, Forest, and Marinette Cos From: "Kay Kavanagh" <kkav AT uplogon.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 21:26:34 -0600 Highlights of the Armstrong Creek CBC held on Friday Jan 2, 2009 include: 29 Ruffed Grouse 1 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 2 Gray Jay 1 Boreal Chickadee 816 Black-capped Chickadee (400% increase from previous high count) 6 Golden-crowned Kinglet 5 Dark-eyed Junco 3 Northern Cardinal 1 Red Crossbill 262 White-winged Crossbill 399 Pine Siskin 395 Common Redpoll 7 Field Observers in 4 groups and 4 feeder watchers participated. Kay Kavanagh Aurora Florence Co Subject: Florence CBC Fw: eBird Report - Florence County, WI, US , 1/3/09 From: "Kay Kavanagh" <kkav AT uplogon.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 21:14:31 -0600 Below are the numbers from the Florence CBC. Highlights are 2 new species to the 7 year count, Eastern Screech-Owl and White-throated Sparrow. Record numbers were recorded for Wild Turkey, Red-headed Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-winged Crossbill, and Common Redpoll. The individuals total of 6782 represents a 35% increase from the next highest total count. Kay Kavanagh Aurora Florence Co ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 7:30 PM Subject: eBird Report - Florence County, WI, US , 1/3/09 > > > Location: Florence County, WI, US > Observation date: 1/3/09 > Notes: 8-20F Wind 3-15MPH Snow Depth 6"-18" Florence CBC 15 Field > Observers in 8 Groups 13 Feeder Watchers > Number of species: 43 > > Ring-necked Pheasant 2 > Ruffed Grouse 21 > Wild Turkey 370 > Bald Eagle 13 > Red-tailed Hawk 2 > Rough-legged Hawk 5 > Rock Pigeon 128 > Mourning Dove 275 > Eastern Screech-Owl 1 > Great Horned Owl 4 > Red-headed Woodpecker 4 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 58 > Hairy Woodpecker 54 > Pileated Woodpecker 13 > Northern Shrike 3 > Gray Jay 1 > Blue Jay 377 > American Crow 270 > Common Raven 105 > Black-capped Chickadee 1105 > Red-breasted Nuthatch 241 > White-breasted Nuthatch 115 > Brown Creeper 3 > Golden-crowned Kinglet 10 > American Robin 1 > European Starling 367 > Bohemian Waxwing 18 > Cedar Waxwing 71 > American Tree Sparrow 40 > White-throated Sparrow 1 > Dark-eyed Junco 13 > Snow Bunting 130 > Northern Cardinal 7 > Purple Finch 21 > Red Crossbill 3 > White-winged Crossbill 277 > Common Redpoll 1343 > Hoary Redpoll 2 > Pine Siskin 470 > American Goldfinch 732 > Evening Grosbeak 14 > House Sparrow 45 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/wi) > ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Bohemian Waxwings in UW Arb?! From: Peter Fissel <pfissel AT library.wisc.edu> Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:56:03 -0600 I was just perusing eBird, and noticed that Martin Pfieffer reported 6 Bohemian Waxwings in the UW Arboretum yesterday - anyone know anything more about this? If true, this would be a stunning find! Peter Fissel Madison, Dane Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Re. E-bird Question From: "Seth Cutright" <ferruginous.hawk82 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:57:13 -0600 Hey All, I guess I don't know if I would call it a problem, but that is one idea or problem I would have with eBird/ or more so with the Avian Knowledge Network...Some things like Hawk Count data and Feeder Watch all goes into this large data area. But then if we want to use eBird, to keep lists for ourselves, (one of the basic ideas for and behind eBird) then we have to redo the list...not that hard but does take time...But then if we redo the list the data ends right back on/ in the Avian Knowledge Network... It seems like on one had for some things like Hawk Count, or Feeder Watch or Back Yard Bird Count, they (people/groups that collect the data) want us, to just enter it onto their set up and not so much into eBird...At least that is the feeling I get...But then if we go back to one of the basic ideas of eBird (to keep our own personal lists) then we just have to enter the data again and it gets sent into the Network again.... To me it seems like maybe eBird should be in it's own network so it does not get always reported into the large Avian Network...Or it should be ok to re-enter the data into eBird...I know it is ok to do so, but I guess what I mean is like...it just seems like I hear about how we should not do that if we are doing one of those projects or how we don't need to do it since it all goes to the same location...But then if we want it in our eBird list we will have to enter it anyways...and if the people who run and set up want us to use eBird then it is kind of strange at times when we do these projects where if we do use eBird the data has already been entered... I don't know maybe I am getting the wrong feelings or ideas but it just seems like to me that with these other projects they don't always want us to enter it into eBird...but we still have to enter it into eBird so we have it for our own list...Seems like an odd balancing act...or maybe it is just me....But it would be nice for those who do enter data onto HawkCount or Feeder Watch or other things like that, where the data goes into the Network anyways, to be given the option of copying the checklist right into eBird. I mean if you want it in your own personal eBird anyways, instead of refilling out everything in eBird, and option to send it right into your eBird should be set up for these other things when you hit send or submit... But anyways hope you guys don't mind me talking about some of the things I think about eBird and the Avian Network.. Take care Seth Cutright Newburg Area Ozaukee County, WI On Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 5:37 PM, Anne Moretti wrote: > Perhaps some of you have wondered whether you are duplicating info if > say, you take part in Cornell's Project Feeder Watch and then submit the > same info to ebird. Likewise, in regards to the Great Backyard Bird Count > coming up in Feb. > > Andy Paulios kindly gave me an answer, which you can read below. > > Anne Moretti > > Dousman > > Waukesha Co. > > From Andy: > > Yes you are, > > But it's not a big deal if you want the info into eBird to keep track of > your personal sightings. All of this data goes into the Avian Knowledge > Network so don't feel like you have to submit it to more than one place. > > Andy P. > Subject: Re. E-bird Question From: "Anne Moretti" <amoretti AT wi.rr.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:37:56 -0600 Perhaps some of you have wondered whether you are duplicating info if say, you take part in Cornell's Project Feeder Watch and then submit the same info to ebird. Likewise, in regards to the Great Backyard Bird Count coming up in Feb. Andy Paulios kindly gave me an answer, which you can read below. Anne Moretti Dousman Waukesha Co. From Andy: Yes you are, But it's not a big deal if you want the info into eBird to keep track of your personal sightings. All of this data goes into the Avian Knowledge Network so don't feel like you have to submit it to more than one place. Andy P. Subject: Siskins, Robins -- Madison, Duck Pond area From: Nolan Pope <npope AT library.wisc.edu> Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:26:03 -0600 Chuck Heikkenen and I stopped at the Duck Pond area in Madison. (near intersection of Odana and Monroe St). We saw numerous Siskins. Also a Fox Sparrow, a few White-throated and Tree Sparrows, Belted Kingfisher, and at least 2 Robins. Steve Thiessen had seen a Winter Wren there the previous day. Nolan Pope Madison / Dane County ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Birchwood CBC From: Rick Pertile <mugzy1960 AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:13:13 -0600 Greetings all! The following species were counted on the Birchwood (Sawyer County) CBC this past Saturday January 3rd. The center of the count circle is MacRae Lake in Washburn County but the area encompasses both Washburn & Sawyer county. Blue Jay - 97 Black-capped Chickadee - 74 American Goldfinch - 50 Pine Siskin - 3 Purple Finch - 1 Common Redpoll - 53 Snow Bunting - 345 Mourning Dove - 5 Cardinal - 2 House Sparrow - 13 Dark-eyed Junco - 1 White-breasted Nuthatch - 32 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Ruffed Grouse - 3 American Crow - 30 Common Raven - 5 Rock Pigeon - 91 European Starling - 22 Hairy Woodpecker - 23 Downy Woodpecker - 26 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 19 Red-Headed Woodpecker - 19 Pileated Woodpecker - 7 American Robin - 4 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Bald Eagle - 5 Canada Goose - 16 Mallard Duck - 1 Wild Turkey - 49 Regards to all, Rick Pertile, Birchwood WI _________________________________________________________________ Send e-mail anywhere. No map, no compass. http://windowslive.com/oneline/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_anywhere_122008 Subject: Ozaukee Co. 6 mile road snowy owls From: "Kim Kreimann" <k9house1 AT juno.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:51:29 -0600 On Saturday, Jan 3 we saw 3 snowy owls along 6 mile Rd. We moved right from one to another so we are sure they were all different birds. One was so pure white you couldn't see it in the snow unless it moved, especially when it had its back to the road! We also saw the large flock of snow buntings and the rough legged hawks. Could someone tell me where in the Hartford area the crossbills were spotted on the CBC? I have never seen one and would like to add it to my list. I just joined your email list and am enjoying getting out and birding again. Kim Kreimann - Town of Rubicon - Dodge Co. ____________________________________________________________ All is not lost! Click now for professional data recovery. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw25hCKMLyzWeXl7PpZS096VnDtm1x3tenuKPp3avS66XVQlz/ Subject: Re: New Bird Manual available From: "Marilyn Bontly" <mbontly AT wi.rr.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:21:39 -0600 No, Schlitz does not charge a parking fee. Marilyn Bontly, Bayside ----- Original Message ----- From: Carl or Patricia Brust To: Wisconsin Birding Network Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 11:49 PM Subject: [wisb] New Bird Manual available You can obtain a copy of Vicki's manual at her presentations to the Milwaukee area Wild Ones chapters. She will be presenting her research at the meetings on Saturday, January 10 in two sessions: at 9:30 am at the Schlitz Audubon Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee and at 1:30 pm at the Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Ave. in Franklin. These meetings are free and open to the public, but each nature center does charge a parking fee. For more information, call 414-299-9888. Pat Brust Franklin, Milwaukee County ________________________________ From: Wisconsin Birding Network [mailto:wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu] On Behalf Of Vicki Piaskowski Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 11:30 AM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] New bird manual available New Bird Manual Available The Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras(r) staff is proud to announce the publication of our new manual for Wisconsin and eastern United States landowners: "The Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras(r) Recommendations for Landowners: How to Manage Your Land to Help Birds (Wisconsin, Midwest and Eastern United States edition)." A PDF is available for free download on our Web site: www.zoosociety.org/wilandowner The manual summarizes five years of research in Wisconsin and years of follow-up data analysis. It provides information on habitats and food resources that we have found to be important to birds. It also includes ways bird lovers and lay people can help birds. A grant from the USFWS (Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act) covered the majority of printing costs. The print manual is being distributed free of charge at educational outreach talks. For a schedule of the talks, go to www.zoosociety.org and click on Events. If there are no talks scheduled near your location, please send your contact information to kariw AT zoosociety.org to request a copy of the manual. Once the talks are completed, we will mail you the manual in March 2009 if we have printed copies remaining. Thank you, Vicki Piaskowski International Coordinator, Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Inc. and Zoological Society of Milwaukee 1421 North Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA 414-276-0339 x307 www.zoosociety.org/Conservation/BWB-ASF/ Subject: La Crosse area birds From: "Dan Jackson" <DanJackson AT LBWhite.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:46:42 -0600 With the start of the new year, I have been checking out the local hotspots to see what I can see (with a new camera along). The highlights have been: One Trumpeter Swan below the east spillway yesterday. There was also a single Canada Goose, a Lesser Scaup, and the ever present Mallards. There were a few Common Goldeneye and a pair of Common Mergansers in the open water at the south end of Riverside Park. I have seen several Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and a couple of Pine Siskins in the Catholic Cemetery on Losey Blvd Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Red-headed Woodpecker, and American Tree Sparrows at the feeder on Goose Island. I was able to get pictures of some of them. Screech Owl: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2205919420048936665GHfpPB Red-headed Woodpecker: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2249842760048936665KyBuiB American Tree Sparrow: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2464285710048936665LuLXqJ Dark-eyed Junco: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2358265900048936665DkUsxj Oregon Form: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2439026360048936665XcpYpH Red-Breasted Nuthatch: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2672939090048936665zlBRNg White-breasted Nuthatch: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2662969240048936665cLQbiR Golden-crowned Kinglet: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2507895360048936665VYjGZQ Black-capped Chickadee: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2588430980048936665ZahqQI Blue Jay: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2013027000048936665pfWFyC Good Birding, Dan Jackson Chaseburg, Vernon County, Wisconsin (Near LaCrosse) http://community.webshots.com/user/DanielEJackson ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: New Bird Manual available From: Harlowbiel AT aol.com Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:46:29 EST And Vicki will be presenting the program at the Benjamin F Goss Bird Club in Waukesha on 1/18/09. (Busy lady!) See the website at: http://www.gossbirdclub.org/ Harlow Bielefeldt Right now I’m having amnesia and déjà-vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before. ...........Steven Wright **************New year...new news. Be the first to know what is making headlines. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000026) ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: New Bird Manual available From: "Cutright.Noel" <Noel.Cutright AT we-energies.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:38:40 -0600 And she will presenting the program tonight at the Riveredge Bird Club meeting at Riveredge Nature Center outside Newburg at 7 p.m. Noel Cutright - Ozaukee County ________________________________ From: Wisconsin Birding Network [mailto:wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu] On Behalf Of Carl or Patricia Brust Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 11:49 PM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] New Bird Manual available You can obtain a copy of Vicki's manual at her presentations to the Milwaukee area Wild Ones chapters. She will be presenting her research at the meetings on Saturday, January 10 in two sessions: at 9:30 am at the Schlitz Audubon Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee and at 1:30 pm at the Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Ave. in Franklin. These meetings are free and open to the public, but each nature center does charge a parking fee. For more information, call 414-299-9888. Pat Brust Franklin, Milwaukee County ________________________________ From: Wisconsin Birding Network [mailto:wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu] On Behalf Of Vicki Piaskowski Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 11:30 AM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] New bird manual available New Bird Manual Available The Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras(r) staff is proud to announce the publication of our new manual for Wisconsin and eastern United States landowners: "The Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras(r) Recommendations for Landowners: How to Manage Your Land to Help Birds (Wisconsin, Midwest and Eastern United States edition)." A PDF is available for free download on our Web site: www.zoosociety.org/wilandowner The manual summarizes five years of research in Wisconsin and years of follow-up data analysis. It provides information on habitats and food resources that we have found to be important to birds. It also includes ways bird lovers and lay people can help birds. A grant from the USFWS (Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act) covered the majority of printing costs. The print manual is being distributed free of charge at educational outreach talks. For a schedule of the talks, go to www.zoosociety.org and click on Events. If there are no talks scheduled near your location, please send your contact information to kariw AT zoosociety.org to request a copy of the manual. Once the talks are completed, we will mail you the manual in March 2009 if we have printed copies remaining. Thank you, Vicki Piaskowski International Coordinator, Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Inc. and Zoological Society of Milwaukee 1421 North Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA 414-276-0339 x307 www.zoosociety.org/Conservation/BWB-ASF/ Subject: White-winged Crossbills in Iowa Co - Carolina Wren in Lafayette Co From: john romano <cajunbirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 08:38:18 -0800 (PST) Karen Holden and I put on our snowshoes and trudged to to back of the McCoy wilderness farm (3 miles north of Blanchardville) on Monday Jan 5 about 2 PM to the spruce plantation. Lots of good habitat and cone production and we saw 2 female White-winged Crossbills. There are likely more around but once we saw those 2 we hiked back to farm house. We saw about 60 Snowbuntings south of Yellowstone Lake in Lafayette Co and saw Purple Finches and heard one Carolina Wren at a feeder north of Yellowsone Lake - at English Hollow Rd and Gilbertson Rd on Monday morning. John Romano Madison Wi Subject: New books of interest to birders From: "R.D. Everhart" <everhart AT black-hole.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 09:52:35 -0600 The latest newsletter from the Ornithological Societies of North America announces the availability of new books that might be of interest of birders and especially bird banders. Information is on my blog at: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Redheaded Woodpecker at Goose Island Feeder From: "Mitch" <mitch AT flashbax.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 07:39:42 -0600 Hi All, Red is back for the second year in a row. He is a real poser and will come fairly close if you stay in the car after putting peanuts or suet out for him. Bring your camera as he is very photogenic. Here are some shots I got yeaterday. http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3413-010509.jpg http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3424-010509.jpg http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3436-010509.jpg http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3461-010509.jpg http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3493-010509.jpg http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3495-010509.jpg http://www.picturelacrosse.com/birds/woody08/red-headed-woodpecker-img_3541-010509.jpg Thanks, Al Mitchell- La Crosse, La Crosse County http://www.flashbax.com/ ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Snowy Owl article From: e.l.schrank AT att.net Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:06:34 +0000 Here's an interesting article regarding the Snowy Owl irruption if you haven't read it already: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/30/raptor_troubles/ BTW, I haven't been able to catch ANY of the owl sightings posted here yet, although we saw plenty of Rough Legged Hawks, including the dark variety spoken of here. Maybe we'll get lucky in the next few days........ Eve and Roxanne Schrank Milwaukee County http://www.yessy.com/elschrank/gallery.html http://www.youtube.com/evi3lynni3 ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: New Bird Manual available From: "Carl or Patricia Brust" <brustcomm AT wi.rr.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 23:49:27 -0600 You can obtain a copy of Vicki's manual at her presentations to the Milwaukee area Wild Ones chapters. She will be presenting her research at the meetings on Saturday, January 10 in two sessions: at 9:30 am at the Schlitz Audubon Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee and at 1:30 pm at the Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Ave. in Franklin. These meetings are free and open to the public, but each nature center does charge a parking fee. For more information, call 414-299-9888. Pat Brust Franklin, Milwaukee County ________________________________ From: Wisconsin Birding Network [mailto:wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu] On Behalf Of Vicki Piaskowski Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 11:30 AM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] New bird manual available New Bird Manual Available The Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras(r) staff is proud to announce the publication of our new manual for Wisconsin and eastern United States landowners: "The Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras(r) Recommendations for Landowners: How to Manage Your Land to Help Birds (Wisconsin, Midwest and Eastern United States edition)." A PDF is available for free download on our Web site: www.zoosociety.org/wilandowner The manual summarizes five years of research in Wisconsin and years of follow-up data analysis. It provides information on habitats and food resources that we have found to be important to birds. It also includes ways bird lovers and lay people can help birds. A grant from the USFWS (Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act) covered the majority of printing costs. The print manual is being distributed free of charge at educational outreach talks. For a schedule of the talks, go to www.zoosociety.org and click on Events. If there are no talks scheduled near your location, please send your contact information to kariw AT zoosociety.org to request a copy of the manual. Once the talks are completed, we will mail you the manual in March 2009 if we have printed copies remaining. Thank you, Vicki Piaskowski International Coordinator, Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Inc. and Zoological Society of Milwaukee 1421 North Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA 414-276-0339 x307 www.zoosociety.org/Conservation/BWB-ASF/ Subject: Onalaska - more siskins! From: Jon Thometz <jthometz AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:25:59 -0800 Hi all, My half-dozen Pine Siskins each brought a friend on Sunday, so the little flock is up to a dozen or so. Easily the most I've ever hosted! Now, if only I could get a redpoll in there. That's tops on my most-wanted-yard-bird list. Happy birding! Jon Thometz Onalaska La Crosse county ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Bald Eagle over downtown Milwaukee From: "William Holton" <WHolton AT wi.rr.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 21:11:00 -0600 To the Birdnet folks, I was fortunate to watch an adult Bald Eagle make lazy circles in the sky over the downtown area. It was with a loose flock of gulls at noon. Bill Holton Milwaukee Subject: Snowy Owl 6 Mile, chasing Kestrel From: <dkuecherer AT wi.rr.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 2:31:27 +0000 Hi: By now I hope you have read Seths coments over the Owls, numerous Rough-legged Hawks and Snow Buntings with Longspurs. Seth and I had very good looks at both the female and male. It was a great day, the Owls cooperated for us. Below is The Snowy very Alert, then a little nap. and the last flick is the Snowy chasing a Kestrel that came in and perched in a tree behind the Snowy. The Snowy came off its perch and after the Kestrel. I shot it in the air. Funny, but the Snowy is looking at us in the flick, but it really went after that Kestrel. The flick is ok, but not the greatest as I could not focus on both birds. You can recognise both species though. Great day out there today and good birding to all. http://www.pbase.com/gimpyshot/image/107846077 http://www.pbase.com/gimpyshot/image/107846101 http://www.pbase.com/gimpyshot/image/107846113 Dennis Kuecherer Saukville ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Birding in Madison From: "Alexander R Stark" <starkal AT uwplatt.edu> Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:54:29 -0600 Hello All! Today we went birding in Madison looking for White Winged Crossbills and the Greater White-fronted Goose in McFarland. We first went to the Roselawn Cemetery at 9:30 AM and looked for and hour and a half and found nothing but Pine Siskin's and American Goldfinch's. We came back to the cemetery around 3 PM and immediatly found them next to the large gray building next to the tall tower. There were only 3 males and one female at the very top of the spruce tree's. At McFarland we went to the corner of exchange and jaeger and and found the possible hyprid but no Greater White-fronted Goose. After heading up the road to Highland Street and seeing Mute and Trumpeter Swans, also Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneye's, we returned to the same spot and found the Greater White-fronted Goose up the river underneath the bridge. There were also 3 younger birds that were very similiar next to the goose. Possible youngsters? I'm not too sure. Alex Stark, Prairie du Chien ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: 2 Snowy Owls, Six Mile Rd, Ozaukee Co. From: "Seth Cutright" <ferruginous.hawk82 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:21:30 -0600 Hello All, Today Dennis Kuecherer and I went out and birded Northern Ozaukee County today. We were mostly out to see how many Snowy Owls were for sure along Six Mile Rad. There are two of them. Both of us were able to get photos of each bird. I will post photos of each bird below. One bird was about 1/8 -1/4 a mile East of the road. While the other was only about 40-50feet off the side of the road on the West side of the road. We turned first off of County Rd. "D" North onto Six Mile Rd. The first one was at about the same location as it was when seen on the 1 Jan. It was on the 2nd hill or up rise area of the field on the East side of the road. This is about 1/4 to 1/2 mile or so North of "D". The 2nd bird is about 1/2 way between Jay Road and Silver Beach Rd. Today it was on the West side of the road, and very near the road side. The first bird seems to be a female, maybe a younger female. While the 2nd bird looks like maybe a younger male. Also in the area was a flock of about 115 Snow Bunting and 2 Lapland Longspurs mixed in. This flock was close to the road by the 1st Owl location. Then between Six Mile Rd, and Harrington Beach about 6 Rough-legged Hawks are around. A few dark phase/morph bird are around and those are always neat to see. One bird that was really neat was almost between light and dark phase..It had an all dark body, with dark under the wings at the tips of the coverts and bass of the coverts/wings...but then light between...The head was also mostly all dark too, with just a little white on it...It was almost like it had the body color of a dark phase bird, and the under wing colors/set up of a light phase bird... Anyways it was very neat to see, and also neat to have so many around. We also counted another 6 or so on the way home from Harrington Beach to Saukville along "I 43". Around 3 Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels were also seen around the Six Mile Rd and Harrington Beach area. Anyways here are a few photos of these two Snowy Owls: Male: http://www.pbase.com/crossbil82/image/107843504 http://www.pbase.com/crossbil82/image/107843505 http://www.pbase.com/crossbil82/image/107843741 Female: http://www.pbase.com/crossbil82/image/107843506 Anyways it seems like a number of them have been reported and are around. So it should be a good time for those of you who either want to see one, or photograph one to go and do so. So good luck and have fun... Seth Cutright Newburg Area Ozaukee County Subject: Carribean guide From: Daniel Graham <theluckiest2 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:53:20 -0800 (PST) Can anyone recommend a good Carribean bird guide? And if so is there a local spot to purchase it? Or possibly a website that you can recommend. I got the camera gear, the tickets, and the time off......I just need to know what I am looking for! Thanks Dan Graham Madison, WI Subject: Fremont count/Area 4; carl and barbara schwartz From: "Carl Schwartz" <cschwartz3 AT wi.rr.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:38:37 -0600 Icy roads delayed our arrival on territory and our ability to get anywhere very fast but as andy noted it did keep most people who were smarter than birders off the roads. The noise as you drove also made listening harder. Have to feel sorry for any bird trying to make a living out there given the tick ice crust over the whole area. We birded from 8:45 to 3:15 with a half hour for lunch (I would highly recommend Knot Anchor Inn in Tustin; best homemade cream of broccoli soup Ive ever eaten; also try the Wilma Burger); starting temp was 30 and it was 24 when we finished; we put in 47 roads miles and about a quarter to half mile at best on foot; winds around 15, gusting to 20 or better; we encountered many birdless (or at least silent even with prompting) woods; birds seemed to congregate in area with feeders nearby. We logged 27 species but numbers seemed thin; and no crossbills; i don't know if that reflects the deficiencies of the counters or the more dominant pine as opposed to spruce in the northern part of the territory and the abssence of either in the southern two-thirds of the area.Poygan and the Wolf were frpozen solid; ice fisherman on Poygan reported good catches of bass and walleye near the Wolf and some perch and northern to the west. Here are the totals in the order encountered: Crow: 37 RT hawk: 5 Blue jay: 8 Hairy WP: 2 Chickadee: 47 RL hawk: 2 Cardinal: 11 Kestrel: 1 House finch: 10 Siskin: 22 Junco: 37 Downy WP: 8 WB Nuthatch: 13 House sparrow: 738 (400 of them in one farm flock) Cowbird: 3 (2 males, 1 female coming to Poygan cottage feeder) Goldfinch: 56 Rock pigeon: 34 RB WP: 5 Mo dove: 19 Titmouse: 3 Tree SP: 40 Starling: 200 (all in one flock at same farm w/ huge sparrow flock) Raven: 1 Snow bunting: 6 Bald eagle: 1 Turkey: 4 RB Nuthatch: 2 Subject: Jan. 3rd - WSO Field Trip (Winter Birding) From: "JEFF BAUGHMAN" <JBaughman AT csd.k12.wi.us> Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:07:43 -0600 On Saturday January 3rd, the WSO held its annual "winter birding" field trip along Lake Michigan from Milwaukee's South Shore Yacht Club to Sheboygan's North Point. Our group of 30+ gathered at the ice covered marina at South Shore Yacht Club, where we stood only for a short time fighting the 15+ mph southeast winds off the lake. After a short introduction our group moved to the parking lot at the Lake Express ferry terminal near the Coast Guard Impoundment. From this location we were afforded nice views of the Snowy Owl that has been frequenting the impoundment, as well as a nice assortment of waterfowl on the south side of the ferry terminal. Birds present here were predominantly, Greater Scaup and Common Golden-eye, but included Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Common Mergansers and a couple of Hooded Mergansers. After a short time here we than moved just north of the impoundment for additional views of wintering ducks. Here we added a female White-winged Scoter to our list. Because she was frequently diving (feeding) it made getting good looks for all challenging, although I believe everyone did. We continued north to Milwaukee's North Point Park and Gun Club locations but added only a few new species; Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead, and a few Long-tailed Ducks flying far out on the lake as well as only common gull species. Our next stop was the Port Washington Harbor where the only new species added were a pair American Wigeon and a few Black Ducks. After a short time here we continued north to Sheboygan, where our drive yielded several individual buteos roosting or hunting along I-43. I counted at least 12 Rough-legged and 10 Red-tailed Hawk between Port Washington and the south side of Sheboygan. Our first stop at Sheboygan was the Blue Harbor Resort & the mouth of the Sheboygan River. Here we had several gulls on the ice-flows, jetties and flying around. Interesting species included various ages of Glaucous & Great Black-backed Gulls, an Adult and 1st cycle Thayer's Gull, and at one point Daryl Tessen had a look at a Lesser Black-backed Gulls before dropping out of sight behind a jetty. From here we distant views of both Long-tailed Ducks and White-winged Scoters flying by. Next stop North Point. North Point was very quiet except for the female Harlequin Duck that was working the big waves rolling in along shore. Our last stop of the day was along Range Line Road between CTH J and Woodland Road west of Sheboygan. It was here in a small White Spruce plantation that I had found several White-winged Crossbills on Sheboygan's CBC January 1st. We hadn't even stopped our vehicles when a group of WWCR swirled over the road and than alite in the spruces next to the road. Everyone got super good looks Adult male, female and young WWCR. A very nice way to end our day. Having not really birded any woodland habitats, our species total was a respectable 36 for the day. Thanks to every one that attended and thanks to Scott Baughman for co-leading this trip. Respectfully, Jeff Baughman Campbellsport, WI 53010 Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. CAUTION: Internet and e-mail communications are CSD (Campbellsport School District) property. CSD reserves the right to retrieve and read any message created, sent and received. CSD reserves the right to monitor messages by authorized CSD students, employees, and volunteers at any time without any further consent. All CSD email may be subject to open records laws. For your safety, this message has been scanned by Campbellsport's security gateway. Portions of this message may have been altered or deleted as our SMTP policy dictates. For more information, please contact the CSD AT 1-920-533-8381 x4019 ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Update on white-front in McFarland From: Andy P <andypaulios AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 08:00:46 -0800 (PST) Hi Folks, I posted some of my pics of the white-fronted goose in McFarland from last week. As you can see I'll be keeping my day job. They are at www.ebird.org/WI and then go to the Wisconsin eBird flickr site to view them. You can see the bright bill and legs, small size, white facial patch on the forehead and in front of the eyes, "speckle" belly, etc. After reading Chris' post and getting some backchannels on this I think it's important to remember that when identifying waterfowl (and other birds) look for structure first and then color/pattern. The domestic geese that Chris photographed all have interesting plumages but all are bigger or as big as the local Canadas and have lots of structural differences to a white-fronted goose. The white-front in question is smaller than the canadas and doesn't have the dumpy "posterior" look. See this webpage for more good info on the subject: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/domgeese.htm I'll try and get some pics of the three birds that "might" be hybrid CAGO X WFGO when I can. I'm not sure on this ID yet. Andy Paulios Madison, WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: First bird egg of 2009? From: "Cutright.Noel" <Noel.Cutright AT we-energies.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 09:21:14 -0600 Some of you may remember the saga that occurred at the Oak Creek Power Plant in southern Milwaukee Co. in early 2008; well, we may be setting up for another. A web cam shot from 12/30 revealed a Great Horned Owl in the "old" Peregrine Falcon nest box attending to business. Another shot on 01/02 shows 2 adults present + 1 egg! Last year, the owls successfully fledged young, and the peregrines ultimately used a "new" box and successfully fledged young after the young owls had fledged. The web cam address is http://www.we-energies.com/environmental/protect_wildlife.htm Noel Cutright, Ozaukee County ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: adding to the crossbill sightings, Fond du Lac Co., plus odds and ends From: "Sehloff, Kerry" <kerry.sehloff AT uwc.edu> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 08:55:58 -0600 Reporting from the Holy Land, in St. Peter, NE of FdL. Another good sighting comes while walking the dog. Friday, January 2, the morning dog walk yielded a dozen white winged crossbills in scrubby pines about a block away from the house. They responded nicely to pishing, perching in full sunlight against a clear blue sky - a most beautiful sight, and me with no camera. Didn't have the binoculars, either (my bad!) but I didn't need them. The birds were perching only just above my head. The subdivisions out here have many evergreen plantings, so it shouldn't be surprising to find more. However, the weekend's icing of all walking surfaces is making it difficult to watch anything except where you place your feet! The waterfall in our small pond attracted a herd of juncos yesterday, along with many blue jays and a few cardinals. Our neighbor still has a flicker coming to the feeder. Kerry Sehloff out in da Holy Land J Subject: Birding Trail Guides From: "Cutright.Noel" <Noel.Cutright AT we-energies.com> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 08:44:38 -0600 A message from Sue Martin below - the guides can be viewed and downloaded at: http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/Trail/maps.htm or http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/Trail/news.htm They also can be ordered online at http://www.travelwisconsin.com/maps_guides.aspx or you can call (800/432-TRIP) to request a copy. Noel Cutright, Ozaukee County WDNR's Endangered Resources Program is happy to announce the completion of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail with the release of the 5th and final guide. The 57-page Southern Savanna guide takes the traveler through 13 counties in the south central part of the state and includes 71 waypoints. From state parks, state wildlife areas, private sanctuaries, land trust properties, a natural history museum, and state natural areas, this highway-based trail has something for everyone. The first 4 guides in the set were Lake Superior/Northwoods in 2004, the Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers in 2005, the Lake Michigan guide in 2006, and the Central Sands Prairies in 2007. All guides are still available in limited numbers. A CD that will contain all five guides is currently in the works and will be available for purchase in 2009. The past 5 years of work to make the guides possible were interesting and impressive, with nature lovers from throughout the state sending us their nominations for their favorite places to see native species in native habitats - a truly authentic experience! But people also nominated destinations like the Leigh Yawkee Woodson Art Museum in Wausau for their Birds in Art show, Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center in Coon Valley, and the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson that houses the largest permanent collection and mounted bird specimens done by naturalist Thure Kumlien. But the years prior to the publication of the guides hold some special memories of travels to every corner of the state to meet with citizens and find out if the project was a good fit for us. We had multiple daily meetings with citizens, small business owners, agency staff, and local officials, and everyone was supportive and excited about this new ecotourism project. Our partnerships and the support of many, including those in the Department and the Department of Tourism can take much credit for our success and for being a sounding board for our ideas. The project might not have happened without it! Susan Foote-Martin Conservation Biologist Bureau of Endangered Resources 101 S. Webster St., ER/6 Madison, WI 53707-7921 608-266-0545 608-266-2925 FAX Susan.FooteMartin AT wisconsin.gov ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Thank you for eagle info. From: <steelerman AT tds.net> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 8:25:09 -0600 Wisbirders, thank you to everyone who sent me information about viewing eagles in Suak City. We've decided to go up to Eagle Watchinging Days on Saturday Jan. 17th. I've been a fairly avid birder/lister for about 16 years now and wish I would have started my list at seven like my son has. Eric started his lifelist on Dec. 29, 2008 and already has 18 enteries. I'm sure he'll add to it on the 17th. Thanks again. Maybe we'll see some of you up there. I'll be the one in the Steelers hat/jacket for those of you that don't know me. Matt Zielinski Green Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Crossbills Re-visited From: "Bob Domagalski" <rcd2 AT wi.rr.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 22:32:12 -0600 Perhaps those birders more awake than I at this time might have noticed that Andy is less highfalutin than I stated. His 300+ crossbills place only seventh best among count circle totals (not state wide totals). -- Bob Domagalski (who is now going to bed in Menomonee Falls) Subject: Crossbill Saga Continues From: "Bob Domagalski" <rcd2 AT wi.rr.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 21:33:57 -0600 I have just returned from helping Bob and Kay Kavanagh with their Armstrong Creek and Florence counts. I was there with a number of other people on this birdnet. Both counts went great. On the Armstrong Creek Count we totaled 262 White-winged Crossbills. The next day, Dec. 3rd, we had 275+ White-winged in Florence. I was feeling rather highfalutin about our numbers until coming home to read that Andy had 300+ in just his one area of the Fremont Count. I then went to the records for White-winged from past CBC years. I found that, even with the great numbers that are showing to date, there will be difficulty getting past the 3,107 found in 1989. There are 5 count years in which 500+ White-winged Crossbills were reported. Those years are -- 1989 - 3,107 1977 - 1,766 1971 - 706 1981 - 653 1995 - 520 Before this year, there were 25 count circles in the history of the WSO CBCs with 100 or more such crossbills reported. Those 25 are shown below. [As one might notice, Andy, with more than 300 in just his section of the Fremont CBC, would have the 7th best showing of any statewide count year. If his "more than" were better than 17, he would have the 5th best showing of any statewide total over a 70 year time frame.] 1. Gilman - 684 in 1989 2. Wausau - 592 in 1977 3. Woodland Dunes NE - 484 in 1977 4. Fifield - 389 in 1971 5. Three Lakes - 317 in 1989 6. Clam Lake - 314 in 1996 7. Medford - 273 in 1989 8. Merrill - 230 in 1989 9. Hiles - 209 in 1960 10. Spooner - 201 in 1995 11. Madison - 181 in 1957 12. Clam Lake - 181 in 2006 13. Three Lakes - 172 in 1992 14. Owen - 166 in 1989 15. Woodland Dunes NW - 160 in 1977 16. Fifield - 160 in 1984 17. Spencer - 157 in 1989 18. Clam Lake - 146 in 2002 19. Fifield - 141 in 1989 20. Woodland Dunes SE - 137 in 1980 21. Milwaukee North - 133 in 1977 22. Phelps - 131 in 1989 23. Plymouth - 125 in 1989 24. Fond du Lac - 110 in 1989 25. Summit Lake - 100 in 1971 -- Bob Domagalski, Menomonee Falls Subject: Anyone know where I could find WWCB From: "Max Seeger" <tarheels4604 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 21:07:53 -0600 Hi Max here and I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction to find White Wing Crossbills in or around Waukesha County? I live off of Racine in Waukesha and I am not sure where to find any. If you could help me that would be great. Thanks!! -- Max Seeger (Waukesha, Waukesha County) "The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp."- John Berry Subject: Odds and ends from the last few days From: Peter Fissel <pfissel AT library.wisc.edu> Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:53:52 -0600 I've been too busy doing CBCs and collating numbers since Wednesday to post much. I did do a little birding on New Year's morning, but was thwarted by Lake Winnebago being completely frozen. The only open water I could find in Oshkosh was a little bit around the railroad bridge by Main St., and that only had a few Mallards - there were no gulls at all, although I did see some either Ring-bills or Herrings far off in the distance earlier in the morning, apparently looking to raid dumpsters by some of the restaurants out by Hwy 41. In deperation, I went down to Fond du Lac to check out "Stinky Point" in Lakeside Park, but there was very little open water there, either. There were three Herring Gulls on the ice, with a few more Mallards, Common Mergansers, and the big suprise, a DC Cormorant that I somehow missed for the first five minutes I was there. In the small area of open water in the lagoon on the east end of the park (near the marina,) there were more Mallards and C anada Geese eating Gizzard Shad - weird to see. On the way back to Madison Friday morning, I swung by Horicon Marsh. There was absolutely nothing along Hwy 49, and not much on County Z or Point Rd. except five Red-tails. I headed up the escarpment on Ledge Rd. and found a flock of about 150 Snow Buntings along Centerline Rd., just north of Reiser Rd., which worked their way further south as I crept forward, eventually ending up down on County YY. I had seen a flock of at least 200 along Centerline back in December, so this appears to be a good location in general. Jim Otto and I went through Sauk City on the way up to Adams County on Friday afternoon. There were a few Bald Eagles along the river, including two adults on the island off downtown Prairie du Sac. No gulls anywhere, though, even below the dam. As Jym Mooney reported, the Adams/Friendship CBC on Saturday went well - our team of Dennis Casper, Jim Otto and I found 26 species, totalling 906 birds. Corvids were the big winner, with Am. Crows taking our top spot at 167 (we hit a huge flock feeding on something out in a field - we estimated at least 90 birds, with more coming, and we probably undercounted. Also had our first Raven in with them.) Blue Jays were also strong with 94 individuals, taking third place after DE Juncos at 102. Most surprising misses were Am. Tree Sparrow (too far north? Wrong habitat?) and Hairy Woodpecker, but we did see a Red-headed at a feeder, so that made up for it. Also had our only Purple & House Finches, along with our only Pine Siskins, in a birch tree with a bunch of Am. Goldfinches, as a flock of WW Crossbills flew over - five finches at once! Jim and I discussed birding that area in other seasons, since there is not much reported from there, and there is a nice mix of habitat s (the northern boundary of our area was Roche a Cri State Park, which is beautiful - but closed in winter, except for the ski trails.) Peter Fissel Madison WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Fremont CBC - Crossbills From: Andy P <andypaulios AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 14:50:38 -0800 (PST) Hey folks, Just got back from the Fremont CBC. My section is south and east of Fremont in Winnebago County. The roads were solid ice but there was nobody on the road so birding was nice. The many spruce plantations in my area were loaded with crossbills. I ended the day with over 300 in just my section. I had some other good birds including some redpolls, a grackle and a fair number of raptors. Best place for crossbills was along II west of Zittau. Andy Paulios McFarland, WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Milwaukee CGI today, Snowy Owl Photos From: "Jim Edlhuber" <jimedlhuber AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 16:48:39 -0600 Greetings, Went to the Coast Guard Impoundment today to see the *Snowy Owls*. We could only find one and we found it in the parking lot where it was sitting west of the Bridge. A couple of images are at this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/JimEdlhuber/SnowyOwl#5287572343277115362 http://picasaweb.google.com/JimEdlhuber/SnowyOwl#5287572353312942482 Jim Edlhuber Waukesha County, Wisconsin Subject: Milwaukee CGI From: "Max Seeger" <tarheels4604 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 14:44:32 -0600 Hey All, Just got back from the CGI and the SNOWY OWL was present in a parking lot on the left hand side of the bridge. If you go past the main viewing area of the CGI and look on your left hand side there is a road and then a parking lot where you can see a lone SNOWY OWL sitting in the middle. Also in the Car Ferry area if you scan the breakwater I had a PEREGRINE FALCON eating probably a duck. Two KESTRELS were also present in the area and numerous SCAUP out in the water. It was a very productive day and this is my 4th SNOWY OWL this year. Wonderful Birding!!!!!! -- Max Seeger (Waukesha, Waukesha County) "The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp."- John Berry Subject: Re: "Yellow" Pine Siskin From: Chris West <little_blue_birdie AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 12:09:22 -0600 Hi all, Interesting that this guy should show up. My friend David Bell in Sault Ste. Marie had one of these a couple days ago:http://ssmbirding.blogspot.com/2009/01/day-after.htmlHappy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County http://web.mac.com/stoneageoutpost/RC_Birding/RC_Birds.html http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/ "The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again." (From William Beebe's "The Bird: Its Form and Function," 1906)> To: wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu> From: pschwalbe AT jvlnet.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 11:16:47 -0600> Subject: [wisb] "Yellow" Pine Siskin> > Dear Birders:> > Keep your eyes open!> > Just had a little feeder excitement. Saw this very yellow Pine > Siskin, and our first thoughts until we took a careful look, were that > it was something like the European Siskin, Carduelis spinus; or even > the Serin, Serinus serinus.> > But it wasn't either of those. If you look at the illustration of > the yellow adult Pine Siskin in Sibley (p 534), our bird was even more > yellow than his. There was a more intense yellow on the back, and the > area around the auriculars was a brighter yellow. Tried to get a > couple of pics, but didn't get any good ones.> > Sibley says they are scarce and most common in the southwest. > Don't believe we had ever seen one before.> > Good birding - - with open eyes................... Paul & > Glenna> > Paul & Glenna Schwalbe> Pardeeville, Columbia Co. > > > ##############################> This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to> the mailing list .> To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to > Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: "Yellow" Pine Siskin From: "Paul Schwalbe" <pschwalbe AT jvlnet.com> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 11:16:47 -0600 Dear Birders: Keep your eyes open! Just had a little feeder excitement. Saw this very yellow Pine Siskin, and our first thoughts until we took a careful look, were that it was something like the European Siskin, Carduelis spinus; or even the Serin, Serinus serinus. But it wasn't either of those. If you look at the illustration of the yellow adult Pine Siskin in Sibley (p 534), our bird was even more yellow than his. There was a more intense yellow on the back, and the area around the auriculars was a brighter yellow. Tried to get a couple of pics, but didn't get any good ones. Sibley says they are scarce and most common in the southwest. Don't believe we had ever seen one before. Good birding - - with open eyes................... Paul & Glenna Paul & Glenna Schwalbe Pardeeville, Columbia Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Milwaukee, CGI From: "Todd Wilson" <maxpaul AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 11:01:49 -0600 There were at least 2 Snowy Owls present in the CGI area this morning. One was sitting on an ice floe just off of the north east corner of the impoundment, close to a raft of scaup, fending off a divebombing Herring Gull. While watching this bird one of the salt depot workers drove up and told me about another Snowy at the Lake Express Ferry. I drove there and found it actively hunting about the area of the ferry dock, along with the usual Red-tail and Kestrel. At this point I spotted another bird perched on a street lamp on the Hoan Bridge onramp. This could have been the same bird that was on the ice floe, or possibly a third. Ducks present: Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup C. Goldeneye Hooded Merg Common Merg Redhead Bufflehead Mallard Pintail (11). Also at the Express Ferry parking lot I was surprised to see a first-year Double-crested Cormorant fly over. Seems late? Todd Wilson Milwaukee Subject: Lake Michigan Field Trip From: "Ty Baumann" <TyBa AT ci.green-bay.wi.us> Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 10:26:18 -0600 The Bay Area Bird Club's field trip on Sat. Jan. 3rd spent 7 hours birding along the Lake Michigan shoreline, mostly around Sheboygan. Starting at Kohler-Andrea State Park with an Iceland Gull, a Red-throated Loon, Long-tailed Ducks, Red-Breasted and Com. Mergansers, Buffleheads and Com. Goldeneyes. The Blue Harbor entrance road along the river had Redheads, both Scaup, a Ring-necked Duck among the many Goldeneyes. The female Harlequin was found near the North Point parking lot, but we couldn't locate the male Barrow's Goldeneye that was seen the day before. The surprise bird of the day was a Black-legged Kittiwake in a close fly-by near the North Point parking lot. Greater Black-backed, Iceland, Thayer's, Glaucous, and Ring-billed gulls were among the hundreds of Herring Gulls. An Am. Robin was near the top of the hill north of North Point. A stop past the ferry dock in Manitowoc added a close look at an adult Slaty-backed Gull and more Glaucous and Gr. Black-backed Gulls. On the way back to Green Bay, we stopped to find the 5 Gray Partridge on Hwy. 29 just west of Pilson. We also added a N. Shrike and Rough-legged Hawks ending with 42 species for the day. Ida Baumann Green Bay, WI Brown County Subject: Thayer's Gull Photos From: "Scott Franke" <sfranke4 AT wi.rr.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 23:46:38 -0600 Hi Wisbirdn, Here are some images of the two Thayer's Gulls found in Sheboygan on the field trip today. Not great photos, but I assume others enjoy studying this bird like I do. Immature http://www.pbase.com/srfdrf/image/107768476 http://www.pbase.com/srfdrf/image/107768477 Adult http://www.pbase.com/srfdrf/image/107768478 http://www.pbase.com/srfdrf/image/107768481 http://www.pbase.com/srfdrf/image/107768482 http://www.pbase.com/srfdrf/image/107768483 Scott Franke Wauwatosa Subject: Recap of 2008 From: Chris West <little_blue_birdie AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 23:42:41 -0600 Hi all, Just getting around to posting this. On my blog, I've posted an overall summary of all my birding adventures of 2008:http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/2008/12/last-post-of-year-and-2008-recap.htmlTo add to it a little bit, here's a list of my worst ABA area misses for 2008. These are all birds that I should have seen but somehow did not:In no particular order:Greater White-fronted GooseBlack-bellied Whistling Duck (actually had 3 chances at this one, struck out)Black Scoter (not sure how that happened)N Bobwhite (Probably one of the worst misses of the entire year) PAINTED BUNTING (Probably the single worst miss since it's also my #1 nemesis bird. I dipped on this one 4 separate times!)Greater Pewee (Even Dave Jasper isn't sure why we missed it)Thayer's and Iceland Gulls (Again. Oh well, someday perhaps........)Flammulated Owl (would've, should've, could've.......)Short-eared Owl (Too many chances for it and not enough Owls.)Carolina Chickadee (apparently they don't live in TX?.......)Prairie Warbler (that Milwaukee one just didn't want to show up......)WORM-EATING WARBLER (Did ANYBODY find these at Baxter's last year?)Harris's Sparrow (yea.....)Golden-crowned Sparrow (apparently there was so much snow, that you couldn't reach the spot where these were hanging out)Pine & Evening Grosbeak and Both Crossbills (One would have thought that Jasper NP was far enough north.......)Philadelphia Vireo (Should not nave happened. Especially since I missed one by 30 seconds.)Anyway, that pretty much wraps up 2008. For 2009, I'm well on my way with a total of 38 species for the year including today. Hopefully I'll be able to work up a decent year list this year as well. Among my plans for this year will be at least 3 months (Jun, Jul, Aug) spent in Portal AZ where I'll be filling in for Dave Jasper while he's away. Get ready Daryl, that Painted Bunting will show up the moment I leave. :D Hope to see you all out in the field sometime! Happy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County http://web.mac.com/stoneageoutpost/RC_Birding/RC_Birds.html http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/ "The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again." (From William Beebe's "The Bird: Its Form and Function," 1906) Subject: Need help in Fond du Lac From: "JOEY REICHHOFF" <jreichhoff AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 20:43:29 -0600 Hello everybody. I am having some troubles finding winter finches/birds. I am still quite new to birding, and have never seen crossbills, e grosbeaks, siskins, redpolls, etc. I would love to see these yet this winter and am hoping someone could give me advice as to where to find these birds in the fond du lac/winnebago counties. even northern dodge or eastern green lake counties would be fine too. Also, any info on their habitats would be good. I believe crossbills and siskins like conifers. redpolls in scrubs and fields? Thanks for any tips... Joey Reichhoff Fond du Lac ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Madison birding today From: Chris West <little_blue_birdie AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 20:33:46 -0600 Hi all, As Bill Brooks and Jane Dennis reported, there were 10-15 White-winged Crossbills at Roselawn Cemetary at 8:45 this morning. I was quite pleased to finally get this bird as it has been my top nemesis finch for several years now. Seeing this lifer this early in the year was pretty awesome!! Photos here: http://community.webshots.com/album/569496232qELeMNAfter orchestra today, I ran down to McFarland to look for the White-fronted Goose. I arrived at 2:30 and stayed until 3:50. During that time, the only geese in the area besides Canada were Greylags and at least 3 White-fronted X Greylag Geese. There was also one White-fronted X Canada Goose. I could not find a pure White-fronted. Photos here: http://community.webshots.com/album/569499696If you think I have photographed the White-fronted Goose and just passed it off as a hybrid, please let me know. :D I did see 1 Lesser Scaup, 1 Common Goldeneye and a few Coots among the Mallards and Canada Geese. The Yahara river on Broadway St in Monona had 1 Bufflehead, 1 Hooded Merganser, Canada Geese, Mallards. Happy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County http://web.mac.com/stoneageoutpost/RC_Birding/RC_Birds.html http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/ "The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again." (From William Beebe's "The Bird: Its Form and Function," 1906) Subject: notes from the Birding Community e-bulletin (long) From: "William Mueller" <iltlawas AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 20:08:55 -0600 (This has been edited to make it just a little less lengthy) THE BIRDING COMMUNITY E-BULLETIN January 2009 This Birding Community E-bulletin is being distributed to active and concerned birders, those dedicated to the joys of birding and the protection of birds and their habitats. You can access an archive of past E-bulletins on the website of the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA): http://www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html RED KNOT ASSESSMENT In mid-December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the list of candidate species awaiting listing decisions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Red Knot - specifically, the Western Atlantic "rufa" subspecies - was among them. In a Federal Register Notice, the Service upgraded the priority of the Red Knot, but the agency is still refusing to list the species as Threatened or Endangered. Conservation groups have to date filed four petitions to have the Service list the Red Knot on an emergency basis, but so far all petitions have been rejected. The Service ranks species in categories ranging from 1 through 12, based on the magnitude and immediacy of threats, with rankings 1 through 3 indicating immediate danger. The Service's current priority upgrade for Red Knot from 6 to 3 was based on the continued decline in the population (i.e., a 15% decline since last year and almost a 75% decline from 1985 to 2007). A priority number of 3 is the highest a subspecific population can attain. Shorebird researchers blame the decline in Red Knot numbers on a shortage of horseshoe crab eggs, due in large part to overharvesting during previous seasons. In its current review, the Service acknowledges that the threats to the “rufa” subspecies, are "severe enough that it puts the viability of the knot at substantial risk and is therefore of a high magnitude." Yet, all the candidate species with a priority of a 1 or a 2 would have to be listed before a 3 would be considered, putting the Red Knot in a classic "Catch 22" situation. The bird is admittedly in serious trouble, but the Service won't act because the bird's subspecific status will not allow it to get a higher rating and the attention it deserves. You can see the Federal Register Notice here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-28986.pdf You can also find a very good summary of the recent history of Red Knot conservation from the New Jersey Audubon Society here: http://www.njaudubon.org/Conservation/Burdenofproof.html PARTING SHOT AT ESA Also in the area of the Endangered Species Act, Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, announced last month a final rule change that weakens implementation of the Endangered Species Act. At issue are Section 7 consultations with endangered species experts at the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. There have traditionally been mandatory consultations for any federal agency where actions (e.g., dams, towers, mining, logging, and road-building) may affect endangered species, even if no negative impacts are likely. The new Bush Administration rule will allow agencies to determine on their own (i.e., without consultation with outside experts) what effect their actions will have on endangered species. This could potentially create huge holes in the safety net that currently protects birds and other animals and plants in danger of extinction. The Bush Administration's last minute rulemaking has drawn heavy criticism from the public, lawmakers, conservation groups, and newspaper editorialists from across the country. Indeed, over 250,000 comments opposing the rule changes - including comments from respected scientific and professional organizations - were submitted to the Interior Department in the 60-day comment period prior to the announced changes. Regrettably the weighty public stir seems not to have generated any positive response from the Bush Administration. Both President-elect Obama and key Congressional leaders have signaled that they will oppose the ESA rule change. In addition, a number of conservation organizations intend to take legal action to stop these regulations, and at least four lawsuits have already been filed, including one from the state of California. It is possible that a federal district court could issue an injunction against implementation of the new regulation on the basis that no environmental impact statement was prepared. A new Administration might opt not to appeal the proposed regulatory changes, which could result in the new rule dying a quiet death. Alternatively, a new Administration may still have to restart the lengthy rule-making process to undo the change. As the script unfolds, expect press releases (pro and con) and fund-raising to continue apace. BOOK NOTES: ALEUTIAN BIRDS For many E-bulletin readers, the Aleutian Islands no doubt represent little more than barren islands distantly adjacent to the coast of western Alaska. For others, the Aleutians symbolize a birding Mecca accessible to none but the hardiest of birders, where rare Siberian vagrants and myriads of seabirds annually occur in foggy isolation. Regardless, with the release of BIRDS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA by D. D. Gibson and G. V. Byrd, all readers for the first time have a marvelous and scientifically produced compendium of information about this remarkable island chain. The extensive collective experience of the authors makes them uniquely qualified to have written this outstanding ornithological contribution - a precise, detailed history and taxonomic review of the birds of this remarkable and relatively unknown region. Though perhaps not for the lay birder, for anyone with a serious interest in North American ornithology and an affection for far away and remote areas, this is a book to read. Belated congratulations to the Nuttall Ornithological Club and the American Ornithologists' Union for publishing this outstanding and useful volume in 2007. MORE KEY SCIENTISTS SUPPORT THE BOREAL In case you missed this in late November, an interdisciplinary combination of 14 of North America's top scientists have volunteered to form an advisory body to work with the Pew Environment Group's campaign to protect Canada's Boreal forest. This region is one of the largest, intact forest/wetland ecosystems left on the planet and is home to billions of nesting and migratory birds - waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Although many conservation initiatives currently focus on relatively small "hotspots" of species diversity or heavily impacted habitats where endangered birds and other species cling to existence, unfortunately these efforts often overlook the equally important need to preserve the healthiest remaining extensive regions of biodiversity, like Canada's Boreal. The scientists engaged in this campaign believe that a comprehensive approach to conserving the entire Boreal ecosystem as outlined in the Boreal Framework is the most appropriate way to preserve Canada's Boreal region. For more information on the efforts, visit: http://www.interboreal.org/resources/pressrelease-sciencepanel.doc TAR SANDS IN CANADA CONTINUE TO THREATEN BIRDS Also from Canada comes a new report by the Boreal Songbird Initiative, Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Pembina Institute that considers how birds are affected by the Alberta Tar Sands. These tar sands are a mixture of soil and bituminous oil now being extracted in open pits and upgraded in Alberta and elsewhere. The report projects a cumulative impact over the next 30 to 50 years ranging from a low of about 6 million birds lost to as many as 166 million birds lost as a result of this extractive system. More information, including the full 33-page report with related maps and graphics, can be found by visiting the Boreal Songbird Initiative website: http://www.borealbirds.org/birdstarsands.shtml Also, you can revisit our June E-bulletin 2008 report on birds and tar sands in Alberta at: http://www.refugenet.org/birding/junSBC08.html#TOC08 COG & WHEEL REPORT RELEASED Nine organizations - including the Aldo Leopold Foundation, American Bird Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Refuge Association, and Trust for Public Land - released a report in December on reforming and improving the National Wildlife Refuge System. For more than a year, the involved organizations were in consultation to develop the report. The report, titled "Keeping Every Cog and Wheel," presents an assessment of the state of the Refuge System and a vision and recommendations for improvements about what should and can be done. This isn't a traditional "transition" report for a new Administration. This report is intended to have a much longer shelf-life than typical transition reports, which sometimes only include a hopeful 100-day agenda. There are some significant sections in Cog & Wheel on funding, on increased habitat protection, on climate change, on encouraging appreciation and education (with birding a key element), on science-based decision making, and on mineral extraction. We highly recommend this thoughtful report. You can download the 28-page report here: www.defenders.org/refuges/transition ANOTHER PLUS FOR BIRD-COMPATIBLE COFFEE Our regular readers understand how important shade-grown, bird-compatible coffee can be for birds in the Neotropics. Now there is an additional way to look at coffee. Researchers at the University of Nevada have uncovered a potential coffee-based fuel. Spent coffee grounds contain between 11% and 20% oil by weight (about as much as canola, palm, and soybean oil). The investigators collected the grounds from a multinational coffeehouse chain. They then separated the oil from the grounds, and using an inexpensive method, converted it into biodiesel fuel. (Of course biodiesel fuel can also be made from a variety of plant oils, animal fat, and cooking oils recycled from restaurant deep-fryers.) Even after this coffee-ground oil-extraction process, the remaining coffee residue can be used for compost or even fuel pellets. While initial results are promising and the process inexpensive, a large-volume source for coffee grounds will be necessary to make this process practical. In any case, bird advocates have another reason to promote responsible coffee growing, drinking, and, now, disposal! More details on the study can be found here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210171900.htm You can access past E-bulletins on the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) website: http://www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html If you wish to distribute all or parts of any of the monthly Birding Community E-bulletins, we simply request that you mention the source of any material used. (Include a URL for the E-bulletin archives, if possible.) If you have any friends or co-workers who want to get onto the monthly E-bulletin mailing list, have them contact either: Wayne R. Petersen, Director Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program Mass Audubon 718/259-2178 wpetersen AT massaudubon.org or Paul J. Baicich 410/992-9736 paul.baicich AT verizon.net William P. Mueller Milwaukee County (414) 643-7279 E-mail: iltlawas AT earthlink.net On the web: http://home.earthlink.net/~iltlawas/ Blog: http://bluebirdslaugh.blogspot.com ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Friendship CBC From: "Jym Mooney & Carol Lee Hopkins" <hopmoon AT milwpc.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 19:04:27 -0600 Today's Friendship CBC, our third year for this count, went very well, and all of the participants appeared to enjoy their day. Although we whiffed on owls for the first time, we had a nice number of other species counted. Some highlights include tufted titmice, pileated and red-headed woodpeckers, bald eagles, brown creepers, and over 100 white-winged crossbills (including one flock of about 50). As more reports are filed, I'm sure that more highlights will reveal themselves. Our only casualty was a counter who went through the ice and knee-deep in marsh water and mud! Thanks to all of the folks who made the trip to Adams/Juneau counties from Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, West Bend, and Sauk City to help make this day a success. Jym Mooney, Milwaukee ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Best birding moment of 2008... From: <kflea AT att.net> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 18:15:25 -0600 I must say my best birding experience of '08 was attending the Birdathon/Bandathon at Honey Creek, watching them extricate the birds from the nets and then measure, examine, weigh, record the data and happily allow very close-up observations and answer questions, also take part in the release of the birds. Many of the birds were wearing their breeding colors and amazing how beautiful their coloration at a few feet in good lighting can be. The WSO must be commended for offering this experience. Thanks, and I hope to be in attendance in the future. Keith Lea Kerrville, TX / Plover, WI Subject: Trumpeter News! From: Jeff Virant <rainbow AT cltcomm.net> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 16:45:44 -0600 Hi All, As many of you are probably aware, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board just granted approval to remove Trumpeter Swans from the endangered species list. They are, of course, still protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but this action marks a commendable achievement for those involved in re-populating the area with Trumpeters, many of whom frequently log on to this Wisconsin Birding Network. Trumpeters were first re-introduced to Wisconsin in the 1980's with the initial goal being the establishment of 20 breeding pairs. Now in 2008, their are at least 126 breeding pairs across 20 counties. As a lucky resident on Rainbow Pond, I have been honored with the opportunity to witness these beautiful birds nesting, breeding, and raising young, and I certainly want to be one who expresses gratitude to those amongst us who have done such notable, persistent, patient and productive work. Thank you very much! Jeff Virant Deer Park, WI (Polk County) rainbow AT cltcomm.net ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Snowy Owl CGI From: "Robert Mcfall" <RMcfall AT wi.rr.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 16:00:08 -0600 All We went to Coast Guard Impoundment today to see the snowy owl. Drove up and there he was. Out in the middle of whatever they are calling that now. Desert ? Smearage ? A few minutes later we went to the north to look for ducks. They were piled up against the wall about 100 yards north. Must have been 1000 or more. One of the trucks dumping snow under the bridge came just as we got there and the ducks gradually moved away from the noise. Mostly scaup, common goldeneye, and bufflehead. One pair of mallards, one female common merganser, and a male harlequin. What a surprise, I havn't seen one for at least 10 years. Later 2 redheads flew in, and while watching them land, I lost my harlequin. Bob McFall Pleasant Prairie Kenosha County ----- Original Message ----- From: james cowell To: Wisconsin Birding Network Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 7:36 PM Subject: [wisb] Snowy Owl CGI I was at the CGI this morning and was able to get some images the Snowy and a near by male Kestrel on the bridge. (http://copamilwaukee.com/New/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1131) James F. Cowell Milwaukee