Many people quip that they’d prefer a world without “bugs,” but as the adage goes: Be careful what you wish for. Here’s what “insect armageddon” could mean for birds: https://abcbirds.org/blog/insect-freefall/
The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) typically occurs in marshes bordering the Atlantic and eastern Gulf Coasts. Glossy Ibis are not found in Wisconsin every year, but in recent years it is not unheard of to have one or more wanderers show up at Horicon Marsh, often in the company of western White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi). This year two birds found each other, and produced two young, marking the first time this species has ever been documented as nesting in Wisconsin. Read more here. Read more …
Despite starting the nesting season with 500 blocks left to finish, the five-year Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas successfully wrapped up field work in August thanks to the energy, dedication, and grit of more than 2,000 volunteers. Project coordinators will be crunching the numbers and begin work on a book publication but the final product is several years out. In the meantime, check out preliminary stats & species maps in real time at www.ebird.org/atlaswi. Thanks to all who contributed to this major achievement in Wisconsin bird conservation!
Who would think Wisconsin’s most populous county would have some of its most important habitat for birds?🦉
More than 250 species of birds have been documented in Milwaukee County Parks. Its 15,000 acres have immense value for refueling migratory birds during their journey along the Lake Michigan coast earning Milwaukee County Park System the designation as an “Important Bird Area” by the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative. Congratulations, Milwaukee County!
Learn more about the designation and why Milwaukee County Parks are a bird’s best friend: https://dnr.wi.gov/news/Weekly/article/?id=4608
A mix of uplifting and sobering news on bird populations in Canada. Many of these trends mirror those found in Wisconsin and other parts of the U.S. as well.
The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative is a voluntary partnership of 175+ state, federal, and non-government organizations that aims to deliver the full spectrum of bird conservation from outreach and education to research and monitoring. Dating back to 2002, WBCI has a long list of accomplishments including among others the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail, Important Bird Areas, and Bird City Wisconsin. In 2018, the partnership completed a five-year strategic plan and now seeks a new logo to brand its work to conserve birds into the future.
Submission guidelines are below, or as a PDF here. Deadline for submission is August 15, 2019.
The official birding start period for Birdathon 2019 begins Monday, April 15, and lasts until June 15. This year the Birdathon aims to raise $90,000 for the Bird Protection Fund, and with early team fundraising and fundraiser field trip registrations, we’re well on our way to our goal.
From the youth teams of Mr. Dargatz’s Nature Kindergarten and Wilder’s Wild Warbler Watchers, to the veteran Birdathoners of the Cutright’s Old Coots and Reckless Wrens, the Birdathon is for all ages and skill levels. We encourage environmental organizations to participate and take half their earnings back home for their own projects. Visit the Birdathon website to sign up and read about the top teams, the photo contest, and our Bird(athon) and Beers! kickoff event. Follow us on Facebook for team stories and birding news throughout the season.
Will the Secretary Birds break 200 species this year? Will the Old Coots break their fundraising record–again? How many miles will our green teams log with their bikes and kayaks? We’re looking forward to another season of stories and fun. Birdathon on!
Another April snowstorm is bearing down on portions of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Although such spring snowstorms are common in Wisconsin, the impacts on early migrants can be significant if the snow is deep and persists for more than a couple days. Getting snow near you? Here are some of the best ways you can help our early migrants and other birds through the adverse conditions.
Since its creation in 2002, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative has made remarkable gains for bird conservation, not the least bringing together 180 organizations to work collaboratively toward common goals. Our power is in our partnerships. From Important Bird Areas to the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail, learn more about our most outstanding achievements to date.
Running from February 15-18, this fun and easy event provides scientists a snapshot of late winter bird populations worldwide. And it’s not even limited to your backyard! Go birding anywhere you want for at least 15 minutes and report the birds you can identify. Learn more >>>
