Sunday, Oct 13 8:00am
Mequon Nature preserve – main lot
8200 W County Line Rd Mequon
Hoping this weekend is not the Ozaukee Marathon – sorry about last week’s hiccup. Mequon Nature Preserve is 510 acres of grassland, woods, ponds and marshy spots. Lots of bird possibilities including shorebirds. No Harris’s Sparrows seen there yet, maybe we can find one.
Trails are mulched or mown can be uneven and muddy. Some up and down. Bathrooms in main building when open. Porta potties available.
Recent EBird for this location: HERE
Milwaukee Birding News:
Birding Big Day. Saturday Oct 12 is a Big Day there are numerous big sits that day. The October eBird Challenge is to submit 5 eBird lists on Oct 12 to be eligible for a drawing – winner gets new Zeiss binoculars. That is doable: yard list, one of the sits or walks listed below, neighborhood park or one from the “Milwaukee Parks the Need Birding” and sitting along Lake Michigan with a cup of coffee watching for hawks. Big Sits are a special bird list created by numerous people sitting in one location for as long as possible and listing every bird seen from that point. There are a couple going on Saturday – see the list below.
Hawk Migration. October is peak time for hawks are moving south along the shore. Hawk watches generally happen in open areas often along a shoreline where there are long views to see the birds coming. Unlike songbirds, hawks prefer not to fly over large expanses of water. This will concentrate the birds along the lake edge.
Butting up against Lake Superior Hawk Ridge in Duluth, Minnesota is known for large raptor traffic. They had over 500 Sharp-shinned hawks on September 17, see current migration counts here: https://www.trektellen.org/count/view/3670/20241008. Closer to home Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station tracks raptors as well. DIY a hawk watch: Go hang out on a bluff in any of our parks along the lake on a day with north westerly winds, remember to eBird the hawks you see.
Veteran’s Park Lagoon. The east side of the lagoon has a new look and it’s not too good right now. Milwaukee County Parks will be replanting both trees and shrubs. We’ll share info as we get it.
For additional SE Wisconsin Bird Walks – scroll all the way down!
Last Week:
Recap from John Kaspar:
I had originally planned on a Sunday walk at Warnimont Park. However, the Lakefront Marathon was using Lake Drive as far south as College Ave, along with adjacent sections of the Oak Leaf Trail, so the walk got moved to Grant Park.
I was happy to see Judith on this sunny, windy morning, and we started out by covering an area near the tennis courts and the small pond just to the east. Within the first few minutes, we spotted a trio of Eastern Bluebirds in a tree next to the parking lot. Other highlights of our first walk were a nice look at a Northern Waterthrush (on the western edge of the pond), a Blackpoll Warbler and a trio of Hermit Thrushes.
Pics by John Kaspar
We headed south after that to the Oak Creek Outlet, where we discovered a camera-friendly Common Buckeye just south of the parking lot. As we walked toward the footbridge we spotted some movement in the brush, which ended up being an Orange-crowned Warbler (my FOF). We headed over the bridge and walked along the breakwater east of the Yacht Club marina, where we found some Palm Warblers moving along the rocks. As we crossed back over the bridge, we had a fly-by from the resident Belted Kingfisher, which was a great way to end the morning. For the two walks, we ended up with a total of 34 species.
Milwaukee parks that need birding this week
The county tracks every parkland and records to see if there are surveys recorded on eBird. Every year they identify priority parks by week. A park could be a priority because there are no surveys done in that week; or because there are surveys but they think there may be more species there than previously identified.
Based on the spreadsheet they create, Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (Thanks Colleen!) curates suggested locations based on accessibility to the property (some of the parkway locations are difficult to access) and availability on the ebird hotspots tool. Follow Wisconsin Metro Audubon on Facebook for their weekly park posts. (Click on the triangle if you don’t see this week’s list)
Milwaukee Parks that need birding this week
- Alcott Park
- Armour Park
- Barnard Park
- Dineen Park
- Doyne Park
- Franklin Savanna- note this had tall grass, chest height. Entry may be difficult.
- Johnstone Park
- Kern Park
- Koscziusko Park
- Milwaukee River Pkwy #5
- Mitchell Airport Park (ebird hotspot is Milwaukee airport)
- Oak Creek Pkwy # 3,4
- Pulaski (Milwaukee)
- St. Martins Park
- Servite Park
- Wisconsin Ave Park
- Zablocki Park
Please track your time spent! At the end of the year WMAS provides hours to the county. Find a park and a park map: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Find-a-Park
Note- even if it’s already been birded this week, going another day (or a different time of day) helps. The parks department has a number of surveys it wants for each park, so birding more than once this week is very helpful!
Ongoing FREE Bird Walks:
Sundays 8:00am Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society Bird Walk (WMAS)
Wehr Nature Center 9701 W College Ave. No registration required.
Sundays 8:00am Milwaukee Birders
Location varies – see this week’s location above.
Free walks – open to all levels of birders
Tues 8:00am Menomonee Valley Urban Ecology Center (UEC), 3700 W Pierce St
Wed 8:00am Washington Park Urban Ecology Center (UEC) 4023 W Galena St
Thurs 8:00am Riverside Park Urban Ecology Center (UEC) 1500 E Park Place
Third Saturdays 8:00am Schlitz Audubon Nature Center 1111 E Brown Deer Rd, Registration required, https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/saturday-morning-bird-walk-15/
Check out Chirp Chat episodes all about birding Milwaukee area on WUWM last Wednesday of the month
Nearby Bird Clubs to checkout:
Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club meets at Retzer Nature Center
BIPOC Birding Club chapters in Madison and Milwaukee
Hoy Audubon Society meets in Racine
Ozaukee Washington Birding Coalition meets second Wednesdays at Riveredge Nature Center, Lac Lawrann in West Bend, Mequon Nature Preserve or Cedarburg Bog
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Bird Club second Wednesday at 6:30pm
Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (WMAS), third Wednesday at 7:00pm Wehr Nature Center
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology statewide birding organization with field trips around the state and advocating state wide for conservation of birds and bird habitat
Join one or more of the above bird clubs – Support local birding
Upcoming Area Bird walks:
Have a birding event to share? Let me know, email us on the Contact Page
Walks listed are FREE unless noted. Please register if requested
October
Big Sit with Goss Bird Club at Retzer Nature Center
Saturday Oct 12 6:00am-3:00pm
Retzer Nature Center S14 W28167 Madison Street, Waukesha
Often called a “tailgate party for birders”, the rules are simple: find a good spot for bird watching, set up your 17” diameter circle, and sit. That’s it! Participants are allowed to come and go from the circle – especially to bring food back into the circle! – but birds only count if seen or heard from inside the circle.
Our Big Sit will take place on the accessible patio area west of the main nature center building. Early risers can arrive before dawn to listen for owls and other nocturnal species such as American Woodcock. A flurry of activity will take place around sunrise as robins, bluebirds and waxwings scour for breakfast. Throughout the morning the tally quickly climbs as we see new birds pass near the circle often. Late morning is excellent for hawks and vultures who take advantage of the mid-day thermals. Activity slows down around lunch time, and most birders end their day by 3:00 pm. And as much as The Big Sit is about birds, a full day of birding provides ample time for socialization with birders in our group and people visiting the nature center.
We hope to see you there! If by chance there is nasty weather, we may use Sunday 10/13 as a rain date, so keep your eyes out for updates on Facebook page.
Big Sit with Wisconsin Metro Audubon at Wehr Nature Center
Saturday Oct 12 7:00-11:00am Drop-in
9701 West College Ave, Franklin
Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome at a “Big Sit” bird count hosted by Wisconsin Metro Audubon to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. Experienced birders will be stationed at Wehr’s wetland pier, so stop by to join us and see our species tally.
No fee or registration; a $5 parking fee applies to non-members.
More information: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/big-sit-bird-count/
Introduction to Carity Prairie with BIPOC Birding Club
Saturday, Oct 12 9:00-10:30am
The Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy is inviting the BIPOC Birding Club to the Carity Prairie, which is 23 acres of land in the suburb of Franklin that the conservancy is preserving and restoring. Throughout this preserve, we will explore a native mesic prairie, a sedge meadow, and an oak savannah. We will also walk by a man-made pond and the permitter of farm fields.
Details: https://www.bipocbirdingclub.org/events/carity-prairie-mke-2024
Hawkwatch at Chiwaukee Prairie
Saturday Oct 12 9:00-3:00pm
Meet at 121st Street and 2nd Avenue, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Hoy plans to meet at Chiwaukee to watch for migrating raptors. There is roadside parking in this area, please park along the west side of 2nd Avenue only. Bring your binoculars, a chair, water, snacks, and layered clothing in case it’s breezy.
If winds are forecasted to be strong from the south or east winds (unfavorable for raptor migration) the event will be postponed to October 13 (weather permitting).
As weather is ever changing, check back a day or so prior to October 12 on our Facebook group or website for details to confirm that the field trip is still on or if it is postponed! Or contact hoyfieldtrips@hoyaudubon.org.Hoy Audubon Club
Milwaukee Freaks Bird and Botany Club
Sunday, Oct 13 9:00am at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Admission fee $8 or free to members
A bird walk with urban forester, Sarah. Looking for a hip, young birding crowd – this is it! Open to all experience levels. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1536334417012552?active_tab=about
WSO Un-Convention
Saturday, Oct 19 in Steven’s Point
A chance to learn and talk about birds and birding in Wisconsin. Presentations include birding Portage County, All about Kestrels, Status of the Greater-Prairie Chicken, Kirtland’s Warblers, Red-shouldered Hawks and more. Registration and details here: https://wsobirds.org/about-wso/news/1951-wso-unconvention-and-other-upcoming-programs
Birds and Water by Wisconsin Academy
Sunday Oct 20 3:00-5:00pm
Urban Ecology Center – Menomonee Valley
The event will be a free, hybrid program during which both in-person and online attendees will learn about the importance of clean and healthy water for waterbirds and humans. Hillary Thompson, Whooping Crane Project Manager at the International Crane Foundation, and Danielle Washington, Program Manager at Community Water Services, will discuss the wildlife and water efforts happening right here in Milwaukee. Following the talk, in-person guests will be able to enjoy a birding walk on the Urban Ecology Center’s grounds with our speakers.
Part of the Birds and Beyond series, Birds and Beyond is an exciting series from the Wisconsin Academy in partnership with the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, and Color in the Outdoors, set in Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes, taking place from August 2024 to March 2025 across various locations within the state.
Series schedule: https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/birds-and-beyond
Wisconsin Neonic Forum
Wednesday, Oct 30 9:00-4:30
DeLuca Forum at UW-Madison, Fee $40
The potential impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) on bird species and populations (indirect and direct) are concerning attend the Wisconsin Neonic Forum, scheduled for October 30, 2024, at the DeLuca Forum, UW Discovery Center/Building, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 330 North Orchard St., Madison, WI to learn more. A detailed schedule of the presentations included in this event is shown at the web link below.
Neonicotinoids, or neonics, are one of the most widely used insecticides in Wisconsin and applied to millions of acres of agricultural and urban land each year. This forum will address benefits and risks associated with the use of these pesticides. As you will see from the agenda (which can be found on the registration site), we are bringing in several national speakers as well as Wisconsin’s own experts, all of whom will share information on neonics, their use, and potential impact on a wide range of species and ecosystems.
Here is the website with more information about the event, schedule, presenters, and how to register:
https://www.cleanwisconsin.org/support/events/wisconsin-neonic-forum/
This event will be hosted by Trout Unlimited, Clean Wisconsin, the River Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association, UW-Extension, the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the WI Department of Natural Resources.
Clean Wisconsin has graciously agreed to share their registration site (shown above) on which you can register for the event. When purchasing a registration ticket, please select your ticket quantity and then click “Donate Via” using your preferred method. By clicking this option, paying $40, and entering your contact information, you will be fully registered for the conference. Breaks and lunch are included with the registration fee.
We are limited by the size of the venue to 300 attendees, so we are urging folks to register early—the deadline for registration is October 20.
November
Xtreme Raptor Day at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Saturday, Nov 2 10:00-2:00 Registration and tickets required
This unique event is held throughout the grounds and offers unforgettable encounters! You will meet our resident raptors up close – including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. We’ll be introducing two American Kestrels, the most recent members to join our program: Saxon, a male, and Freyja, a female. Learn about each species including their lifestyle habits and habitats. Stations throughout the Center will provide interactive and educational experiences for you and your guests. Learn about conservation, how to nurture and support birds around your own home, and enjoy bird-themed crafts and activities. Sign up to have your picture taken with your favorite raptor! This special event supports our Raptor Program and the resident birds in our care.
Motus in Wisconsin: A Big Leap in Wildlife Tracking with Jacob Woulf, coordinator for Lake Michigan Bird Observatory MOTUS with Ozaukee-Washington Birding Coalition at Mequon Nature Preserve
Wednesday November 13 7:00-
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System uses small radio tags and receiving stations to detect animals (primarily birds) as they move across the landscape. Hybrid live and Zoom program at Mequon Nature Preserve
Owl Prowl at the Cedarburg Bog with Ozaukee-Washington Birding Coalition
Friday, Nov 15 5:30-7:30pm
Join the Cedarburg Bog Owl Prowl team of veteran birders and prowl the Bog for owls. We will be looking for Barred, Great-Horned, Northern Saw-whet, and Eastern Screech-Owls for sure and maybe a rare species such as Long-eared Owl. Bring binoculars, water, and a small flashlight. Dress for the weather. If weather conditions are not conducive for owl viewing, this outing might be postponed. We will let you know in the afternoon by email if there is a postponement. Not recommended for children younger than ten.
Registration Required see HERE. Attendance Cap: 20