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The Chequamegon Bird Club sponsored three guided birding walks during the month of May in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. This year's WMBD theme was Water: Sustaining Bird Life
, and each walk was in an area clearly supporting the validity of that theme.
All three walks were well-attended, with the first being held on May 6, 2023 at George W Mead SWA. This walk produced a wonderful number of waterfowl and wetland species, all of whom where identified by sight. Highlights for many attendees were the Trumpeter Swans, and the cooperative Palm Warbler who demonstrated its distinguishing tail pumping
.
The Mondeaux Flowage area was our second event on the evening of May 15, 2023. During this afternoon of perfect Spring weather, folks began to gather at the beach/picnic area at 4:30, and a fun social time ensued prior to taking off for the Aldo Leopold Trail at 6:00pm. Due to the large number of bird enthusiasts attending (we estimated about 40 people!) we broke into three groups to increase the probability that everyone in a group could hear and/or see any particular bird we were focused on. Approximately 33 species were seen or heard during our walk, with highlights including Trumpeter Swans, Northern Parulas, and Golden-winged Warbler, as well as the many warblers and other songbirds who graced us with their songs. Of particular abundance were the no-see-ums, or gnats, or black flies, or whatever name you choose to give the most annoying insects on the planet. But despite the presence of these bothersome creatures, a good time was had by all!
Our final, and most productive, WMBD walk was held May 20, 2023 at McMillan Marsh SWA. Over 70 species of birds were identified, largely by sound, due to the remarkable ability for songbirds to stay well disguised among the now-fully leafed trees. This did not deter everyone from having a great time enjoying the constant symphony of bird song, as well as the excitement of actually spotting a bird now and again! Highlights included a Scarlet Tanager, singing from a treetop in the sun for a number of minutes while in full view of all participants, Blackpoll Warblers, Trumpeter Swans, and numerous warbler species willing to let us learn their songs by singing consistently for us.
We celebrated birds on each trip, all while appreciating the wonderful water habitats that sustain the life of these birds here in Wisconsin. A fitting tribute to World Migratory Bird Day - 2023!
Bird lists for each walk can be downloaded here:
We look forward to seeing you next year!
World Migratory Bird Day (originally named International Migratory Bird Day - IMBD) is the brainchild of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC). WMBD is the only international education program that highlights and celebrates the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Each year WMBD explores a different aspect of migratory birds and their conservation. For further information you can visit the WMBD web site at www.birdday.org
Created in 1993, IMBD is now hosted at over 500 sites throughout the Western Hemisphere, reaching hundreds of thousands of youth and adults. In 2018 the name was changed to World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)
WMBD celebrates the ways we can help to protect birds every day of the year through actions, stories, and art. The education campaign is changing and growing. After 25 years, International Migratory Bird Day becomes World Migratory Bird Day, joining with partners across the globe to unify our voices for bird conservation. Hundreds of species of birds, including many once-common songbirds are declining in the United States. There are things everyone can do to help protect birds and their habitats - from landscaping for birds to keeping cats indoors, as well as providing nesting boxes and feeders for birds.
The Miller Dam area was great for birds, though a bit damp for people! But the weather for the walk to Lake 11 was great and we heard and saw a good number of species.
The beautiful weather added to the enjoyment of wildflowers and birds on the morning walks. Following the walks, an educator from Raptor Education Group, Inc. talked of their efforts to save injured birds at REGI in Antigo, WI.
Even the snow didn't dampen the fun! When a brief break in the clouds let the sun burst through, Ann celebrated!
REGI (Raptor Education Group, Inc.) brought five birds (Turkey Vulture, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Great Horned Owl) and did a great presentation.
Kurt Staab helps a young girl and her grandmother build a Bluebird Box while an interested friend watches.
Pam Resech from Mead Wildlife Area gave a presentation about birds. She brought along a rescued Eastern Screech-Owl that is now used for education purposes. In the second picture, a guest showed off a pair of "owly" glasses.
This Ovenbird was seen and photographed during the early morning bird walk in the woods at the Perkinstown Winter Sports Area.
A family enjoys the view across Chequamegon Waters during one of the stops taken on the bus tour of the Miller Dam Lake area.
Taylor County, Wisconsin is a designated "Bird City".
The banner was displayed at the International Migratory Bird Day event.