Family-Outdoors

Great birding opportunities abound MADISON – The avian parade continues with hummingbirds, warblers and vireos the next species to begin their migration south, providing Wisconsin birders some great viewing opportunities and experts more insight into how the early spring and drought has affected Wisconsin’s winged travelers. Hummingbirds are among the next wave of winged migrants to head south. Ryan Brady Photo “The next three weeks will be the peak of fall migration for land birds that migrate to central and south America,” says Andy Paulios, a Department of Natural Resources biologist. “We’re past peak for orioles, but birders should expect to see good numbers of hummingbirds, warblers, vireos, thrushes and other migrants in their local migration hotspots or even in their backyard if they have good natural cover.” Paulios says that birders should also watch the skies over the next few days as they could expect to see migrating common nighthawks and chimney swifts in the...

Wildlife managers put out the welcome mat at a dozen wildlife areas MADISON -- Migratory birds are returning to Wisconsin from their Arctic summer homes for a good mud bath and a few good meals -- courtesy of state wildlife biologists and partners -- before taking to the skies again. A red knot is a shore bird that is rare in Wisconsin, but some lucky birder just may see it. Ryan Brady Photo Their stopover in the Badger state is critical for the birds – some of which will fly thousands of miles before they’re done -- and a great opportunity for birders, state wildlife officials say. “Arctic/boreal nesting shorebirds are starting to wing their way south and will be stopping over in Wisconsin in the next six weeks,” says Andy Paulios, wildlife biologist. “It’s a good birding opportunity and a good opportunity for birders to give back. “We need people to report what they see and we encourage birders to buy a waterfowl habitat stamp to help pay for continuing import...