Field Trip Co-Chairs: Still Together After All These Years

June 2017 • #673

Newsletter of the WISCONSIN SOCIETY for ORNITHOLOGY

Field Trip co-chairs: Still together after all these years WSO will honor Schultz, Baughman for 30 years’ service leading trips By Wendy Schultz Once upon a time, a long time ago -- before the Internet, before cell phones and digital cameras, before children and gray hair and SUVs -- a couple of sharp-eyed and good-looking young guys agreed to take over as Field Trip co-chairs for WSO, and share a position on the Board of Directors. It was January of 1987 and those young guys (who are still good looking) were Tom Schultz and Jeff Baughman. Working on their 31st birders across the state, they are slated to receive special recognition for their years of service year ofat leadingthe annual excellent WSO Convention field trips for Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, in Carter. Although 30 years have gone by, these two remain as enthusiastic Daryl Tessen got celebration of Tom and Jeff’s long tenure as field trip as no surprise to me. I was there at the beginning and witnessed co-chairs off to an early start at WSO’s Horicon Marsh field trip last howas ever well about they finding clicked birds together. and leading others to them. This comes August. I remember weekend after weekend of traveling throughout the state to follow the migration: Tom and I, Jeff and his brother Scott. Hours of staring through scopes to look at gulls in the winter, Memorizing bird songs and quizzing each other using CB radios to then shorebirds and more gulls in the summer. communicate from our cars. Right blinker was a YES answer, left Please turn to Page 14 blinker was a NO. 2 new names on WSO leadership ballot WSO President By Matthew Hayes sends a message WSO Research Committee Chair to THE President Members of the Wisconsin Society for WSO President Michael John Jaeger the ballot at the Society’s 78th Annual OrnithologyMeeting on June will 17find at two the newPotawatomi names on has written a letter Carter Casino Hotel. to President Donald Trump The Nominating Committee will bring to urging the nation’s chief executive WSO’s annual convention two new recom- mendations to round out its slate of four to support scientific inquiry , from Rib Moun- and the use of scientific information Myles Hurlburt Myles Hurlburt Dani Baumann in decision making. It was prompted officers.tain in Marathon County, will be recommended for the position of vice president, nominated to succeed her. by a note from longtime O’Connor stepped down after serving WSO member Dr. Virginia Hayssen, decision not to seek a second term. Dani four years as treasurer in order to devote professor of biological sciences fillingBaumann a vacancy, from left Saukville by Andy in Cassini’s Ozaukee more time to her duties as an avian zoo- County, who the Board of Directors ap- keeper at the Milwaukee County Zoo and at Smith College in Massachusetts. proved in January to replace Michelene her expanding efforts as one of the state’s -- Page 17 (Mickey) O’Connor as treasurer, is being Please turn to Page 10

The Badger Birder 1 June 2017 3 spring youth grants awarded By Ed Hahn determine if the new design has improved WSO Education Committee Co-chair the usage and success by bluebirds. WSO recognizes the importance of Lambert hopes the project “continues in- fostering an appreciation of birds amongst Wisconsin’s youth. It offers grants of up to promote nesting bluebirds in Northeastern $250 each spring and fall to be used towards Wisconsin,definitely and not continues just Florence to build County.” an effort to youth projects pertaining to bird research or The second grant goes to 4 year old bird education. Applicants must be students Aubrey Wadzinski and her mother Katie. The newsletter of the Wisconsin Society or teachers of grades K-12 and residents of Aubrey has seen robins in their yard and for Ornithology is published 11 times per year. Wisconsin and winners are encouraged to Contributions are welcome! E-mail your articles, submit a summary report upon completion them. She would like to learn more about the photos, event dates and information, comments of the project. birdsenjoys she filling sees, the and bird talked feeder with and her watching teacher and suggestions to the editor. at St. John Lutheran School in Wausau. funds to expand the study of Eastern Blue- Aubrey’s teacher, Teri Eberhardy, will fo- Editor: Carl Schwartz birdsThe by first students spring in grant the Florenceof $250 will County provide cus on how special robins are to Wisconsin. Design: Barbara Schwartz School District. She will use math, science and art to teach [email protected] In 2015 students there constructed and the children about robins. The grant will 7239 N. Barnett Lane in early April installed nest boxes using GPS pay for several books about robins, replica Fox Point, WI 53217 to mark their location. Throughout April and eggs, puppets, a weight measurement center, 414-416-3272 May they monitored the nest boxes for eggs, a bird science viewer, and a bird specimen identifying which boxes were being used center. WSO OFFICERS by bluebirds and which by other species. The third grant of $250 went to Callie President: Michael John Jaeger In 2016 the boxes were cleaned and again Mikolajczyk and Sarah Ratelis to support a [email protected] monitored. summer enrichment program serving 100 608-335-2546 Autumn Lambert, Florence County High Kenosha middle schoolers. The students will School science teacher, will lead a new group be identifying plants, insects and birds found on school grounds near retention ponds and Vice President: Andy Cassini of students in their monitoring of the boxes in scrub brush areas. They will work on de- [email protected] in 2017. They will review the information veloping the ability to ID birds visually and 414-313-2167 collected over the previous two years and research, design and construct a “new and improved” bluebird nest box. After con- The grant will allow them to purchase Secretary: Jennifer Wenzel struction they will install the boxes at new 10by song.Pocket They Naturalist will then Guides create and a field Birdsleuth guide. [email protected] locations and then monitor the boxes to materials from the Cornell Lab. 262-488-8077

Treasurer: Dani Baumann [email protected] Kate’s Quotes 654 W. Hillcrest Road #202 Naturalist Kate Redmond offers us a monthly selection of quotes Saukville, WI 53080 on, nature, conservation and life around us. 262-617-1268 ...... Membership: Kim Kreitinger “When you have seen one ant, one bird, one tree, [email protected] you have not seen them all.” P.O. Box 3024 Madison, WI 53704-3024 -- Edward O. Wilson, American biologist recognized 415-265-9153 as the world’s leading authority on ants

The Passenger Pigeon editors: Charles A. Heikkinen and “Eight-year-olds should not be asked Delia O. Unson to become warriors or worriers. Children have 5018 Odana Road much more important work to do: Madison, WI 53711 Watch ants. Grow flowers. Dance between 608-274-4043 [email protected] the raindrops. This is sacred work, and childhood needs to be preserved just as much as rain forests and wetlands.” WSO Bookstore Manager — Michael Weilbacher, environmental educator Darwin Tiede 2809 Schaefer Circle Appleton, WI 54915 “Not everything that counts can be counted, 920-997-9418 and not everything that can be counted counts.” -- Sign over Albert Einstein

The Badger Birder 2 ’s office at Princeton University June 2017 Honey Creek Birdathon finds 90 species, bands 16 -- and now seeks your financial support By Maia Persche Honey Creek Birdathon Coordinator Conditions for the 33rd annual Honey Creek Birdathon, held in could hardly have been better on Sunday May 14. And the day’s resultsthe western-most followed suit valley with of a thehigher-than-average globally-significant 90 Baraboo species Hills,recorded on the Harold and Carla Kruse Honey Creek Nature Preserve. As former WSO president and retiring birdathon leader Jesse Peterson observed, when you see three cars headed out County Photo by Thomas Nicholls Highway PF from Prairie du Sac at 3:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning Under the direction of Dr. Anna Pidgeon, a total of 16 species were in May you can pretty well bet they are birders. And so it was that banded, a high count for one morning. Additionally, many local Jesse, Bettie Harriman, Anita Carpenter, Marilyn Bontly and Carl families and students were able to see birds up close and help release Schwartz all showed up just before 4 a.m. at the intersection of Sky birds once they were banded. View and Alder Drives to be greeted by a Swamp Sparrow that was up just as early. Peepers and green frogs were also vocalizing, along trail, and the sharper calls of Great-crested Flycatchers could be with an American Robin and multiple Gray Catbirds. heard in the trees. The skies were clear, allowing temperatures to fall into the mid- 40s by dawn. But the waning gibbous Moon was still at nearly 90% to a Brown Thrasher and watching a pair of Eastern Bluebirds. YellowWe paused Warblers in the opendarted field about at the the foot dense of thevegetation grassy hill,near listening the Venus, the dazzlingly bright eastern Morning Star this spring and creek. Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Indigo Buntings summer,brightness did allowing not disappoint. those on hand to take notes without a flashlight. could be heard staking out territories in all directions from where Early birders who showed up to record the early birds and all we stood. were pleased to hear a number of caterwauling Barred Owls, at Hiking back from the hill, we stopped to admire the abundance least one Eastern Screech Owl and a distant Great Horned. At of nodding trillium near the creek and listen to the woodland birds least three American Woodcock were heard doing their courtship that continued singing, even at midday. American Redstarts and displays, as were Wilson’s Snipe. Absent again this year, though, Red-eyed Vireos seemed to line the trail, occasionally interrupted was the eastern Whip-poor-will, which was once common in the by the slower song of a Yellow-throated Vireo. woods here but has not been heard in several years. On Saturday, the Bandathon began at around 6 a.m. despite a few The other early singers, all heard before the 5:36 a.m. sunrise unexpected rain showers in the early morning. Dr. Anna Pidgeon included Blue Jay, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Cardinal, Red- from UW-Madison oversaw the banding with the help of three of her winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, Chipping Sparrow, Yellow students, Ashley Hannah, Paul Schilke and Maia Persche. Nets were Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Bittern, Sedge set up on either side of Alder Drive, near the suet feeder by the Na- Wren, Rough-winged Swallow, Sandhill Crane, Wild Turkey, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. of the day was an American Robin, followed shortly by several Taking over leadership of the annual birdathon/bandathon warblerture Center, and and sparrow between species. the creek Two Northernand the cornfield. Waterthrushes The first catch this year are Maggie Stewart and Maia Persche, both on hand for were caught alongside the road, as well as a male and female Yel- Sunday’s walk, along with WSO President Michael John Jaeger who low Warbler. Nearly every male Common Yellowthroat in the offered a brief geological history of the area. Maggie is coordinating areas turned up in one of the nets eventually, for a total of 4 new the Birdathon’s fundraising aspects, while Maia led nearly 30 people birds and 2 recaptures from previous years. A few late migrants on Sunday morning’s walk up the valley. were banded, including a Veery, a White-throated Sparrow and The walk began at 8 a.m. and the group was surrounded by a White-crowned Sparrow. several warbler species just after stepping into the preserve. Blue- Melissa McDonald brought the Baraboo Middle School science winged and Yellow Warblers called from the old pasture and class to the preserve for the day to watch the banding, hike in the glimpses of American Redstarts appeared in the forest under- valley, and participate in a banding activity led by Tom Nicholls of story. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and a pair of Scarlet Tanagers by the Hairy Woodpecker, which was caught in the mist net by the The water in Honey Creek was high this year, keeping the several suetthe Nature feeder Educationand proved Center to be thein Fifield. most vocal The students bird of the were day. impressed creekforaged crossings on flowering exciting. trees Singing overhead pairs in of the Louisiana canopy. Waterthrush- A total of 16 species were banded, a high count for one morning. es Winter Additionally, many local families and students were able to see birds Wren up close (a new experience for some) and help release birds once hillside,lined andthe creek,was joined starting by thejust distant after the notes first of crossing. a Wood A Thrush and they were banded. Rose-breasted was heard Grosbeaksinging in the further first backhemlock in the stand forest. on the rocky About $1,600 already has been donated or pledged for this year’s The group was lucky enough to catch sight of both a Broad- event by 25 generous donors. For 49 cents you can mail your winged and Red-shouldered Hawk soaring above the canopy, donation to WSO c/o Maggie Stewart, P.O. Box 217, North Lake, WI and to hear a Pileated Woodpecker drumming and calling just 53064. Or go to http://wsobirds.org/ and click on the link on the out of sight. Ovenbirds sang intermittently from either side of the left side of the page for “Honey Creek Birdathon & Bandathon.”

The Badger Birder 3 June 2017 Board seeks changes in membership structure, dues increases

By Michael John Jaeger A $10 surcharge WSO President would be implemented Under WSO’s bylaws, dues for members “shall be in such amount for anyone wishing to as shall from time to time be recommended by the Board of Direc- receive mailed paper copies of The Badger The WSO Board is requesting its members to consider proposed changestors and toconfirmed membership by the classes membership.” and dues during our Annual Meet- additional printing and ing on Saturday June 17 at this year’s 78th annual convention in postageBirder, reflecting costs involved the compared with elec- notice of the proposed change, as required under WSO’s bylaws, tronic delivery of the wasCarter. provided If approved, in a similar the changes news articlewould inbe the effective May edition for 2018. of The Official eBirder. Badger Birder. A new “Conserva- While WSO has historically increased its dues about every 5 tion Advocate” class years, it has been 16 years since the last increase. What follows is would combine a an overview of the proposed changes, including the board’s reason- “Sustaining” member- ing. The membership levels and costs used in the board’s review ship with an additional are from 2015, the most recent full year for which information was $100 contribution to available when our analysis was undertaken. WSO’s Conservation Fund. Current Revenue Target This is designed to The target expenses WSO tries to cover with basic membership help WSO implement a consists of the following: its 2015 strategic planning survey. Passengerdues, as specified Pigeon, in exceptWSO’s Policiesfor color and printing Procedures costs, document, $18,289 key “Life” focus and identified “Patron” in classes would no longer be available to new Badger Birder, $6,429 members, but current “Life” and “Patron” memberships would be Other direct membership expenses, $2,374 Total: $27,092 in 2015 Expanding the range of costs to be included in the revenue target The revenue estimate under current dues was $31,380. While tocontinued be covered without by regular any changes membership in benefits. dues. this indicates that overall target expenses are being covered, further Overall, the board concluded that a dues increase was a reason- able solution given: 1) the increasing quality and amount of infor- Senior membership levels for those that receive paper newsletters, mation and services the Society is providing through its publica- asanalysis well as showed Students insufficient receiving revenuesthe electronic at the newsletter. Single, Student and tions and website and 2) the extraordinary length of time (16 years) since the last dues increase. Revised Revenue Target These two tables compare current and proposed membership The board’s analysis also showed that the expenses included in levels and dues: Table 1 WSO’s core membership operations. The board concluded that it Current Membership Levels wasits current appropriate revenue to includetarget did these not additionaladequately expenses reflect the in costsa revised of Senior $15 (no Passenger Pigeon) revenue target: Student $15 Color printing for Passenger Pigeon, $6,128 Single $30 Brochure costs, $500 Family $35 Website costs, $2,786 Sustaining $75 Administration, $5,017 Life – Single $600 These would add $14,421 to the target expenses, for a total of Life – Couple $700 $41,523. The revenues generated by WSO’s existing dues levels fall Patron $1,000 short of this revised target by about $10,000. Library $25 domestic/$35 foreign

Proposed Dues Structure Table 2 To solve both the revenue shortfall under some of the exist- Proposed Membership Classes and Dues ing membership classes, along with the extensive overall revenue Dues Class Rate (e-BB) Rate (paper BB) shortfall under the more comprehensive revenue target, the board Notes is proposing to update both the membership class structure and Senior $25 $35 (no Passenger Pigeon) our annual dues. The proposed new membership classes and dues Student $25 $35 levels are shown below in Table 2. Household $40 $50 Under this proposal, overall dues would increase to $44,690, Sustaining $100 $110 compared with $31,380 from existing dues levels. This would ad- Conservation equately cover the revised revenue target of $41,523. Advocate $200 $210 $100 goes to Conservation Fund Summary of Major Changes Library “Single” and “Family” classes would be combined into one $35 domestic/$45 foreign “Household” class

The Badger Birder 4 June 2017 Despite cool start, May delivers exciting species

By Mark Korducki A warmer than average April ended with

10 days of May. One plus was that this chilly stretchcool weather slowed and the this leaf-out persisted and madeinto the for first better viewing conditions. Persistent north winds also kept migrants well to the south of us for the beginning of the month. How- ever during this cool stretch some excellent birds were found. A small group of Smith’s Longspurs stayed for a few days and excellent views were obtained.found in a A field handsome in Dane male County. West They- ern Tanager visited a feeder in Eau Claire County, and one later was found in Mara- thon County. Cool weather was likely the reason for a very unexpected visitor to an Photo by Ryan Brady Photo by Maureen Gross Outagamie suet feeder: a Worm-eating This Lewis’s Woodpecker visited a feeder at a These Red Knots, in full breeding plumage, Warbler. A colorful male Cinnamon bed and breakfast near Port Wing in Bayfield were found by Mark Korducki at Horicon Teal was seen in Jefferson County and two County for more than a week. Marsh, on the south side of Highway 49. Little Blue Herons were found in La Crosse County. the middle of the day and appears to be on The rainy, cool conditions at the end of stretch -- and the bird of the month so far territory. Three White-faced Ibis spent the April were also conducive to shorebirds better part of a week there and were joined along Lake Michigan. Milwaukee had a nice --the was 16th. the The stunning most unusualLewis’s findWoodpecker during this - by a Glossy Ibis. Later, this same area American Avocets, Wil- produced a Snowy Egret and a few Cattle and that were cious homeowners have allowed dozens of lets Marbled Godwits Egrets. Unusual shorebirds included Red enjoyedmixed flock by many. of Good numbers of Avocets birdersvisiting intoa yard their and yard feeder to view in Bayfield. this western Gra Knots and Whimbrels. and Willets were seen along the lake that woodpecker as it is alternating between visiting their feeders and roosting on a It was a good month for White-faced Ibis day in several counties. Piping Plovers with single birds seen in Dane, Green Lake also continued to increase with multiple and Winnebago Counties. Dane also had an reports along the Lake Michigan shoreline this colorful vagrant. telephone As is often pole. the It case, is the Horicon fifth state Marsh record was for Eared Grebe and as of May 23 two West- from scattered counties between Racine and were still being seen. a real birding hotspot. A Scissor-tailed ern Grebes Brown. The huge wave of passerines produced 32 Flycatcher - graphed there before it quickly departed. species of warblers on the 16th in Ozaukee Neotropical migrants to begin moving into County, including a The winds finally shifted enough to allow More expected was but seen still briefly a treat and was photo a King Worm-eating War- . A Rail that occasionally walks into view in bler White-eyed Vireo a wave with temperatures into the 80s on in Milwaukee. the state on May 9th and the flow became Lark Buntings were reported was afrom nice Ad find- ams and Vilas Counties. Yellow-throated Warblers returned to their traditional haunts in Grant County’s Wyalusing State Park. Northern Mockingbirds were reported from several counties, including at least three on one day in Milwaukee County. Late lingering Harlequin Ducks were found in Racine and Sheboygan. Racine also had a Lark Sparrow. A Laughing Gull was located in Ozaukee County’s Port Washington, while the Mani- towoc Impoundment had nine species of gulls reported during the month including two or three Little Gulls. It was an eventful month that always passes too quickly. Early June can also pro- duce some rarities. I can’t wait to see what else shows up. ------Photo by Jim Edlhuber In addition to compiling this monthly report, This Glossy Ibis appeared to come and go from Horicon Marsh in the company of three Mark Korducki coordinates Wisconsin’s 92 somewhat more common White-faced Ibis. Breeding Bird Survey routes.

The Badger Birder 5 June 2017 Timely reasons to Sponsor-a-Species to save Wisconsin’s birds By Carrie Becker the second Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. WBBA II Communications Director Donors interested in sponsoring a species can do so online at With Father’s Day, graduation time and wedding season under- wsobirds.org/sponsor-a-species, or by contacting Charlie Luthin at way, Atlas organizers are hoping the state’s bird lovers will check [email protected] off the remaining 40+ Wisconsin breeding species remaining to be claimed through the Sponsor-a-Species program, a major source of SPECIES STILL AVAILABLE support for the project. Tier 3 ($500/year) Familiar species like Wild Turkey, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Ring-necked Pheasant Ruby-crowned Kinglet along with several ducks, gulls and terns Sharp-tailed Grouse remain, and every dollar of every sponsorship helps support the Wild Turkey study of every bird on the list. American White Pelican Northern Saw-whet Owl work is being undertaken by citizen scientists and the in-kind Yellow-headed Blackbird efforts As the of largestagencies bird and survey organizations. in state history, Although a great the Atlas deal ofis primarfield - ily the work of volunteers, it’s vitally important to be able to hire Tier 4 ($200/year) Wild Turkey seasonal professionals to ensure statewide coverage. Redhead Funding from Sponsor-a-Species is used 1) to hire seasonal Canvasback ornithologists to survey remote and hard-to-access priority blocks Common Goldeneye where there are few volunteers, and 2) to conduct a special point Least Bittern count survey that will provide rigorous models of relative abun- Yellow-crowned Night-Heron dance and information on statewide population size for many Mississippi Kite species of interest. Yellow Rail Hiring seasonal technicians is standard for any atlas that covers Wilson's Phalarope such a broad area, in order to ensure full coverage. The cost of these Common Tern seasonal hires will approach $85,000 in 2017 alone. Forster's Tern Through Sponsor-a-Species, a donor can sponsor one or more Laughing Gull Yellow-crowned Night Heron Olive-sided Flycatcher Acadian Flycatcher (startingbird species at $500 for up total), to five the years. name of the sponsor or someone the Bell's Vireo sponsor When wishes a species to honoris sponsored will be forassociated the entire with five-year that species period in all Boreal Chickadee Great Tit Ruby-crowned Kinglet Atlas publications and in the final print and web-based versions of Worm-eating Warbler Summer Tanager Lark Sparrow Nelson's Sparrow

Tier European 5 ($100 Goldfinch per year) Black Duck WATERFOWL Mute Swan Gadwall American Black Duck Ring-necked Duck Red-breasted Merganser GALLIFORM, GREBE, CORMORANT, GULL, PIGEON Gray Partridge Horned Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Mute Swan Herring Gull ---Rock Pigeon SWALLOWS, SPARROW Northern Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Savannah Sparrow BLACKBIRDS & FINCH Brewer's Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird House Finch Brown-headed Cowbird

The Badger Birder 6 June 2017 Atlaser Spotlight Dan Belter: ‘Atlassing has made me more aware

of the diversity of birds that call my county home’

The Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II is a Marathon County. It is a big county with 36 volunteer-driven effort to survey the distribu- priority blocks, so it’s been a challenge so tion and abundance of our state’s breeding far, but this year should be better with the birds. Since the project started in 2015, our help of a paid tech on board. I’m currently volunteer team has grown to include more the primary atlaser for four blocks that I’m than 1,300 Atlasers who have submitted more than 67,750 checklists. up any other blocks that are still open, or I’ll Who are these incredible volunteers? It hopinghelp others to finish with up their this blocks. year. Then I’ll pick turns out that once you get past the binocu- lars, our Atlasers are as varied as the bird Most interesting Atlas find: species they observe. This series turns the New species in areas where they were not spotlight on a few of the many dedicated men and women who have helped the Atlas example was just last year when I found a achieve such tremendous success to date. foundGrasshopper during Sparrowthe first atlasalong project. the eastern An side of the county in an area where I thought Name: Dan Belter Dickcissel as breeding in an area west of Hometown: I’dWausau. never find one. Another was confirming Except for an eight-month stay in Green Bay back in the mid-1980s, I have lived in Most rewarding part of Atlasing: Wausau all my life. Finding something new that wasn’t found

Age: 52 breeding bird in a block that wasn’t con- during the first Atlas project, or confirming a Number of years birding: Thirty years. I started my “life list” back in firmedHow has during participating the first Atlas in project.the Atlas 1987. Dan Belter says: “I’m currently the changed the way you bird? primary atlaser for four blocks that I’m It has made me more aware of the diversity Other citizen science experience: hoping to finish up this year. Then I’ll pick up of birds that call Marathon County home. By I’m a past member of the WSO Records Com- any other blocks that are still open, or I’ll help visiting the different habitats in my home mittee, I submit my bird sightings into eBird, others with their blocks.” county, you become more knowledgeable of the birds you have, and the conservation Bird Atlas, and for the last few years now I Motivation to Atlas: needs for them to breed here. Ihave took been part partin the of first the WausauWisconsin Bird Breeding Nerds team for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, Bird Atlas project, so I had an idea of how Advice for someone “on the fence” a fundraiser for the Bird Protection Fund Ithis took worked. part in What the first I really Wisconsin like about Breeding the about participating: of the Natural Resources Foundation of current atlas project is that we can enter our Come on in and join the fun! You’ll become Wisconsin.. data into eBird instead of on the old check- more knowledgeable with identifying birds list cards we used, and all of the information and the habitats they use to breed, and there Favorite bird: we need is available on the WSO website, For me, this is a very hard question to including the quad maps. This is a big im- you’re unsure if you have the skills or knowl- isedge always needed something to participate fascinating in this to project, find. If thrushes and shorebirds, but I would have don’t be. You can get a mentor to help out, answer.to say my I like favorite family bird groups is my like next flycatchers, “life bird,” provementWhere do overyou Atlas:the first atlas project. or learn as you go. This is a great, and fun, whatever that will be. I atlas all inside my home county, which is citizen science project to be involved with. More birders need to record Atlas observations Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas coordinators are calling for more birders can sign up at https://wsobirds.org/atlas birders to submit observations to this vital survey. Since the project started in 2015, the Atlas volunteer team has “June is the very best time to start atlasing if you haven’t yet. grown to include more than 1,300 atlasers who have submitted Nearly every bird you see is on territory, building a nest, or raising over 60,000 checklists documenting the whereabouts and behavior young,” said Atlas coordinator Nick Anich. “WSO members are al- of three million birds of 239 species. Results are already showing ready out there watching birds, but by simply taking the extra steps range contractions and expansions, including 11 species not con- of going birding in priority atlas blocks and reporting it to our easy s. online portal, they can be contributing to the Atlas and bird conser- Despite these impressive numbers, organizers say more data vation.” firmedneeds to during be submitted the first fromatla more parts of the state. More than 1,250 The breeding bird species of Wisconsin face a variety of threats, priority blocks spread throughout Wisconsin must be fully atlased in and the Atlas is integral to collecting solid information on current order for the survey to be considered complete. Each block requires bird populations to inform sound management. “The only way to at least 20 hours of surveying, including night atlasing hours. get a true picture of Wisconsin’s avian diversity is to have birders “Anyone contributing just a few, probably really fun hours of bird- Please turn to Page 8

Thesubmit Badger this Birder information from the field,” Anich explained. Interested 7 June 2017 Warmer weather brings more Atlassing events open to the public Outagamie County - Atlasing at Mosquito Hill Nature Center When: Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m. Where: Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rogers Rd, New London Join Outagamie and Winnebago County Atlas coordinator Stuart Malcolm on a bird walk and at 10 a.m. learn how to submit the observations gathered during the walk to WBBA II. Birders of all skill levels are welcome; presentation will be given in conjunc- center to pool data and share stories. Bring barrens species such as Upland Sandpiper, tion with the Northeast Wisconsin Bird Club. Brewer’s Blackbird, and several species of For more information: stuart.malcolm26@ For more information: Paul Hayes at: sparrows and warblers are expected as well yahoo.com [email protected] flashlight. or 608-632-2147; or Ben as the possibility of Sharp-tailed Grouse. Johnston at:[email protected] or Help contribute valuable data to this unique Walworth County - Breeding Birds 608-625-2960 priority block of Price Park Conservancy For more information: Matt Berg at saint- When: Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m. Portage County - Atlasing Dewey Price Park Conservancy N6418 Ho- Marsh SWA Where: [email protected] or 715-338-7502 dunk Rod., between East Troy and Elkhorn When: Saturday, June 17, 7 a.m. Shawano County - Jung Hemlock- Join Jim Marrari, Walworth County Atlas Where: Meet at K-mart, 111 Division St., Beech Forest and Mountain-Bay coordinator to spend an hour or two looking Stevens Point State Trail for and documenting bird sightings., then Join Portage County Atlas coordinator Rob When: Saturday, July 15, 7 a.m. to noon review how the data is entered into the Atlas Where: Park your car safely off CR-A just portal. in Dewey Marsh SWA in cooperation with 0.25 miles west of Kroenke Creek Rd. For more information: Jim Marrari at 262- AldoPendergast Leopold for Audubon a morning Society. atlasing Birders field tripof all Join Brown and Shawano County Atlas co- 594-2894 or [email protected] experience levels are welcome. RSVP to Rob Pendergast at acadiantiger- just south of the town of Gresham. Together Vernon County - Nocturnal atlas- [email protected] you'llordinator atlas Erin the GieseJung Hemlock-Beech for a morning field Forest trip ing in Kickapoo Valley State Natural Area and the Mountain-Bay When: Friday, June 9, 8:30 p.m. Douglas County Wildlife Area State Trail. After atlasing in the morning, Where: Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Barrens Birding Erin will demonstrate how to enter the Center, S3661 WI-131, La Farge When: Saturday, July 1, 7:00 a.m. morning’s atlas data into eBird at the Shawa- Where: Meet at the parking area on Bird Rd. no County Library. rails, bitterns and other nocturnal marsh just north of CR-M Like other northern counties, Shawano birds.Night fieldMeet trip at visitor to look center, for owls, pair nightjars, up, dis- Join top atlasers Matt Berg and Brian Collins County is in need of your birding help. RSVP tribute maps and get out to nearby Priority in exploring the unique barrens habitats of to Erin Giese at [email protected] or 615 and Specialty Blocks. Meet back at visitor the Douglas County Wildlife Area. Typical 403-6000.

More atlassers needed Atlas of the Breeding From Page 9 Birds of Wisconsin ing will help tremendously, especially in ar- * easin that field have onlythis few summer observations to date,” NOW $20.00 said Anich. “Though we do warn you that it is addictive. We hear all the time from our team how much they enjoy atlasing and how much The results of the largest natural history survey ever it deepens their appreciation for birds.” conducted in Wisconsin! To Atlas, birders need to simply add another step to their bird watching process. For ♦ Features almost 1,400 photographs, each species seen, any breeding behaviors distribution maps, and figures – all in observed are also documented, ranging from color! none, to perhaps a singing male in suitable ♦ Based on studies done by more than habitat, to the unmistakable sight of a bird 1,600 field observers between 1995 feeding its young. and 2000. To get atlasers up to speed, a number of Copyright 2006. Hardcover, 9" by 11.25", 624 pages. - nized; they are listed in the calendar on Page * Plus shipping and handling and sales tax.

field20 of trips this issueand workshops of The Birde haver. been orga Those wishing to learn more should To order, visit the WSO website at http://wsobirds.org/ contact the Atlas coordinator for their county or contact Bookstore Manager Dar Tiede at listed at https://wsobirds.org/atlas-county- 920-997-9418 or [email protected] coordinator The Badger Birder 8 June 2017 s and find out which areas still Bird of the Month Northern Harrier: Circus cyaneus By Diana Hierlmeier Also known as the Marsh Hawk, the Northern Harrier is a slender, and fresh and salt water marshes. The male is grey above, with a darkerwhite-rumped, grey head, medium-sized, white below lowwith flying black raptor wing tips. of upland The female grasslands is mostly brown with white below; both have long wings and tail and long, slender, yellow legs. These birds have tails that are banded with light and dark bars, yellow eyes and a black, hooked bill with yellow at its base. Eye color of an immature bird will change from brown to yellow as they age over three years. Average wingspan for these birds is 3.5 to 4.5 feet. Females are about 50% heavier and 12.5% larger than males. Male Northern Harriers perform elaborate

Diana Hierlmeier males are monogamous or simultaneously bigamous,flying barrel although rolls when some courting males pair females. up with Most Migrating harriers travel singly or in small groups and prefer to follow coastlines in their migration routes. They take advantage of of food in spring thanup by to the five ratio mates of males in a season. to females. In North America, strong thermals to minimize energy while migrating. A few harriers the Northern frequency Harriers of polygamy nest onis influenced the ground, more usually strongly in tall, by dense abundance may remain on the northern breeding range throughout the winter clumps of vegetation and will nest alone or in loose colonies. They as long as snow cover does not interfere with their hunting success. Predators of the Northern Harrier include coyotes, feral dogs, striped skunks, raccoons, red foxes, American Crows, Common sedgeprefer meadowundisturbed and uplandbarrens. and The wetland nest consists areas suchof a platform as hay fields, of sticks Ravens and Great Horned Owls, which prey on eggs and nestlings. andpastures, grass andand mediumcan be constructed to tall idle grasslands,of thick-stalked old fields, plants oak like savanna, cattails, Livestock and deer sometimes trample their nests. alders and willows with the inner lining constructed of grasses, In the 1800s, numbers of this species likely increased after the sedges and rushes. Completion of the nest usually takes one to two clearing of Eastern forests for timber and agriculture. Historical ac- weeks and is built by the male and female. The nest’s outside mea- counts list these birds as abundant and widely distributed. Declines surements range between 16 and 24 inches wide by 1.5 to 8 inches in breeding harriers have been observed in parts of North America deep. through the late 20th century. They appear to be declining globally The female lays three to nine eggs over a period of nine days, due to habitat loss with the destruction of wetlands and conversion which she incubates while the male provides her with food. Incuba- of grasslands to monotypic farmlands. Additionally, the small mam- tion usually lasts 28 to 36 days and the nestling period averages 14 mals they prey on have been reduced by overgrazing, pesticides and

are susceptible to pesticide buildup from consuming poisoned small days. The young are able to fly 30 to 35 days after hatching. Once mammals.reduced shrub cover from crop field expansion. Northern Harriers flying, The the Northern parents Harrier feed them forages in mid-air, on the passingwing, capturing food to the a wide first The Northern Harrier is listed with a status of Least Concern on rangefledgling of prey to reach -- mainly them. small and medium-sized mammals and birds. the conservation scale. pattern. Unlike other hawks, this species relies heavily on auditory TO DIG MORE DEEPLY: cues,They asfly welllow overas visual the ground ones, to with capture their prey. wings Facial held feathers in a “V” amplifyshaped Bent, Arthur C., Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey, Part sound. One. Dover, New York, N.Y., 1961. The most common prey are rabbits, ducks, mice, reptiles, insects, Clark, William S. and Brian K. Wheeler. Hawks. The Peterson Field voles, shrews, rats and turtles; harriers have been known to subdue their prey by drowning them. Dunn, John L. and Jonathan Alderfer, National Geographic Field The male Northern Harrier has been nicknamed “the grey ghost” Guide ofSeries. Birds Houghton of North America Mifflin ,Company, National GeographicBoston, Mass., Society, 1987. Sixth due to its grey plumage and owl-like face. In the winter, Northern Edition. Harriers may roost communally on the ground, often together with National Audubon Society, The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Be- Short-eared Owls. havior (illustrated by David Sibley), Alfred A. Knopf, New York, N.Y., 2001. several deep wingbeats, alternating with long glides. For audible Terres, John K. The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American clues To thatidentify this thisspecies species is nearby, in flight listen watch for for a shrill a flight call, pattern “kek, kek, that kek” is Birds, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, N.Y., 1980. or “keee, keee, keee” -- especially near a nest. A begging call that has Welty, Joseph Carl, The Life of Birds, Saunders College Publishing, been described as a “wailing squeal” is given by juveniles to adults New York, N.Y., 1982. when they beg for food. ------First described by Linnaeus in 1766, the oldest Norther Harrier Diana Hierlmeier, her husband, two dogs and an indoor cat on record was a female. She was at least 15 years, four months old enjoy an acre of farmland in Random Lake that is a certified Wildlife when captured and released in 2001 by a bird bander in Quebec; she Habitat and an Advanced Bird Habitat through the National Wildlife had been banded in New Jersey in 1986. Federation.

The Badger Birder 9 June 2017 Convention-goers will be asked to elect 4 officers for 2017-‘18 From Page 1 seasons provide here. As a child, he was versity and an associate degree in computer two licensed hummingbird banders. introduced to the enjoyment of nature from science from Chippewa Valley Technical Col- Cassini, who will continue on the WSO his dad and brothers by their participation lege. At Sentry, he is part of the information Board as chair of its Conservation Commit- in many outdoor activities like hunting, technology organization. tee, was awarded his Ph.D. in Zoology from UW-Madison last May and teaches Advanced became interested in the pure enjoyment remainder of O’Connor’s one-year term as Placement environmental science, biology, offishing just being and trapping. surrounded But byit wasn’t the beauty until he treasurer. Baumann Jaeger was saidnamed at thatin January time: “I’m to fill look the- natural resources and ecology at Kettle of nature and the peace and tranquility it ing forward to working with Dani. Not only Moraine High School in Wales. Cassini also brought him, that birding became his joy and is she a talented accountant, I’m impressed coordinates a summer internship program passion. with her enthusiasm and dedication to bird- for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II. While the birds found in his own back- ing.” The committee also will nominate for re- Baumann says she was tricked into start- Hurlburt said, he has since expanded his ing her birding career at 4:30 a.m. on May 6, Michael John Jaeger, president since interestyard were in theand first search to spark for the his elite, curiosity, rarer spe- 2011, in the middle of Wyalusing State Park election2016, and as JennyWSO officers Wenzel for ,2017-’18 secretary since cies found in the state and his Wisconsin Life while on a “No, we won’t get up early” trip. 2013. List stands at 325. Hurlburt says his current Since that day her life has revolved around Jaeger, who was elected president in 2016 nemesis species is the Connecticut Warbler. birds and numbers. after serving two years as vice president, Baumann graduated in 2007 from UW- retired in 2014 from the staff of the Public leader of the annual April trip to the Mead Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s in Business Service Commission of Wisconsin. He also Wildlife A participant Area, Hurlburt in many is WSO a member field trips of the and Administration-Accounting Degree and is has chaired WSO’s Scholarship and Grants Wausau Bird Club, where he has donated currently working as a senior accountant his talent as a woodworker on several local at American Dental Partners where she has Jaeger led a successful half-million-dollar projects, including a Chimney Swift tower, worked for the last eight years. driveCommittee. to expand In his WSO’s first termHoney as Creek president, Pre- Purple Martin house repair and blue bird A dedicated volunteer, when she isn’t in serve and has worked to increase WSO’s boxes. - - Besides bird watching, his other interests nating the Breeding Bird Atlas efforts in tion, traveling widely to forge contacts with herOzaukee office, County Baumann or editing can be The found Timberdoo coordi - otherpublic conservation profile as a force groups, for birdlocal conserva bird clubs as much time as possible with his wife Sue dle News (newsletter of the Noel J. Cutright and Audubon chapters in the state. andinclude, four photography, sons (Zach, 29; golfing, Alex 25;Nicholas, and spending Bird Club). You may also recognize her name The nominating committee was led by 22, and Bailey 16). He says he likes plan- from the “Let’s Go Birding” column, a regu- two members of the Board of Directors ning family vacations to places that are not lar feature in The Badger Birder that will -- Levi Wood, coordinator for WSO’s Honey only fun for everyone, but may also provide be looking for a new writer to give Baumann Creek Preserve, and Matthew Hayes, WSO’s opportunities for photographing new bird time for her duties as treasurer. research chair -- along one non-board mem- species. A family trip to Costa Rica in 2013 ber, Nolan Pope. offered spectacular sightings.. the wonderful hotspots of her home county Hurlburt grew up in Durand and has lived Hurlburt works for Sentry Insurance in of Ozaukee.Baumann Outside says she of also birding, finds youtime can to birdoften his entire life in Wisconsin. He says he has Stevens Point and has a B.S. in Business always been drawn to the diversity the four Administration from Cardinal Stritch Uni- cats, Braun and Charlie, curled up in her lap. find her reading a good book with her two Birding Digest Great Wisconsin The GWB http://wibirdathon.org/ is a Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands, designat- partnership between the NRF, WSO, Wis- ed in 2015 as a Ramsar Wetland of Interna- Birdathon tops goal consin DNR, Bird City Wisconsin, Madison tional Importance. The initial award will be Madison -- With several weeks still to go Audubon, Wisconsin Audubon Council and $1,000. in the Great Wisconsin Birdathon campaign, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative. Roy Lukes, an educator and nature coordinator Diane Packett announced that writer known well beyond the borders of the drive had topped its $75,000 goal. Door County and Wisconsin, died on June The Natural Resources Foundation of Research award 26, 2016. Wisconsin’s effort on behalf of priority will honor the Lukes projects supported by its Bird Protection Green Bay – The University of Wisconsin- Fund had surpassed last year’s record total Green Bay Cofrin Center for Biodiversity has Wanted: Warbler songs Dr. Jay Pitocchelli, a biology professor at and was surging past the $78,000 mark in announced the establishment of the Roy and Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., late May. Charlotte Lukes Research Award, commemo- is studying songs of migrants to better “I’m overwhelmed by your dedication to rating the important contributions to con- understand their migratory movements. bird conservation and by the generosity of servation and environmental education by He is seeking recordings of singing Mourn- your donors,” Packett said in an e-mail to Roy and Charlotte Lukes, two of Wisconsin’s ing Warblers in Wisconsin. A Smart Phone birdathon teams. “It’s a tribute to you that so recording is good enough for this project. many are willing to support your fundrais- The award, created by a generous endow- Here is his contact info: Dr. Jay Pitocchelli, ing efforts. It’s obvious that you believe mostment influentialfrom West andBend beloved philanthropist naturalists. Ron Chair, Environmental Stewardship Commit- in what we’re doing. Keep on birding and Horn, will support an annual scholarship tee, Saint Anselm College, Manchester, N.H. targeted for student research at the Toft 03102; Phone: 603 641 7397; jpitocch@ on June 15.” Point Natural Area and the surrounding fundraising until the official campaign end anselm.edu The Badger Birder 10 June 2017 395 migrants die when they smash into Texas high-rise By Karin Brulliard Washington Post At 7:20 a.m. on a day in early May, Josh Henderson was summoned to a mass casu- alty event at a 23-story building in downtown Galveston, Texas. He arrived to a scene unlike any he had ever witnessed. Henderson, supervisor of the animal services unit in the Galveston Police Depart- ment, quickly began collecting the bodies — dozens upon dozens of migratory birds that had evidently become disoriented and north from Central and South America dur- ingslammed a storm into the the night high-rise before. while flying Three of the birds — a Nashville Warbler and two Magnolia Warblers — were alive. But 395 were not so lucky. Henderson knows the number because he counted the animals by hand, sorted them Photo by Josh Henderson into a rainbow-hued array on an autopsy ta- Josh Henderson, supervisor of the animal services unit in the Galveston Police Department, ble, and then packaged them for delivery to researchers. The resulting list and images collected 60 Blackburnian warblers. will deliver a gut-punch to any appreciator animals into the structure, served as a reminder Henderson said he hoped the incident of birds, and probably to most anyone who of the dangers buildings pose to birds. As many would “inspire change.” And a little over a likes living things. as 1 billion birds die in collisions with glass week after the bird deaths, it did. Henderson’s body count began like this: in the United States each year, according to The Galveston skyscraper, headquarters 90 Nashville Warblers American Bird Conservancy. An Audubon of American National Insurance, turned off 60 Blackburnian Warblers Society representative said building crashes 42 Chestnut-Sided Warblers are a “tragic and avoidable fate for too many structure and the plaza around it. Instead, 41 Ovenbirds birds that comes second only to death by athe string floodlights of green that safety normally bulbs illuminate— important the 29 Yellow Warblers cat.” for warning airplanes — ran around the And on it went, all the way down to “1 “Turning off indoor and outdoor lights, very top of the tower. An American National Cerulean Warbler.” especially during spring and fall migration spokesman told the Houston Chronicle that In a statement, Henderson sounded a bit seasons, is a simple and effective way to the building plans to keep its lights off protect birds and save people money,” said during the migration season or when the buildings fairly regularly, he conceded. But Tania Homayoun, urban conservation pro- Houston Audubon Society sends out alerts “thestunned numbers by the are mass nothing casualties. I am familiar Birds fly with into gram manager for Audubon Texas. Wildlife about conditions that might spell trouble for throughout my career in animal services,” he advocates also argue that new buildings birds, such as storms or low clouds. said. “This is the largest event like this I have should be constructed with “bird friendli- ever been a part of in over 10 years.” ness” in mind, which can involve using migrants encounter after crossing the Gulf Bird advocacy groups said the incident, of Mexico,” “The Texas Richard coast Gibbons, is the first conserva land these- which may have been exacerbated by strong glass, as well as incorporating architectural tion manager for Houston Audubon, told storm winds that propelled some of the featurespatterned, such frosted as awnings. or other non-reflective the National Audubon Society. That means American Bird Conservancy applauds federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act American Bird Conservancy light or security. The proposed bill would require the General Ser- The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has issued a statement vices Administration to apply similar measures, where practicable, to all new and existing federal buildings. (R-Va.) for introducing the Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act. The The legislation would help address one of the greatest human- bipartisanapplauding bill U.S. is Rep. designed Mike Quigleyto reduce (D-Ill.) bird mortality and Rep. Morganby calling Griffith for caused threats to birds, said Christine Sheppard, director of federal buildings to incorporate bird-safe building materials and de- ABC’s Glass Collisions Program. sign features. As many as a billion birds a year die in collisions with “Although this legislation is limited to federal buildings, it’s a very buildings in North America alone. good start that could lead to more widespread applications of bird- …..“By pursuing cost-neutral, responsible and realistic solutions we friendly designs and use of bird-smart glass solutions,” she said. can play an important role in preserving the intrinsic, cultural, and A 2014 study found that White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed ecological value birds bring to our society,” Quigley said in a state- Junco, Ovenbird and Song Sparrow are among the species most ment. “This bill will put an emphasis on constructing buildings with commonly killed by collisions with buildings. bird-safe materials and design features, which in turn will help The study also reported that several species of national eradicate unnecessary bird deaths caused by collisions with glass.” conservation concern are especially vulnerable to collisions. Many bird-friendly design techniques—such as installing screens Affected species include Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, or grilles on windows and minimizing the use of glass on lower Canada Warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Painted Bunting as well as Common Yellowthroat. The Badger Birder 11 june 2017 floors–are already used in some federal buildings to control heat and Birding clubs in Wisconsin: #6 Winnebago Audubon promotes bird conservation in a variety of ways

The Badger Birder is offering a regular focus on birding groups in Wisconsin. Some are clubs formed at nature centers; others operate independently, while still others are the core of the state’s many local Audubon chapters. The Winnebago Audubon Society is a great example of the latter.

By Anita Carpenter Spearheaded by Katherine D. Rill, a local botanist and environmentalist, the Win- nebago Audubon Society was organized in Oshkosh in 1981. Its mission is “to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through grass- roots efforts of community outreach and advocacy.” Thirty-six years later, Winnebago Audu- bon (WAS) is still going strong, supporting a variety of bird-related activities. Photos by Janet Wissink WAS coordinates the annual Midwest Below: At the Oshkosh Bird Fest, one of the challenges offered by Winnebago Audubon was to Crane Count in Winnebago County. Mem- use tools representing a bird’s beak to pick up seeds, nuts and worms to learn how birds eat. bers participate in the Great Backyard And when you are part of the Big Sit and trying to count as many birds as you can without Bird Count, as well as May, September and leaving a 17-foot circle, a spotting scope is of a great use -- and even the kids get involved. Christmas bird counts, and a fund-raising sale, birdhouse building, educational exhib- birdathon. Park, Oshkosh. A “Big Sit” begins at 6 a.m. its and a silent auction. This year WAS also partnered with the withon the an first average Saturday of 50 in bird May species in Menominee recorded. Bird Fest continues that evening during Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Other activities include a raptor presenta- the Downtown Oshkosh Gallery Walk. Bird in its Great Wisconsin Birdathon. tion, bird banding, a Wild Ones native plant art by Oshkosh school students is exhibited Two different elementary schools per at the Masonic Center. New at Gal- year are recipients of a WAS-sponsored na- lery Walk this year was “Bird Fest ture-related educational program. Currently, Under the Dome 2017,” an exhibit Beka Weiss of Aves Wildlife Alliance takes by 23 photographers from around her birds of prey to delight and educate the the state hosted by the Oshkosh youngsters. Public Library in the Waters Build- One of WAS’s major commitments is its ing and sponsored by the Oshkosh partnership with the Oshkosh Area School Photography Group. District. Sullivan’s Woods is the school As a lead-in to Bird Fest, a daily district’s 40-acre outdoor educational site, bird quiz appears on the Oshkosh which all 4th graders visit in spring and Bird Fest Facebook page beginning return as 5th graders in fall. WAS coordi- April 1 with answers revealed the nates and is the backbone of the “Friends of following day. Sullivan’s Woods” group. This active friends group maintains the trails and prairie, end- on a regular basis. It has started a “Birds WAS and offers Beer” field series, trips whichbut not is educational materials and leaders for the very popular. An outing in February visitinglessly fights classes invasive as they plants, learn and about provides birds, in- along the Fox River in Oshkosh led

off with a watch for wintering eagles WAS was one of the movers and shakers and waterfowl. forsects, Oshkosh flowers to and become the natural a High environment.Flyer in the Although WAS does not have reg- Bird City Wisconsin recognition program. It ular monthly meetings, a schedule again was an active sponsor in the 7th annual of activities may be found at www. Oshkosh Bird Fest, held in recognition of winaudubon.org. All programs and International Migratory Bird Day. Bird Fest activities are open to the public. www.oshkoshbirdfest.com is held annually

The Badger Birder 12 June 2017 Keep Looking Up Jizz Factor: now it when you see it By Steve Petznick Have you put the Jizz Factor to work? All of these “clues” are being processed very quickly and you Those of you who are veteran Hard birders may to already define know the butcomeand you field up withmarks. k your hunch – your Jizz answer. So how do you answer to that question. And you’d no doubt say "yes". For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, this article is for you. Any time a person goes out birdwatching he or she is using past improve your Jizz Factor? You spend time in the field. Nothing can experience to correctly identify birds or at teacher.take the place of experiencing birds first hand. Yes, you can practice least to get them into a category like warbler, with If appsyou are and birdwatching listen to audios, with but more time experienced in the field people, is the best ask lots

You know from past experience what a willing to share their knowledge and help a person enjoy their Black-cappedflycatcher, shorebird Chickadee or waterfowl. looks like so you are birdingof specific more. questions. I have found that most seasoned birders are able to quickly ID the species when you see it The leaves are out. The birds are hidden. So go put your Jizz again. Factor to work and enjoy your birding this month. ------Steve Petznick welcomes your opinions by contacting him at brain You quickly have learned tells you the that field it’s marks, a Black-capped its [email protected] Besides being a naturalist and land Chickadee.feeding behavior That wasor its an flight easy pattern example. and your steward for over 25 years at Mosquito Hill Nature Center, Steve has Okay, now it’s a Big Day Count or a Steve Petznick taught numerous bird identification classes and led many field trips. Breeding Bird Survey and there are leaves and you can only see a portion of the bird behind the foliage. Your brain takes in all the clues it sees in that Here’s what Wikipedia has to say instant and uses past experience to come up with an answer; all in a fraction of a second. about the birding term 'jizz' That’s the Jizz Factor. A term originally used by birdwatchers I learned about the Jizz Factor many years ago from Mark to describe the overall impression or Peterson, who served as fall seasonal editor for the Wisconsin appearance of a bird garnered from such Society for Ornithology from 1983 to 2007. Mark was patient with me since I was a young and eager birder. I or other habitual movements, size and wondered how he could tell the species of duck that was only a dot colorationfeatures as combined shape, posture, with voice, flying habitat style and location. closer to correctly ID the bird. The concept is so useful that it has floating Mark on was the right, horizon. but how I had did to hewalk know? another He said couple it was hundred by the yards way - ring to the impression of the general Jizz Factor. As Mark explained how he picked up the duck’s “vibe,” I characteristicsbeen adopted by of field other biologists animals. in Ecologists refer and botanists also may understoodit was sitting the on concept,the water. but This his wasJizz Factormy first was encounter remarkable. with the speak of “habitat jizz” or the jizz of a plant. Another birder with an incredible Jizz Factor is Daryl Tessen, who Often jizz is useful for identifying to the family or genus level, annually records more than 300 species on his Wisconsin year list. rather than the species of a thrush, but I couldn’t see what kind.” your mind is probably the correct one, Tessen says, and you can The origin of the wordlevel. is a mystery.For example, “It definitely had the jizz He calls it a gut feeling. The first species of bird that comes to Some have speculated that it comes from the World War II air force acronym GISS for “General Impression of Size and Shape (of an either trust the Jizz Factor or you can confirm it. Here’s Over time the scienceyou will behind find that the the Jizz Jizz Factor: Factor You leads are yousubconsciously to the More likely, jizz is a corruption of gestalt, a German word that processingcorrect identification many options most at of once. the time.Things like time of day, migration roughlyaircraft)”, means but the form birding or shape. term Otherwas first possibilities recorded includein 1922. the or not, type of habitat, location of bird, behavior, song, coloration word gist, or a contraction of just is.

The Badger Birder 13 June 2017 Through fog, sleet, mosquitoes and ticks, the field trips went on.... From Page 1 One winter they lugged their car batteries into the house when the weather was predicted to be 50 below — just to be sure we could make it to the Milwau- kee lakeshore the next morning. Their mothers fully under- stood that Mother’s Day could be celebrated any other time but May. Through temperature ex- tremes, mosquitoes, ticks and even children, together they mastered their skills and kept up with the latest equipment, record-keeping and ways to communicate with other birders. Although I missed about 20 chasing the birds to raise our boys,years Iof did their return field to trips active and bird - ing in the fall of 2013 and found the camaraderie and friendli- attendees simply outstanding — inness good among part WSOdue to field the trip friend - ships Tom and Jeff have forged over the years. It is no stretch to say that Tom Tom Schultz scanned this photo from a slide image he made on the Milwaukee Lakefront field trip of Jan. and Jeff have a “following” and 8, 1994.The temperature was minus 7. That’s John Schaefer in the foreground amid the ice fog. are well-respected among their Some might argue they are I was asked to write this story memory going back to those birding colleagues far and wide. HIS biggest fans, too. and needed facts, he set about to early years. Most notable is their long- I recently ran into Tom Badger I also sent the guys a few time connection to renowned Schultz, which is NOT hard to Birders (now practically col- questions to ponder. Wisconsin birder, Daryl Tessen, do since we’ve been married for find copies of his ancient See the adjoining page for who seems to be their biggest 34 years. When he learned that trips to “prime the pump” of his their trip down memory lane. fan. lectible) and slides of past field

As Field Trip Committee co-chairs, Tom and Jeff share a vote at WSO Board meetings, such as this one (above) that was held in April 1997. The children -- now adults -- sometimes even got into the picture. Here's Tom with young Riley (left) and Jeff with daughter Tamara in February of 1990 at Prairie du Sac. Did they grow up to be birders? You can ask their dads on any upcoming field trip.

The Badger Birder 14 June 2017

So how did you guys meet in the first place? JeffReflections Baughman: We met on probably 30 in yearsthe late fall or early winter of 1982, at one of the Owen J. Gromme Bird Club meetings in Fond du Lac.of I findingwas new to the areabirds and wanted for to thelearn more rest about of the localus birding areas. By the next spring Tom and I had become friends. We trips to Superior over Memorial Day and to other areas cemented hadour friendship.the same ideas about finding new places to bird, and our annual Tom Schultz: a mutual friend.Jeff’s Jeff recollectionsand I (and Wendy) of our hit early it off days very fit well, well andwith we mine,started with doing our quite first aconnections bit of birding being together. through It wasn’tBill Volkert, long before who was Jeff’s brother, Scott, joined us and we began birding more actively, birds. and traveling together to more distant corners of the state to find How did you come to succeed Ed Peartree as field trip chair? At the beginning in April 1987: Jeff (right) scoping a Ruff at Jeff: My recollection is that Noel Cutright approached Tom about Goose Pond and Tom a few weeks later on Gibraltar Rock. job he and I discussed the idea of becoming co-chairs. started to use walkie-talkies. These allow for easy communication succeedingTom: As a budding Ed as field bird trip artist chair. I had I think been before invited Tom to attend committed the annual to the between vehicles in our car caravans – both for giving travel direc- holiday parties of the Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus tions and relaying information about birds being spotted. These down in Milwaukee, and set up a display of my paintings. One of the have been especially useful at Wisconsin Point in notifying birders— attendees was Noel Cutright, whom I had gotten to know through spread out along the beach—when good birds are spotted. and I had the opportunity to meet a number of important people in- What do you each like best about your co-chair? variousvolved in WSO bird activities, conservation, and partly like Fran through and Fred Noel’s Hamerstrom. influence Wendy Shortly Jeff: I appreciate Tom’s attention to details, his patience and his after the December 1986 event, Noel asked whether I might consider record keeping, things that I lack most of the time. He never seems taking over the board position of Field Trips Committee chair from reports, where he seems to like it – and he keeps good notes. I gladly to be in a hurry and has a lot of patience. I dislike doing our field trip Edhesitant Peartree. to take Ed onwas this having role bysome myself. difficulty Wendy walking and I both and wasthought hoping it Tom: Each fall Jeff puts his strong computer skills to use to put to- to pass the position along to someone else. I was flattered but a little- creategether theour annual annual field calendar, trip schedule which then and gets work sent on out the viamap The links. Badger cided it would be a collaboration that would work well – so I let Noel Birder. The schedule now contains much more information, and is mightknow thatbe neat we wouldif Jeff and take I werethe job. to fill Our this term role started together. in January Jeff and 1987. I de far more visually attractive than the ones we produced during our early years.

What field trips did you do initially and how does it compare to recent years? Describe your most frustrating field trip. Jeff: Weather and the timing of migration are the two most frustrat- Jeff: We used to have weekend “campout” trips. In the spring we camped at Wyalusing, Perrot State Park and Trempealeau, and trip depends on it –like the Columbia/Dane County trip, Green Bay the Southern Kettle Moraine. In the summer we camped at Crex warblers, and our Hawk Watch. For this reason we created the “dual” Meadows and participated in the Nicolet Forest Bird Survey and the ing things we have to deal with on field trips, especially, when the date trips and watch the weather forecasts. fall campout was at Honey Creek. When we became parents, the Tom: along Lake Michigan was so thick that you couldn’t see more than 25 kept some of the highly sought after trips and began to ask other feet! Of course there was no point in continuing that outing since we individuals/groups to host trips and alleviate the load. I remember I recall one cold January field trip to Milwaukee when the fog weekend and long distance field trips were no longer feasible so we couldn’t possibly see any birds! having six-week-old Tamara in a baby carrier while leading the when both Tamara and Riley, as toddlers, came with us on trips such Is it safe to assume Daryl Tessen is your biggest fan? Horiconas Goose Marsh Pond. field trip in August of 1988. There were other times Tom: Tom: We have certainly tailored the schedule over the years, adding attendee over the years, missing very few of our outings. His pres- ence alwaysDaryl has adds without a fun dimension a doubt been to these our most events. dedicated We still field have trip a Another innovation was working with birding tour companies to of- ways to go to catch up with his record 40 years service on the WSO newfer WSO locations trips toand areas making outside modifications Wisconsin, to such work as betterCalifornia, logistically. Arizona, Texas, North Dakota, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Ecuador. – so we can give him the beans! board, but we hope he’ll be attending that next field trip after we DO How has the Internet changed the way you lead field trips? Any additional story or reflection to add? Jeff: Technology has only helped those that are inclined to use and Jeff: a labor of love. I can’t imagine having not been a part of it for the past Wisbirdn and various Facebook pages, it has made it easier to com- 30 years. Leading, We have coordinating tried to provide and advertising the best trips WSO for field our trips members has been embracemunicate it. with With our the participants field trip link and on to the organize WSO website, what we access do. We to now -- and non-members -- and welcomed all suggestions within reason.

Tom: Email and the internet also have allowed us to publish reports Rail.” have a Google Map link for each of our field trips. “NoTom: Daryl, I will not walk out into that marsh to flush that Yellow - where we went and what we saw – which also is then included in cializing with friends, and getting to know birders from other parts withThe Badger photos Birder shortly. One after of our our field biggest trips improvements so people can was quickly when see we of the Onestate. of Findingthe most good enjoyable birds isaspects fun, but of sharingour field the trips experience is the so with others makes even it more enjoyable and meaningful.

The Badger Birder 15 June 2017 Field Trip Great early morning chorus on the White River Marsh

By Tom Schultz WSO Field Trips Co-chair It was a pretty nice morning as folks began gathering May 6 along White River Road in Green Lake County. The sky was clear and the temperature was chilly, but at that point in the day the winds were still pretty light. As folks were getting out of their cars there were a number of early morning sounds emanating from the marsh. American Bitterns were “pumping,” Soras were whinnying, Sandhill Cranes were unison-calling, Canada Geese were honk- ing, a pheasant was crowing, and a Wilson’s Snipe was “winnowing” overhead. Song and Swamp Sparrows were sounding off, along with Red-winged Blackbirds, American Rob- ins and a cardinal. We started hiking along the gravel road to the west, and soon could hear Marsh Wrens and then Sedge Wrens adding to the chorus. A few Virginia Rails were calling, and Mal- with occasional cranes. lards The and group Blue-winged was a little Teal more flew hushed by – along than normal, as I knew we weren’t far from the

Marsh in well over 100 years – and we didn’t wantfirst Whooping to disturb Cranethem. nest in White River For that reason, we also didn’t walk down to the oak island as we usually do. (Sadly, we learned that this crane nest was lost – pre- dated by a coyote just two days later on the evening of May 8.) We heard Yellow Warbler Photos by Tom Schultz and Common Yellowthroat, and then turned to head back to our vehicles. It was a beautiful but chilly morning From there we drove to Hopp Road, as the sun rose on WSO field trip participants taking in the dawn cho- nice group of shorebirds – including Greater rus emanating from the marsh along where a large flooded area was hosting a the White River Road. Later, several and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Pectoral and Veeries offered good looks near the Solitary Sandpipers. Great Blue Herons were White River Bridge, and at Lake present, along with a Bald Eagle, a Red- Puckaway, in the village of tailed Hawk, several ducks and geese – and a Marquette, scopes picked up Forster’s Sora also was spotted. and Common Terns, both of which We continued around Big Island Road, nest on the lake. where we added Eastern Meadowlark, Bobo- link, and Vesper and Henslow’s Sparrows, Our next stop was Lake Puckaway, Maria Road, where we found another Trum- and then a stop at the White River Bridge at the village of Marquette. A Warbling Vireo peter Swan, a few Canada Geese, and several yielded Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird, Blue-gray was serenading us from the nearby trees species of ducks, including Gadwall, Ameri- Gnatcatcher and a couple of Veeries. as we parked, and on the lake we could see can Wigeon, Lesser Scaup and Ruddy. Only We then traveled around to the west end Great Egrets, Double-crested Cormorants a few shorebirds were present, like Greater of White River Road and heard Pine and and Forster’s Terns. A couple of distant Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpiper. Prothonotary Warblers and a Rose-breasted Common Terns were also picked out by their At Lake Maria County Park we added a Grosbeak. grayer wings. Both species nest on this lake. - Along the way to Princeton we stopped From there we drove to the northern part head, Hooded and Common Mergansers, at a young pine plantation and were able to of Grand River Marsh, where the highlight andfew waterfowl,Ruddy Duck. including Other birds Redhead, observed Buffle there hear a singing Clay-colored Sparrow, and was spotting a Trumpeter Swan sitting on were Horned and Pied-billed Grebes and then continued on to a restroom stop at the her nest. She slinked off soon after we ar- American White Pelican. BP station. There we were treated to the rived, but we were glad to see that she soon returned to continue her motherly incuba- ponds along Miller Road and Hwy. A, but of a new nest on one of the tall light poles at tion duties. unfortunately We finished the our only day birdsat some of interestshorebird were sight of four Ospreys, all flying in the vicinity Our next stop was a large pond on Lake Lesser Yellowlegs and Brewer’s Blackbirds.

Thethe BadgerPrinceton Birder High School football field. 16 June 2017 The Badger Birder 17 June 2017 Patricia Heiden received a special Dave and Kelly Marwitz were Photographer Jack Bartholmai Longtime member Ann Wick Director Emeritus Award from named Bluebirders of the Year. received the BRAW Merit Award. (left) received the Joe O’Halloran BRAW President Patrick Ready They monitor nest boxes in three He is the Dodge County coor- Lifetime Achievement Award. She for her 28 years as association counties and fledged close to 900 dinator and a longtime BRAW has banded 12,129 bluebirds, and secretary. bluebirds in 2016. member. monitors 150 boxes. BRAW annual meeting kicks off the new season By Claire Romanak cating that people need to be educated on boxes. BRAW Secretary correct placement and mounting. The BRAW Merit Award went to Jack The 31st annual meeting of the Bluebird Chickadees & Bartholmai, a long time BRAW mem- Restoration Association of Wisconsin was More Chickadees by Sample, who showed ber. who was unable to attend. Jack is an held at La Follette High School in Madison photo The of first all 7presentation species of chickadees was found in excellent photographer who has gener- on April 1. A total of 81 bluebird fans and North America along with their ranges. The ously donated many of his photos as well as various wildlife specialists were on hand. seven species are Mountain, Grey-headed, monitoring trails in Dodge County where he President Patrick Ready welcomed par- Boreal, Mexican, Carolina, Black-capped is county coordinator and a longtime BRAW ticipants and showed the group a picture of and Chestnut-backed, which differ in looks, member. an unmonitored nest box that was obviously behavior and habitat. The Bluebirder of the Year Award went occupied by House Sparrows and reminded There are two of these species found in to Dave and Kelly Marwitz. Dave is us all of the need to either monitor the boxes Wisconsin, the Black-capped and Boreal. county coordinator for Green Lake County or remove them to keep them from becom- They are an interesting cavity nester and and they monitor nest boxes in three coun- ing House Sparrow producers. will utilize nest boxes, old woodpecker holes Ready then introduced new Treasurer or excavate their own cavity. 2016. Dan Schroeder who presented the associa- After a brief break the group reconvened ties The and BRAW fledged Director close to Emeritus 900 bluebirds Award in for a presentation on Audubon’s Climate- went to Patricia Heiden, BRAW sec- Steve Sample, BRAW vice president, Watch Study presented by Brooke Bateman. retary for the last 28 years. She has never spoketion’s financialon several information. changes within the organi- Audubon is documenting how birds are missed a convention and has been an inte- zation. He will be passing the data collection changing their ranges. gral part of the BRAW Board of Directors. position on to Director Steve Fallon as he Winter ranges are shifting north. There The last presentation was Bald Eagles takes over as publicity chair. He also intro- are protocols to follow with 12 survey points in Wisconsin by Barb Barzen. In 1963 there duced JP La Fouge, the new webmaster. per grid, listening for 5 minutes at each were only 487 nests in all 48 states. In 1972, Sample reported 9,352 boxes reported point & recording data to eBird. Volunteers DDT was banned. In 1973 the Endangered are needed and can apply at bbateman@ Species Act was passed. By 1995 the popu- audubon.org. lation had recovered enough so that their gaveto BRAW, an overview which fledged of the results26,672 comparedbluebirds, to The next speakers were Mark Martin and status was changed from endangered to 2015with a numbers total of all and birds said fledged the report of 45,053. would beHe Brand Smith, who gave a presentation on threatened. on the website and in the summer issue of Madison Audubon Society’s American Kes- In Wisconsin, by the 1960’s eagles were Wisconsin Bluebird. trel Nest Box Program. They showed photos found only in the northern third of the state. Ready said he had given a talk at Horicon of boxes and mounting posts, predator and was asked why BRAW still monitors controls, and the apparatus used to monitor nests were recorded. bluebirds since “they are everywhere.” His the boxes. In 2016 they had 48 occupied In theA recovery first state plan survey was inmade 1973 in only1986, 108 with reply: They are everywhere because BRAW a target of 360 nests. That was reached in does monitoring and we should be very and had banded 93 kestrels from 20 of their 1991. They were delisted in 1997. During proud of that. boxes.boxes with 207 eggs, 188 young, 171 fledged winter, the Mississippi River is a Bald Eagle Ready then introduced Carol McDan- After lunch was the seventh annual super highway. iel, county coordinator chair. McDaniel BRAW awards ceremony. The upper Mississippi River Valley is the explained what being a county coordinator The Joe O’Halloran Lifetime Achieve- most important area for Bald Eagles in the entails, noting that there are counties with ment Award went to Ann Wick from Black Midwest. The second most important win- openings. McDaniel said she still sees many Earth. She is a longtime BRAW member, has tering area is the Sauk City area, followed by nest boxes mounted on wooden posts, indi- banded 12,129 bluebirds, and monitors 150 the Fox River to Green Bay area

The Badger Birder 18 June 2017 Big turnout for 20th Horicon Marsh Bird Festival By Jeff Bahls and Liz Herzmann Tours, Marsh Haven Nature Center, the DNR, the U.S. Fish and The 20th Annual Horicon Marsh Bird Festival started at 6:04 a.m. Wildlife Service and especially the members and volunteers of the on Friday, May 12, with an Eastern Screech Owl in a park in Horicon. Horicon Marsh Bird Club. The festival ended with a Tufted Titmouse at Dodge County Ledge Park at 4:45 p.m. on Mon- Chequamegon Fest tallies 175 day, May 15. Sandwiched in be- species, Lewis’s Woodpecker tween were 154 other By Ryan Brady species of birds and a Our 11th annual Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival couple thousand birders. ran from Thursday to Saturday, May 17-19. The weather was a bit This year, the festival challenging with temps never exceeding the low 50s, constant cloud saw near perfect weather cover, persistent northeast winds off the -- low winds, temperatures in the upper 60s and mostly clear skies lake, and a cold rain for half of two days. --making for great attendance. But birders -- and the birds they watch The festival species list included 20 warblers, 16 waterfowl, 14 -- are a hardy group, and most of the 380+ shorebirds and 10 sparrows. Many birds’ migration was delayed participants seemed to have a wonderful to our south because of storms in Arkansas and Missouri until just time. prior to the festival. Near full leaf out on some trees made warbler viewing a challenge. Baltimore Orioles and Scarlet Tanagers were slightly below average 175 species, owing plentiful in numerous locations, however. in partOur near-finalto the stalled bird migration tally stands and at dif a - Birds that Horicon Marsh is known for were showing well with - Virginia Rails spotted along the boardwalk at the Horicon Marsh cies, especially waterbirds. No doubt the Education and Visitor Center as were Sora along Ledge Road in the highlight was the extremelyficult cooperative conditions Lewis’s for detecting Woodpecker, some whichspe interior of the marsh. American Bitterns were found along Dike and was seen by all who sought it. Also notable were two other species Ledge Roads and Highway 49. Black-necked Stilts were spotted in not found during any of our 10 previous festivals, several Long-billed many areas but especially along Highway 49. Dowitchers and a late Snow Bunting. History was made on Saturday, May 13, near the line between Waterfowl were more scarce than usual, while shorebird diversity Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area and Horicon National Wildlife was pretty good, highlighted by the dowitchers, Whimbrel, Ruddy Refuge. A Northern Mockingbird gave viewers a distant, but good Turnstone, Black-bellied Plover and Wilson’s Phalarope. look, making it the 239th bird species to be seen during the 20 years A “Brewster’s” Warbler was found among 25 warbler species. of the festival. Other birds making uncommon festival appearances included yielded outstanding viewing conditions in many cases. The Bay- several Broad-winged Hawks, seen for just the fourth time. A Sand- Northerly winds meant no big migration flights but the cool weather erling was found along Highway 49 for just the fourth time as well. warblers foraging below eye level just above the surface water, a key The titmouse was only the third time this species made it on the field (Les Voigt) Fish Hatchery was especially good with flocks of festival checklist. Olive-sided Flycatcher and Black-throated Blue Warbler made the Yellow-headedsource of insect Blackbird, prey in such American difficult Pipit, conditions. Philadelphia Vireo, Olive- sided Other Flycatcher, fun finds Upland included Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Northern Grouse, Goshawk, Harris’s Rough- Sparrow, fourth time, with their last appearance nine years ago. legged Hawk, and large numbers of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at area list Festival for only organizers the fifth time. extended The screech special owlthanks was to recorded Blue Heron for onlyBoat the feeders.

Tom Rank, founder of state Purple Martin Association, dies Thomas W. Rank, 64, of Sheboygan Falls, Rank was born on Aug. 3, 1952 in Mani- “A heartfelt thanks goes out to all that of- founder and president of the Wisconsin towoc and married Candice Kappelman on fered their condolences and also offered as- Purple Martin Association, died on April 27. Oct. 21, 1972 in Two Rivers. Tom was an sistance to help manage Tom Rank’s martin The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Depart- employee at Kohler Co. for more than 40 colony. You truly do have the spirit of Tom in ment said Rank was shot years. A memorial service was held at the you. One reason why Tom formed this asso- and killed by his 38-year- Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on May 8. ciation was so that Purple Martin landlords old daughter before she A memorial fund has been established in his could bond with one another and assist each turned the gun on herself. name. other in times of need. Tom’s colony will be Capt. Cory Roesler said Rank was an avid outdoor and wildlife well taken care of. In fact, Tom’s wife Candy dispatch got a 911 call photographer and enjoyed hunting and has been busy providing supplemental feed- from Sarah Soucheck, who ings to the martins since the weather has said she’d just killed her fa- Purple Martin Association and launched its been cold and rainy. We will certainly ask if ther, and was preparing to newsletter,fishing. He founded“Purple Martinthe Eastern Chatter,” Wisconsin in March the need for help arises. take her own life. The line 2012. He later took the group statewide, “Also, people have been inquiring if Tom Rank then went dead. The SWAT offering this background at http://www. Martinfest 2017 is still on. It most certainly Team and numerous other wisconsinpurplemartins.org/ : is! The date is Saturday, June 24th beginning agencies responded to the scene and found On May 3, the association posted this note at 10 a.m. at Marsh Haven Nature Center in the bodies of Rank and Soucheck. on its active Facebook page: Waupun.”

The Badger Birder 19 June 2017 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Inc. P.O. Box 3024 Madison, WI 53704-3024 DATED MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE

WSO CALENDAR Notable species include Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Field Trips Hawks, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian, Alder and Willow Flycatch- June 3 (Saturday) Kettle Moraine - Northern Unit -- Meet at 6: ers, 10-15 warbler species including Mourning, Canada, Hooded, Pine and Cerulean, as well as Grasshopper, Henslow’s and Clay- beyond ticket booth, on main road to beach/picnic area. There is a colored Sparrows. Bring a bag lunch. statea.m. at park Mauthe entrance Lake fee. Recreation Area, at first large parking area ------Bring good walking shoes, because there will be quite a little hik- Complete 2017 field trip schedule was published in January issue and ing, though leisurely. Most trails are well groomed. appears online at http://wsobirds.org/what-we-do/field-trips

WSO Membership PO Box 3024 Madison, WI 53704-3024 The Badger Birder 20 June 2017