All in toboost Alarming drop in populations spurs actions around the state LISA GAUMNITZ birds Lynn Christiansen of Saukville It’s exactly what conservationists say “No matter where you live and no must happen if we are to save the birds matter how much land you influence, traded the perennials in her that delight our eyes and ears, serve as you can have a positive impact for birds flower beds for native species pollinators, seed dispersers, pest control and the insect species that many of and added dogwood trees, native and food for other wildlife, and anchor them depend on for food,” he says. a birdwatching industry that generated grasses, shrubs and a bur oak. $107 billion nationally in economic NUMBERS CONFIRM WORST FEARS When she moves to a 3-acre site impact, 666,000 jobs and $13 billion in Hard numbers now confirm what near Grafton this year, she plans tax revenue in 2011. many bird lovers have noticed for years National studies are revealing a steep at their feeders, along roadsides and in to double down on native land- loss of birdlife in North America since fields and woods: Birds and birdsong scaping for birds. 1970 as science hammers home the con- are disappearing from our lives. North cept that conserving birds means protect- America has 2.9 billion fewer breeding Cattle producer Jerry Marr uses rota- ing them throughout their life cycle. birds than there were in 1970, repre- tional grazing, enrolls some of his family’s “Before the early 2000s, the focus of senting a net loss of nearly 30%. 256 acres in northern La- Those numbers, from fayette County in a federal a study published in program to conserve grass- Eastern bluebird Science magazine in lands, and keeps plows off populations have September 2019, was his hillsides so the eastern rebounded with based on long-term meadowlarks, bobolinks the help of nest boxes put up bird surveys and night and Henslow’s sparrows by the Bluebird radar showing spring find plenty of insects to eat Restoration migrations. Even com- and places to nest. Association of mon, beloved species Wausau Bird Club Wisconsin and have fallen off the cliff. members are restoring others. Evening grosbeak native trees and shrubs and populations have removing invasive buck- plunged 90%, wood thorn on Barker-Stewart thrushes 60%, eastern Island, located in the meadowlarks 75% Wisconsin River in down- and dark-eyed juncos town Wausau, and carefully 50%, according to the tending the new plant- research by seven lead- ings during the summer. READY PATRICK ing bird conservation Members scoop water out of the river bird conservation in North America organizations including the Smithson- in buckets and carry them to the middle was very much on protecting and ian Migratory Bird Center, Cornell of the island to water the trees. restoring breeding grounds,” says Owen University’s Lab of Ornithology and “We’re hoping to lure the migra- Boyle, species management chief for the American Bird Conservancy. tory birds along the river with native the DNR’s Natural Heritage Conser- The only groups of birds doing well plantings,” says Susan Haug, the club’s vation Program. are raptors, waterfowl and woodpeck- treasurer. “We hope they’ll have more While breeding grounds are obvi- ers, all conservation success stories of the foods they like instead of getting ously critical for bird productivity, if reflecting, respectively, the ban on DDT trapped in downtown Wausau with all migratory birds die on the wintering and Endangered Species Act protec- of the taller buildings and glass windows grounds in Central or South America tions, public and private investment to collide with.” or while returning to Wisconsin, it in wetland protection and restoration, All across Wisconsin, people are add- doesn’t matter how good the breeding and the maturation and protection of ing native habitat and taking other steps grounds are because there are fewer woodlands. to help the birds they love. birds to use them, Boyle says. Trends in the state generally track the

26 wnrmag.com North American study results, based on data collected through the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II, a comprehensive five-year survey carried out by more than 2,000 volunteers partnering with the DNR, Wisconsin Society for Orni- thology, the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory and the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership. The only exception is that forest birds have fared better in Wisconsin, reflect- ing the rebound of our northern forests Eastern whip-poor-will and their ability to provide important CYNTHIA BRIDGE nesting areas for many species of warblers, thrushes, vireos and more. Eastern meadowlark

HABITAT LOSS DRIVES DECLINE While the North American study didn’t look specifically at causes for the declines, research has zeroed in on habitat loss, followed by habitat degrada- tion due to fragmentation, invasive species and declining water quality, as the top two causes driving the declines. “Habitat loss is the silent killer,” DEMICHEN WADE Boyle says. Native landscapes have been cleared to make way for agriculture, develop- ment, resource extraction and other land uses, eliminating the native plants and natural communities that have evolved in Wisconsin over eons to support bird species that are year- round residents. About 96% of all land birds feed their young insects, and native plants support a ready supply. Chickadees bring mostly caterpillars home to their young, one caterpillar every three minutes, accord- ing to Doug Tallamy, a University of Palm warbler Delaware entomologist and author of “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants.” That’s 350 to 570 caterpillars every day for each of the 16 to 18 days it takes the chicks to fledge. Warblers, finches and Pileated woodpecker swallows have suffered

Oak trees support 534 species of BRADY RYAN moths and butterflies, which in turn staggering losses in provide food for many birds includ- North America, ing those migrating from neotropical though Wisconsin wintering grounds to nesting sites in declines have been Wisconsin. Oaks also offer vital nesting less severe. Eastern whip-poor-wills and cavities for owls, woodpeckers, nut- eastern meadowlarks hatches and bluebirds, Tallamy writes. are among big Native plants have evolved along decliners in the with the insects that eat them, which state, while pileated are able to detoxify and digest the woodpeckers and native plants. Most insects lack the orchard orioles are enzymes necessary to eat non-native big gainers thanks plants, like the ornamental trees and to conservation work Orchard oriole

other plants so common in landscaping. JAMES KINDERMAN and protections. ARNDT LINDA FRESHWATERS

Fall 2020 27 Up to 90% of the world’s plant-eating the family farm and is proud to play a of them, thanks in large part to the insects can feed only on a small selec- role in saving grassland birds. He credits Wausau Bird Club in cooperation tion of plant species. his father, Robert, for teaching him and with the Wausau and Marathon Research showed that in East Coast siblings Richard, Greg, Jim and Mary County Parks, Recreation and Forestry suburban neighborhoods where less Jean to care for the land. Department. than 70% of native vegetation remains “My dad was a great conservationist,” In addition to the habitat work on — and that means most neighborhoods he says, noting that Robert received Barker-Stewart Island and a native plant — the birds do not have the insects and “about every county conservation garden at Monk Botanical Gardens, seeds they need to eat and are having award there is. His attitude was always, members have engaged youth groups trouble reproducing, says the DNR’s ‘Do what’s best for the land.’” in building nest boxes and planned Craig Thompson, a migratory bird The elder Marr put some of his land a bluebird trail project with a local expert who leads the Natural Heritage into the USDA’s Conservation Re- middle school (put on hold during the Conservation Program’s Integration serve Program to keep it as grassland, COVID-19 pandemic). They have par- Section. knowing the program would allow ticipated in bird surveys and document- “85% of Wisconsin is privately owned,” the family to maintain income but also ed a state-threatened warbler species at Thompson says. “So what happens on reduce work. He never plowed the Nine Mile County Forest, which Haug private lands really matters for birds.” hillside, preserving the soils, reducing hopes can help protect the bird’s habitat. runoff and nurturing native plants that Also in Wausau, several golf courses IMPORTANCE OF NATIVE PLANTS produced a bumper crop of insects for host bluebird trails, one has obtained an Like her parents, Christiansen fed birds birds and other wildlife. exemption to the mowing ordinance mainly at feeders until inspired by a “We all worked very hard after my dad to let areas go natural by adding native 2011 “Grosbeaks Galore: Birds on Your bought the land to plant trees and main- plantings, and still another is a “Certi- Landscape” workshop put on by the tain the farm,” Jerry Marr says. “To get it fied Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” DNR and partners in the Wisconsin to this point was a huge family effort.” The city uses dark sky friendly out- Stopover Initiative. Tallamy was a Robert passed away in 1992 and door light fixtures when possible to di- featured speaker. the farm was put into a trust. Richard rect light to the ground, reducing light “That seminar was a complete eye- Marr and his wife, Kitty, and their chil- pollution and allowing birds to better opener for me,” Christiansen says. “It dren ran the farm for 25 years before see the stars needed for navigation. brought home that bird feeding isn’t the Jerry Marr started managing it. “We’re proud of the efforts the city end-all-be-all to support birds. Native All along, the family has followed the and other partners are plants are more important to supporting same grassland management practices doing,” Haug says. birds in the long run.” benefiting their cattle operation and “We feel it’s She still provides bird feeders but birds, even as many farms in the region important to do at started adding as many native plants switched to row crops. Jerry Marr takes least the little we can. as she could to her Saukville yard and pride in seeing the fields alive with “People in the enrolled in landscaping classes at Mil- bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, upland club just appreciate waukee Area Technical College with a sandpipers and Henslow’s sparrows — birds — their beauti- goal of creating a bird haven and beauti- all species declining precipitously. ful colors, their songs ful native landscape at their new house. “I can think of many times a — just seeing them in She’s learned that landscaping isn’t just meadowlark perched on the top wire their backyard.” about looks. of a bird wire fence with a beak full “Don’t just plant something because of insects,” he says. “As I’m out there Lisa Gaumnitz is a that’s what they sell at the store. Plant checking cattle and spending time in natural resources educator something to benefit insects and birds,” the grassland, just to hear the birds and and program and policy she says. “It’s a good thing when insects see them … it’s just good for the soul.” analyst for the DNR. are eating your plants.” WAUSAU FLIES KEEPING A LEGACY ALIVE HIGH FOR BIRDS Tallgrass prairies are among the most The growing scien- decimated and threatened natural com- tific understanding munities in the Midwest and the world. that urban areas could In Wisconsin, less than 10,000 acres, or provide important 0.5% remain. habitat helped spur the Working farms like the one Marr creation in 2009 of and his family have farmed for three Bird City Wisconsin generations are vital for providing to recognize munici- the open habitat grassland birds need. palities for their bird HAUG DAVID Together with remnant prairies, the conservation and pastures, hayfields and conservation education activities. lands of these farms form a growing To date, 111 com- Wausau Bird Club members remove patchwork of lands helping to stem — munities have attained invasive buckthorn to help protect and hopefully reverse — a steep decline Bird City status and 25 native bird habitat. in grassland birds. have qualified as “High Marr is manager and part owner of Flyers.” Wausau is one Bobolink

28 wnrmag.com Partners tackle bird conservation near and far

LISA GAUMNITZ

Karen Etter Hale discovered the decade flight path of appreciating birds — and in the growing partnerships of beauty and wonder of birds as a and working on their behalf, including organizations and individuals working 25 years as executive secretary for Mad- to save birds. 4-year-old taking yard walks with ison Audubon and, for the last 18 years, “In Wisconsin, we have all of these her Aunt Peg in Lake Mills. as chair of a coalition of 180 partners groups working very hard,” she says. committed to conserving Wisconsin’s “We know what needs doing. By col- “Birds are captivating,” she says. “They native birds. laborating and not duplicating efforts, fire the imagination with their flight, Now, as study after study documents we will make more progress in bringing diversity, beauty and fascinating behaviors. birds’ declining fortunes globally and back our birds. And because you can find them every- at home, Etter Hale finds hope in the “None of us can do it alone. Focus- where, birding is like a treasure hunt. Birds comeback in Wisconsin of bald eagles, ing on that and on all the great people are our direct connection with nature.” sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, eastern working on behalf of birds is what keeps Her early experiences launched a six- bluebirds, peregrine falcons and more me going.” The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership, Southwest Wisconsin Grass- lands Network and the Neotropical Flyways Project are some of the many partnership efforts working together to save Wisconsin birds. Partners work at large geographic scales to better protect and restore bird habitat The Southwest Wisconsin Grasslands Network here and in the Central and South Ameri- features places like Marbleseed Prairie, a unit of the can lands where dozens of Wisconsin’s York Prairie State Natural Area near New Glarus. migratory bird species winter. Here’s a look at each of these partners DAVID SAMPLE DAVID working on behalf of birds.

WISCONSIN BIRD CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP More than 65 bird clubs, hunting and fishing groups, government agencies, land trusts, nature centers, environmen- tal groups, universities and businesses came together in 2001 to create the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative. Members pledged to work collectively to assess bird populations, restore bird habitat, promote breeding bird popula- tions, protect migrating species and help more people enjoy watching birds. In the organization’s first 18 years with Etter Hale at the helm, the number Karen Etter Hale’s of partners grew to 180. Collectively, they work on behalf of birds includes establishing a identified and designated 93 Important new endowment to fund Bird Areas, critical habitat sites for birds conservation projects, the statewide, and developed the Wisconsin Birds of Wisconsin Legacy Colombian biologist Angela All-Bird Plan detailing actions to save Fund, held by the Natural Caguazango assesses the age of a 116 species most in need of help. Resources Foundation of female cerulean warbler as part of Partners actively engaged citizens in Wisconsin. the Neotropical Flyways Project. bird conservation through volunteer NICK BAYLY COURTESY OF KAREN ETTER HALE monitoring projects and establishing

DNR FILES Fall 2020 29 concentrations of rare grassland plants and A ban on DDT along animals, and many landowners who with protections, already maintain open fields and pas- captive rearing and tures. Some have voluntarily enrolled nest box efforts have their croplands and grassland fields in helped Wisconsin conservation programs that pay for bring back peregrine erodible fields to be planted to grass- falcons like this young land cover including prairie restora- bird being banded tions, left uncropped or planted with by Greg Septon of cover crops. Muskego. Network partners are seeking new landowners who may be interested in pre- serving grasslands. Becker listens to their hopes for the land, talks about the rare and high-quality resources they may already have, and steers them to the agency or program that may be the best fit. To aid those efforts, Becker and part-

MELODY WALSH ners are writing a landowners’ guide to the Bird City Wisconsin agency partners and programs provid- program. More than 110 ing technical and financial help. They’re communities are now rec- also seeking out grant opportunities to ognized as Bird Cities for expand funding sources and working to everything from installing complete grassland restoration projects nest boxes, to hosting bird on private lands across the region. festivals, to working with In 2021, the network’s “Celebrate the Milwaukee Bucks to Grasslands” exhibits funded by a Cornell incorporate bird-friendly Lab of Ornithology grant will rotate measures at Fiserv Forum. through local libraries including in New In the last two years, Glarus, Mount Horeb, Dodgeville and the group released a new Mineral Point. Family field days will aim to introduce more landowners to grass-

strategic plan, swapped the BUCKS DINEEN/MILWAUKEE GARY land birds and opportunities to help them, “Initiative” in its name to Bird City Wisconsin worked with the NBA’s “Partnership” to better Becker says. Milwaukee Bucks to make their new Fiserv Forum “Our survey of landowners in the characterize the longstand- a bird-friendly building, including design efforts to ing effort, and unveiled a help stem bird-window collisions. region shows grassland birds matter to new logo. They brought on people as an influence for their decision- board a project manager to evaluate the lands Network. The DNR and over a making. That was surprising to me and status of the 93 Important Bird Areas. dozen federal, state and county agen- inspiring,” she says. “Our goal is to determine which five cies, land trusts and other nonprofit “We really all do have a common to 15 would be highest priority to have conservation organizations have joined ground. Landowners do what they can conservation actions that can help keep to work with landowners and each individually to benefit wildlife and water, common birds common and bring back other toward common goals of protect- and collectively, all of these efforts are those that are declining,” Etter Hale says. ing and managing grasslands for the making a big difference.” “We’ll partner with local stakeholders to benefit of wildlife, water quality and Learn more: driftlessconservancy.org develop strategies for each of these, which working lands. (under “What We Do” tab) will serve as a catalyst for the rest.” Cindy Becker is coordinating the Learn more: wisconsinbirds.org effort. She has been involved in private NEOTROPICAL FLYWAYS PROJECT lands outreach and education in the Half of Wisconsin’s bird species are SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN Driftless Area for 13 years and before considered neotropical migrants, mean- GRASSLANDS NETWORK that worked as an inventory botanist, ing they spend the winter in Mexico, In 2009, the DNR completed a master surveying sites across the Midwest. Central and South America and return plan for a nearly 500,000-acre area in “We have a lot of people already doing here in the spring to nest. southwestern Wisconsin as one of the best amazing work,” says Becker, who works “So what happens in Nicaragua, Co- opportunities in the Upper Midwest to for the Driftless Area Land Conservancy lombia, Panama, Mexico — really all of conserve the open grassland and savanna out of its Dodgeville office in a position Central and South America — impacts habitats eastern meadowlarks need — and mostly funded by the DNR’s Natural our birds,” says Craig Thompson, who to reverse their population decline, along Heritage Conservation Program and the leads the DNR’s bird conservation efforts. with declines in Henslow’s sparrows, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Forests in those places are declining, be- bobolinks and many other grassland birds. “There’s a lot of energy around ing converted to agriculture and degraded That Southwest Wisconsin Grassland the issue of grassland birds and, more for fuel wood, which in turn reduces win- and Stream Conservation Area is now recently, pollinators.” ter habitat for Wisconsin birds. One third embedded in an even larger partnership The network area includes a high of the 340 migratory bird species in the project, the Southwest Wisconsin Grass- number of unplowed prairie remnants, U.S. are declining in part due to habitat

30 wnrmag.com Book HIGHLIGHTS Lake Michigan stopover sites

Weighing in at one-third of an ounce — roughly the same as two nickels — the beautiful sky-blue cerulean warbler flies 5,000 miles roundtrip between wintering grounds in South America’s Andes Mountains and summer nesting grounds in Wisconsin’s hardwood forests. Stopover sites where the warbler and Wisconsin’s other 200-plus

ADRIAN DELGADO migratory bird species can rest and refuel are crucial to their individual survival and to the overall fate of their species. North American numbers of cerulean warblers have dropped 70% in the last half-century. The species is listed as threatened in Wisconsin, and disappearing habitat on nesting, wintering and migratory grounds imperil the bird. Sites in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coastal counties are particularly important as these warblers and other species tend to follow the shoreline and rely on coastal habitats, from sometimes just a few yards up to a few miles inland. Now, the most important of these sites are identified in a book aimed at helping spur full protection and long-term conservation of sites. Stopovers are categorized as “fire escapes,” “convenience stores” or “full-service hotels” based on their ability to shelter or refuel birds. NICK BAYLY “Birds are at greatest peril during long migrations, so the long-term Biologist Yuly Caicedo extracts a conservation of the sites are critical for conserving the birds we love,” says migrant bird from a canopy net in Sumner Matteson, a DNR avian ecologist and an author, along with now Costa Rica as part of the Neotropical retired DNR colleague Kim Grveles and Kim Kreitinger, outreach coordinator Flyways Project. The closeup shows for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. blackpoll warblers captured in The book, “A Planning Tool for Migratory Bird Conservation Along Colombia upon arrival in South Lake Michigan,” includes maps and detailed information on more than 40 America following trans-oceanic migratory flights. stopover sites. A full PDF of the book is available on the DNR website; go to dnr.wi.gov and search “birding” to find a link. loss and other threats in these lands. The book also has been provided to nearly 100 Lake Michigan coast city “We have to have conservation strategies officials, conservation organizations, bird clubs and land managers. that are hemispheric in scope, and that is “We hope that local and regional planners and conservation groups will very challenging to do,” Thompson says. use our document to factor in the importance of migratory bird habitat as One challenge is a lack of knowledge they consider how best to manage and conserve landscapes along the Lake about migration and critical stopover Michigan shore,” Matteson says. sites in the southern hemisphere. To help The book is a partnership of the DNR, Wisconsin Stopover Initiative, find answers, the DNR and the Natural Natural Resources Foundation and Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. Resources Foundation of Wisconsin are “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from our stakeholders about part of a partnership with the Cornell Lab the publication,” Kreitinger says. “We know that conservation partners are of Ornithology and a nonprofit in Co- referencing it.” lombia called SELVA to identify critical While the book is aimed at planners, land managers and local decision migratory stopover regions and habitats. makers, it offers a wealth of information birders can use to guide their Money raised through the Natural birdwatching and to advocate for long-term conservation of the sites, Resources Foundation’s Great Wisconsin Matteson says. Birdathon, which continues through Oct. “Twice a year, one of the great natural spectacles occurs,” he says of bird 15, helps to pay for this and eight other migration. “Go out this fall or spring to one or more of the sites in our book priority projects aiding Wisconsin birds. and observe the variety of birds passing through our state. New stopover sites will be identified “You will marvel at what you see!” and mapped, and mist netting and radio — Lisa Gaumnitz tracking will determine how birds use these sites. Study results will be used to develop conservation plans. “The Neotropical Flyways Project is unlocking the secrets of hemispheric mi- This cerulean gration,” Thompson says. “The effort will warbler was help ensure this avian phenomenon that photographed has played out over eons will continue and in May at thrill bird lovers well into the future.” Milwaukee’s Learn more: neotropicalflyways.com Whitnall Park, a migratory bird stopover site. Lisa Gaumnitz is a natural resources educator and program and policy analyst for the DNR. JEREMY MEYER

Fall 2020 31 CATIE ANDERSON CATIE RICHARD WUNSCH The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau has added parachute cord to the outside of a large window to help break up the reflection and prevent collisions by birds.

Museum pulls strings to save birds from window collisions

Visitors migrating to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art should just go ahead and do it. It’s paid for itself.” Museum this fall for the internationally renowned “Birds in Museum staff haven’t found any stunned or dead Art” exhibition will find another new installation reflecting birds beneath the window since the “bird savers” were the museum’s commitment to birds. installed in May. The museum has an appealing and Museum staff took advantage of the building closure accessible solution to share with visitors. during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic to turn “We’ve had a long history of using an interdisciplinary a 40-foot-high glass window into an aesthetically pleasing approach and this year, the bird-friendly window is a great example of how a few hours and a few simple, inexpensive example of combining science, engineering and technolo- materials can save birds from colliding with windows. gy,” she says. “For us, it was another teachable moment.” Up to 1 billion birds are estimated to die each year in For Thompson, it’s a compelling example of what can the United States after hitting windows. By day, birds be done for birds. “It’s a dandy conservation success perceive reflections in glass as habitat they can fly into. story,” he says. “Anyone, especially homeowners, can By night, migratory birds drawn in by city lights are at high easily do this.” risk of colliding with buildings. — Lisa Gaumnitz Breaking up window reflections by using film, paint or ABOUT THE EXHIBITION string can help reduce collisions and save birds. At the Woodson Art Museum, migrating birds would Artwork from 114 artists worldwide will be featured occasionally fly into a glass-enclosed stairway in the museum’s in the 45th annual “Birds in Art” exhibition, on view new wing, particularly during the spring. Curator of Education Sept. 12 to Nov. 29 at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Catie Anderson mentioned the problem last fall to Craig Art Museum, 700 N. 12th St., Wausau. “Birds in Art” Thompson, a DNR bird expert who was at the museum giving presents original paintings, sculptures and graphics a presentation about steps people can take to help birds. created within the last three years. In light of COVID-19, After the talk, Anderson showed Thompson the window. check the museum’s website for the latest visitor He suggested creating a curtain of cords running the information: lywam.com. length of the window and spaced a few inches apart to break up the reflection. The museum director committed to doing the project, and the quarantine was the perfect time because there were no people on the grounds or in the building, says David Jones, the museum’s facilities manager. Jones purchased L-shaped angle irons and 1,100 feet of parachute cord. Following instructions found on the birdsavers.com website, Jones and Anderson drilled holes in the angle irons and threaded them with long lengths of paracord. They safely got on the roof and secured the angle irons with the paracord hanging down. The paracord lengths could then be pulled tight and secured at ground level. All told, the materials cost $250 and the project took the two of them about six hours over two days. “It’s a very doable project for almost any facility or homeowner … and it has been wildly successful,” Jones says. “Anybody concerned about a situation like that “Chickadee & Strawberries,” oil, Rebecca Korth

32 wnrmag.com Birdwatching takes flight, promotes diversity

Birds’ brilliant colors, beautiful songs and feats of flight impress even the most casual outdoor enthusiasts and draw many outside to connect with nature. Never were these attributes more valued than during the COVID-19 impacts of spring, when many people found themselves at home, unable to enjoy typical social activities and eager to find relief outdoors. Birdwatching was a solution. Nationally, downloads of popular bird identification apps like those from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society reportedly doubled this spring compared to last year. According to one source, sales of bird feeders, nesting boxes and birdseed jumped 10% to 15%, even as demand for other nonessential goods plummeted. The popular online bird reporting system, eBird, declared May 2020 the most active usage month in its 15-plus years, including a 37% increase in submitted sightings compared to the same time last year. In Wisconsin, the number of eBird checklists submitted in spring 2020 increased 27% over 2019, far outgaining annual jumps of 4%, 15% and 16% recorded over the three previous years. Subscribers to the DNR’s weekly birding report grew 18% since spring 2019, and 48% more teams joined the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Through walsh

mid-summer, $17,000 more had already been raised for priority birds than the previous year, with donations still being collected through Oct. 15. Check wibirdathon.dojiggy.com for details. melody Finally, an informal poll of nearly 40,000 Wisconsin-based birding-oriented social media users seemed to validate anecdotal accounts of increased birdwatching activity in the state this spring. Of more than 750 respondents, about 62% indicated they birdwatched more often in spring 2020 compared to previous years, while only about 7% said less often. A recurring theme among established birders was spending more time watching birds at or close to home than past years, with many citing the joy of discovering nearby public spaces they had not previously explored. Another bit of birdwatching news also came this spring: the celebration of Black Birders Week. The virtual initiative developed in late May and early June via social media after a racist incident in New York’s Central Park involving a Black man falsely reported to 911 while birdwatching. Coming alongside nationwide demonstrations for racial justice, Black Birders Week featured hashtags such as #BlackInNature, #AskABlackBirder and #BlackWomenWhoBird to promote events on Twitter and encourage Black birdwatchers and others to join the conversation about their own experiences and diversity in the outdoors. With birdwatching in the news and gaining popularity, a significant number of new birders found the time and motivation to take up the LISA GAUMNITZ From expansive wildlife areas to hobby — discovering the relief from stress, gateway to nature and genuine urban settings, birdwatching offers entertainment birding can provide. a way for all ages and experience —an Ry Brady, DNR conservation biologist levels to connect with nature.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP BIRDS

3 Billion Birds Gone is the simple, “7 Simple Actions to Help Birds.” stark name of a website — a coop- In short: erative effort of bird conservation • Make windows safer; groups — designed to draw atten- tion to the dire challenges facing • Reduce plastic use; many bird populations today. • Keep cats indoors; Philadelphia vireo The website offers details on the BRADY RYAN billions of birds lost since 1970, a • Plant native plants; For more on bird declines and ways video looking at “What’s Behind the • Do citizen science; to help, check 3billionbirds.org. For bird Declines?” in bird populations and habitat and conservation information • Drink shade-grown coffee; and ways everyone can help be part of from the DNR, go to dnr.wi.gov and “Chickadee & Strawberries,” oil, Rebecca Korth the solution. The latter includes • Avoid pesticides. search “birding.”

Fall 2020 33 A favor for the ‘falcon of sparrows’ Nesting box project aids American kestrel, smallest raptor in North America PATRICK READY PATRICK

34 wnrmag.com CHRISTOPHER TALL serve these small-sized birds of prey AND BRENNA MARSICEK have been underway for more than 50 years. Dedicated volunteers have spent Imagine you are driving along many hours building nest boxes, gathering an old, dusty farmland gravel data and document- road and notice a little bird ing kestrel activity to reverse the species perched on a telephone wire. decline. As you pass by, you notice the shape To help support kestrel of the bird is not one of a blue jay or populations, community mourning dove, but of a predator bird members, bird conser- with talons and a hawk-like head. As it vation organizations and takes flight, you notice the distinct citizen-science programs barring color pattern on its tail feathers. began constructing wood- After your vehicle passes and you en nest boxes within the continue on your way, the raptor takes kestrel’s breeding habitat. flight and hovers above the prairie, Kestrels are cavity nesters scouring the ground for prey, perhaps and take readily to human- an unsuspecting mouse, grasshopper or made nest boxes, though a thirteen-lined ground squirrel. good nest boxes are built with The bird spots a European house the ideal specifications to at- sparrow that has ventured above the tract kestrels and facilitate their safety of its barn home. Instantly, the successful nesting. unsuspecting sparrow becomes a mid- In some cases, volunteers air prize for the hungry falcon, which help monitor the nest boxes and brings the meal back to a large, wooden

record several observations such as TIMOTHY HANSEL nesting box and feeds its chicks.

nest occupation, number of eggs, num- This compact but effective bird of ber of chicks and how many fledge, prey is the American kestrel, North adults equipped with a leg band and America’s smallest falcon. It also is the other vital statistics. North America’s continent’s most prevalent falcon. In a few cases, volunteers also help smallest falcon If current trends continue, however, scientists capture kestrels using mist is found in open that could soon change. nets, a process that allows scientists to areas such as record an individual bird’s health and prairies and HELP FOR DECLINING POPULATIONS estimate population numbers. Biolo- farm fields, According to the North American gists also can wrap a lightweight metal but also can be Breeding Bird Survey, which provides band around the falcon’s leg to allow seen nabbing reliable population data and trend wildlife biologists to track the bird over prey in cities analyses for more than 500 bird species, its lifetime. and suburbs. American kestrel populations in the U.S. have been steadily falling over the AMERICAN KESTREL BREEDING SURVEY past 50 years.

The drop is estimated at an annual 120 rate of 1.39% and means there are more than 51% fewer kestrels nation- 100 wide than there were 50 years ago, according to the survey. In the Wiscon- 80 sin region, populations have declined by 41%. ATIONS 50 Research indicates it’s difficult to L pinpoint an exact cause of the kestrel’s 40 decline. Many environmental factors POPU may be at play, including increasing 20 challenges in finding nesting habitat across the landscape. That’s where con-

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servation work may provide a boost. 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 In Wisconsin, efforts to help con- BY YEAR, 1966-2019

Fall 2020 35 support from Madison Audu- bon, the efforts grew into a full-fledged Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Program with volunteer involvement and nest box counts. In 2012, Smith trained vol- unteers to use an unobtrusive technique employing camera mounts to observe eggs and chicks while they were in the nest boxes. He continues to lead the program today. As a bonus, this work can be done independently, making it a wonderful and useful pastime during a global pandemic.

BANDING BOOSTS MONITORING EFFORTS In addition to installing and monitoring nest boxes, Cameras mounted on Madison Audubon also part- nest boxes provide ners with Central Wisconsin an unobtrusive way Kestrel Research (CWKR), a to peek inside at program in Stevens Point, to any occupants, large band kestrel adults and chicks. and small. Average The program has been clutch size for the supported and revitalized in American kestrel is the past by the Department of four to five eggs. Natural Resources in partner- ship with the Aldo Leopold

PATRICK READY PATRICK Audubon Society. Janet and Amber Eschen- GOOSE POND PROVIDES REFUGE bauch are coordinators for the CWKR In Wisconsin, near Arlington, one program and hold a master banding kestrel monitoring project has been permit. Each spring near Goose Pond, ongoing for 35 years, started by Mark the two offer a hands-on experience Martin and Sue Foote-Martin at with kestrels, teaching participants why Madison Audubon’s Goose Pond and how the birds are banded. Sanctuary. This ecological preserve This year’s public banding activities provides refuge for many bird and were canceled due to COVID-19, but wildlife species throughout the year. Madison Audubon members Bob and In 1985, a local power company Sue Volenec attended a similar field trip was removing electric lines along the to Goose Pond in 2017. They became roadway. The Martins realized there enthralled with the opportunity to help was a unique opportunity to aid with kestrel banding and soon began the American kestrel, and Sue asked monitoring kestrel boxes near their the utility if it could leave up some home in Jefferson County. power line poles as a place to erect “(Kestrel monitoring) has gotten us kestrel boxes. involved with Scout troops building When the project began, 10 nest and installing more boxes and science boxes were installed and checked for fair exhibitions where we have intro- activity at the end of each year. In 2009, duced school kids and adults to what the program got an infusion of atten- kestrels are,” the Volenecs note. “All tion from volunteer Brand Smith, who of this, along with the experience of worked to increase the data collection facilitating successful kestrel reproduc- frequency and nest boxes across south- tion, is quite rewarding.” central Wisconsin. They now bring their grand- Smith monitored over 70 nest boxes MADISON AUDUBON children to kestrel monitoring himself at that time, logging more than A total of 179 kestrel nest boxes activities and banding field trips and 500 miles of travel between nest boxes are included in the Madison are happy to learn new things every each summer. He worked to recruit Audubon monitoring program time they volunteer at events to more volunteers to help, and with this year. support kestrels.

36 wnrmag.com Another volunteer, Terri Bleck, signed up for Madison Audubon’s Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Program in 2020. ABOUT THE “I witnessed the whole nesting AMERICAN KESTREL process of an American kestrel, from mauve speckled eggs that hatched into The scientific name of the American white fluff balls, then developed dark kestrel, Falco sparverius, means feathers on their backs and wings, and “falcon of the sparrows.” They can finally morphed into a beautiful fledg- be found in wide-open areas such ling kestrel,” Bleck said. “What a grand as prairies, grasslands and farm experience!” fields but also are noted in cities This year, the monitoring program and suburbs. has a total of 179 kestrel nest boxes, Kestrels nest in tree cavities and including on state lands such as rely on unoccupied woodpecker Poynette’s MacKenzie Center, making holes, tree hollows and nooks in it the second largest program in the human-built structures to make a country. More than 60 volunteers are home. Suitable nesting cavities are signed up to help. scarce due to competition from In 2019, the program had 171 kestrel other animals. Kestrels may evict nest boxes and monitoring showed that bluebirds, northern flickers or even 55 were occupied. In the past four years, small squirrels to acquire a habitable from 2016-19, a total of 338 chicks and nesting location. 55 adults have been successfully banded A few relevant numbers regarding by the program, and an estimated 662 kestrel breeding: kestrel chicks have fledged. • Number of broods — one (two in the South), when prey is OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES abundant. Madison Audubon continues to seek • Clutch size — four to five eggs. volunteers for the Kestrel Nest Box • Nesting period — 28 to 31 days. Monitoring Program and offers many • Time to fledge after hatching — HERBERT LANGE other citizen science activities available to 30 to 31 days. Kestrels are cavity nesters, readily the public. Opportunities include: Bald A kestrel’s diet includes insects, taking to human-made nest boxes. Eagle Nest Watch, monitoring eagle nest grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies, success and productivity; Bird Collision spiders, butterflies and moths. They also eat mice, shrews, voles, bats, small Corps, a bird-window strike monitoring songbirds and occasionally small snakes, lizards and frogs. They capture program; and monarch tagging, an effort their prey by pouncing on them, using talons on their feet to seize them. to track monarch butterflies when they Kestrels may be seen hovering in mid-air before diving to catch their prey. migrate to Mexico in the fall. A kestrel’s key identifying features include pale feathers with dark barring Other programs, such as maintaining when seen from below and warm, rusty brown spotted with black when songbird nest boxes and recording seen from above, with a black band near the tip of the tail. Males have slate- butterfly and orchid counts, have been blue wings, while females’ wings are reddish-brown. Both sexes have pairs occurring at Madison Audubon sanctu- of black vertical “mustache” marks on the sides of their faces. aries for many years. Such programs To learn more about American kestrels and their habitat, check these create opportunities for community websites. members to engage with birds and conservation in an up-close and memo- • Madison Audubon’s Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Program: rable way while also addressing impor- madisonaudubon.org/kestrels tant research needs in local communities. • Madison Audubon’s Goose Pond Sanctuary: To learn more about volunteer madisonaudubon.org/goose-pond opportunities, visit madisonaudubon. org/citizen-science. • Wisconsin Kestrel Research Program: The American kestrel may be slight wisconsinkestrels.org and its future unclear, but scientists and • Audubon Field Guide to Kestrels: citizens alike are learning more about audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-kestrel these birds every day. As work contin- • All About Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) American ues to provide better kestrel habitat, the kestrel Information: hope is it may improve the chances for a allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel resurgence in population of these small but beautiful falcons. • American Kestrel Partnership, a project of The Peregrine Fund: kestrel.peregrinefund.org Christopher Tall is a communications specialist • Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II statistics at eBird.org with the DNR. Brenna Marsicek is Madison (Cornell Lab of Ornithology): Audubon’s director of communications and ebird.org/species/amekes outreach.

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