Vol. 80, No. 1 • Spring 2018 PassengerThe PIGEON Journal of the WisconsIn Society for Ornithology The Passenger WSO website: wsobirds.org Vol. 80, No. 1 • Spring 2018 PIGEON

EDITORS The Passenger Pigeon (ISSN 0031-2703) is pub- Charles A. Heikkinen and lished quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall, Win- Delia O. Unson ter) by The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, 608. 206. 0324 • 608. 235. 8914 654 W Hillcrest Rd Apt 202, Saukville, WI [email protected] 53080. Periodicals Postage Paid at Milwaukee, WI and at additional mailing offices, including PEER REVIEW EDITOR Lawrence, KS 66044. Subscription rates are Vacant $35 domestic; $45 foreign. Back issues may be ASSISTANT EDITOR obtained for $8 each. “POSTMASTER: Send Amy Staffen address changes to The Passenger Pigeon, 608. 238. 0450 Kim Kreitinger, PO Box 3024, Madison, WI [email protected] 53704-3024.” ASSISTANT EDITOR (Art) Membership rates per year are: Conservation Todd Leech Advocate $200; Sustaining $100; Household 414. 324. 3328 $40; Senior $25; Student $25. There is a $10 [email protected] surcharge for members wishing to receive the FIELD NOTE COMPILER (Spring) printed version of our Badger Birder newslet- Sunil Gopalan ter. Contact Kim Kreitinger, PO Box 3024, 8901 Blackhawk Rd. Madison, WI 53704-3024 with membership and Middleton, WI 53562 mailing-related questions. 608. 824. 9286 Send all manuscripts and related correspon- [email protected] dence to the Editors. Information for “Seasonal FIELD NOTE COMPILER (Summer) Field Notes” should be sent to the Field Note Darwin Tiede Compiler for that season (see left column). Art 2809 Schaefer Circle work and questions about the art should be sent Appleton, WI 54915 to the Assistant Editor for art (see left column). 920. 997. 9418 Manuscripts that deal with Wisconsin birds, or- [email protected] nithological topics of interest to WSO members, and WSO activities are considered for publica- FIELD NOTE COMPILER (Autumn) tion. For detailed submission guidelines, please Robert C. Domagalski refer to “Guidelines for Authors and Artists,” P.O. Box 396 found near the back of this and following issues. St. Nazianz, WI 54232 920. 881. 4002 Copyright © 2017 by The Wisconsin Society for [email protected] Ornithology, Inc. Except for purposes of re- FIELD NOTE COMPILER (Winter) view, material contained herein may not be re- Ted Keyel produced without written consent. 825 Pilgrim Tr. Front Cover: Michael Huebschen has graciously Sun Prairie, WI 53590 shared a glimpse of the courtship of Red-necked 715. 326. 0899 Grebes in this photo taken in late April at Crex [email protected] Meadows in Burnett County. CONTENTS SPRING 2018 Volume 80, Number 1

President’s Statement: Distracted by a Bird 1 Michael John Jaeger

From the Editors’ Desk: Bird Photography 3 Chuck Heikkinen and Delia Unson

Documenting Birds 5 Ted Keyel

50 Years Ago in The Passenger Pigeon 11 Nancy Nabak

The Spring Season: 2017 13 Sunil Gopalan

WSO Records Committee Report: Spring 2017 79 Quentin Yoerger

“By the Wayside”—Spring 2017 85

About the Artists 89

Guidelines for Authors and Artists 93

Notes and Announcements 97 President’s Statement

Distracted by a Bird

t occurred to me I could pretend the Cox Nature Center at Honey Creek Iwas my WSO President’s office. A perfect spot in my eyes for catching up on my extensive reading backlog, as there is no WIFI or cellphone coverage to distract me. In early November this year I gave it a try. I packed a reading bag to its limit with papers and books. There were conservation position papers, studies on bird pop- ulation trends, research reports, and a couple of books. The day was mild, light winds, lots of sun, an all-around great fall day. While most of the leaves had fallen, some dirty gold needles still clung to the tamaracks along Alder Drive, and scat- tered chestnut-hued oak leaves could be seen on the far hillsides. I brought along a comfortable camp chair, set out my coffee and listened to a scattering of crows, chickadees, and goldfinches that were joining me. Regrettably I discovered my cell provider’s signal was pretty good out there that day, so I turned off the ringer to preserve the illusion of being away from it all. Most of the reading material was pretty technical, typical of what I read. I did, however, take a university English class this fall on environmental literature. This included a wide assortment of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. Some of this was fa- miliar to me, some pretty new. I’ve never read much poetry, I don’t have a good handle yet on “how” to read it, but have enjoyed exploring that facet of literature. Included in my bag is a recent book of poetry. It came in the mail this fall with a note that said “. . . thought you might enjoy it given there are a number of poems about birds in it.” John Bates is the author. I’ve enjoyed reading his earlier works, wonderful essays about northern Wisconsin. I have to admit I made a tactical mistake in terms of getting any “useful” WSO reading done. I started with John’s poetry book. As I mentioned earlier, I’m still a novice when it comes to reading poetry, so I paged through the book, randomly sampling poems here and there. The first few were pleasant to read. Then I came across one I read again, and again, and again.

WINTER WREN SINGS*

When the winter wren sings the notes make a riot in the leaves as if the wind rose from every direction and blew and blew for seven seconds then stopped, reminding us

*John Bates. 2017. Cold to the Bone. Manitowish River Press. Poem used with permission.

1 2 President’s Statement

why we fell in love with the world.

When the winter wren sings he invites us to join his whirling dervish dance a dizzying and heartbursting dance a time when shafts of light sweeten the air, the air that we breathe when we finally remember to breathe.

When the winter wren sings children stop chasing and cock their heads listening to his ecstasy that takes them as far as their imaginations can go, a voice that makes them fall onto the wild ground to lay among the cushions of mosses and to laugh in the dirt.

I quickly realized that I too wanted “. . . to lay among the cushions of mosses/and to laugh/in the dirt.” And I was close to such a spot. The reading bag was repacked, returned to the car, and exchanged for my binocs. Up the valley trail I went, headed for a tangle of hemlocks near the first creek crossing. The typical assortment of nuthatches, downies, crows and jays said hello. It was late enough in the fall to see many valley features I usually miss in sum- mer. Things hidden by both the physical obstruction of the leaves, and by the vir- tual obstruction from my attention almost entirely focused on bird song. These disappear in fall and my visual perception expands. I notice the sandstone faces west of the trail, the evergreens that top them off, the subtle topographic features of the shrub wetland along the creek, and the wonderful views of the ridgeline re- cently purchased for our preserve. My destination was the first stream crossing. There a steep exposed slope over- looks the stream, large hemlocks shade from above, and the trunks of their fallen comrades make walking the slope even more difficult. The downed wood is green with mosses and bright ferns cover the ground, even though it’s well into No- vember. A “wreny” spot if I’ve ever seen one. I sit on a downed log, enjoying the tangle and the color and the quiet, waiting for a wren. No wren ever showed itself. But I wasn’t disappointed. A nice walk, a nice sit, and a much needed reminder of why I spend time worrying about the future of our birds. —Michael John Jaeger, President From the Editors’ Desk

Bird Photography

ameras, including those now available on mobile phones, have developed Csuch that excellent optics are now relatively affordable, no longer being out of the fiscal reach of the amateur photographer. This is true to the point where many birders are taking bird photos, using long-range lenses or digiscoping. More- over, the number of birders making high quality bird images has increased re- markably, as can be seen on the pages of social media, personal blogs, eBird, and The Passenger Pigeon. Speaking strictly from our own experience, we value camera use for several dif- ferent reasons. First of all is the esthetic challenge of creating a beautiful image. Second, the photographs help to recreate the events of a given outing—it’s al- most like doing the birding outing all over again, much like viewing photographs of a family event. Third, we learn more about birds’ details from working on and reviewing the photos. Finally, it helps us document what we have seen, especially unusual species. The last has become increasingly important to review committees, likely due largely to the fact that photographs have become more available. The importance of doing this sort of documentation together with a detailed written description, along with the hows and whys, is the subject of this issue’s main article by Ted Keyel. We recommend this article as both excellent and informative. One more thing needs to be mentioned: bird photography ethics. We all know of stories of birders wanting to get good photographs who get too close to a bird, or throw out mice so that the photographer can shoot the raptor as it snatches up a mouse. In the rush of excitement of getting a good photo of a rare species, it’s easy to forget how the desired bird might regard us, and how our behavior might impair the bird’s well-being. Above all, photographers (any birders, really) need to put a bird’s welfare first, most critically in breeding season. Use common sense, and always keep in mind how your actions will affect the birds. For more specific, please consult the WSO Code of Ethics that can be found on the following Inter- net link: https://wsobirds.org/about-wso/code-of-ethics.The code works as well for photography as it does for the general birder.

—Charles A. Heikkinen and Delia O. Unson

3 Photographed by Beverly Engstrom, an adult Bald Eagle rises from the water after a fishing attempt in Oneida County in mid-May.

4 Documenting Birds

Ted Keyel [email protected]

ost states (countries) have rare to a decline in written documentation Mbird committees, a group of ex- skills. Why bother actually observing perienced birders who vote on whether traits of a bird when you have a photo they think a particular record is valid that shows everything? Why take your given the documentation provided. valuable time to write a description of This committee exists as peer-reviewers the bird when your photo is diagnostic? for these sightings in an attempt to give On the other side of the spectrum, why unusual events (such as an out-of-place review a written description when you bird) some measure of scientific credi- can just look at a picture and see if the bility. Beyond the coolness factor of person saw the bird they said they did? finding out which species show up in a Why waste your time with written docu- given location at a certain time, rare mentation when reviewers and com- bird records can provide useful infor- mittees only look at photographs? mation into bird life history informa- These questions are intentionally writ- tion such as behavior and migration. ten to elicit an emotional response, but There is much that can go into docu- hopefully that emphasizes the points of menting these observations and the the questions. The goal of this article is documentation process can be chal- to encourage you to think a little more lenging and frustrating. This article is critically about documenting birds, be intended to increase awareness for use- it for personal enjoyment or for sub- ful ways to document birds, both writ- mission to a records committee. ten and/or photographic documenta- First and foremost, it’s important to tion. All of the examples in this article document what you are actually seeing are common occurrences and none of (or hearing) of the bird. I cannot em- the examples is intended to single out a phasize this enough. This sounds really specific person. obvious, but it is amazing how often this With the digital age everywhere and is ignored. Many descriptions are well- so pervasive, it has become easier than intended, but of little to no use to a re- ever to find out about different birds at viewer trying to validate the record. almost any location. Rarities are now This is likely a combination between ig- readily viewed by chasers from all over, norance and impetuousness. That said, many of whom have cameras to docu- there are plenty of other reasons not to ment the experience. However, it seems put effort in (e.g., you are a prolific that this ease (cost and convenience) eBirder and do not want to continually and expansion of photography have led document the same thing over and

5 6 Documenting Birds

Figure 1. American Avocet is a pretty distinctive bid, but it is more important to describe the bird itself than other factors not associated with its identification. over). Other descriptions focus on de- D: George is a good birder and he tails that can be useful, but should not told me this is what it is. be the primary information used for E: Large shorebird; fairly long, thin, documentation. Weather conditions, up-curved, black bill; reddish lighting, and what you were doing can head and neck; white eye-ring; be useful, but if those descriptions are back and wings were mostly black, longer than the description of the bird though there was a large white stripe through the wings very evi- itself, there is likely insufficient infor- dent even when perched; very mation provided. long, bluish legs that made the To emphasize this, here is a quick bird look like it was on stilts since game. Identify the species in each in- the body was so high above the stance given the documentation pro- ground. Bird spent most of its vided: time probing through the A: I saw the bird well. sand/mud along the water. B: It was sitting in good light. Which of those could you identify C: It looked exactly like the drawing from just the description provided? De- on p. 246 of The Bird Watcher’s scription A could be anything. B might America. not even really be a bird, but at least it The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 7

Figure 2. This Red-necked Phalarope shot past me and I was barely fast enough to take this one picture. was in good light. C you have to have very little to the identification of the that particular book, and if you had bird that was actually seen. D, even if that book, you would see an illustration George is a good of a birder this pro- of an American Avocet, but it still says vides no description of the bird itself

Figure 3. Just looking at this Tropical Kingbird picture is not sufficient to separate it from the very similar Couch’s Kingbird. I made the identification after hearing the vocalization. 8 Documenting Birds

(let alone bringing up questions about all the field marks pointed out in a George’s skills). E fairly readily and re- given guide verbatim is not helpful and peatedly gets you to the identification there is no specification whatsoever for of American Avocet (Please see Ameri- your particular bird. It can be really can Avocet photo) and provides infor- easy to convince yourself that you saw mation on the bird itself. field marks that are shown in a field Depending on the sighting, both in guide but that were not actually there terms of species and rarity, the amount or that you were unable to see. Did you of detail needed in the written docu- really get a good enough look to see the mentation can vary substantially. For orbital ring on that gull as it flew over most places, documenting an Avocet as you, let alone accurately tell if it was red “large shorebird, long legs, thin, up- or yellow? If you see a bird that you are curved bill, black-and-white body” will not sure what it is or want to look up be enough. However, it is easy to get some identification tips, of course look into the mindset of “If I need to docu- in the field guide, but try to take some ment an American Avocet, why should I notes on the bird first to reduce any need to say more than that I got a good bias. Remember, most field guides try look at it? I am a reasonably experi- to show the most average individuals enced birder and I have seen quite a lot they can, but birds vary. In some of Avocets. On top of that, it is a very dis- species, they vary substantially and your tinctive bird,” but how is someone else field guide will not be perfect for every supposed to know this information individual you see. Sometimes you get about you? On top of that, how often to a point where you know what field has the reviewer/records committee marks to look for and convince yourself been told that someone saw species A you are seeing them because you want and the description/photo showed it to the bird to be a particularly species. For be something completely different? example, I was recently watching a Please note that this is not intended large flock of Common Redpolls, and I to be an admonishment of the inexpe- wanted to see a Hoary Redpoll. I always rienced, but misidentifications are want to see Hoary Redpolls when I see common, especially for reviewers/com- Commons, and I know many of the mittee members. That said, making mis- main field marks to look for. It can be takes is not a bad thing! Everyone easy to convince yourself that you are makes mistakes and they can be one of seeing field marks you know to look for the best learning tools. It reminds me of when they are not actually there and the saying “the only difference between similarly, some marks and colors look the novice and expert is the number of very different depending on the light mistakes they have made.” and distance involved. I saw a redpoll Another frequent documentation that was quite a bit lighter than the oth- problem is copying descriptions word- ers, seemed a little larger, head and bill for-word from field guides. Field guides shape looked reasonable, and I can be a Catch-22. They point out some thought that the undertail coverts were very useful identification marks, many white. When I looked back at the pic- of which are the clues the records com- tures that evening, the bird looked very mittee are looking for to accept the different. There was fine streaking all documentation. However, just copying through the undertail coverts and the The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 9 structure and bill shape looked fairly strange angle? What is the distance of long and pointed. Perhaps if I had the birds in the picture to each other taken the time to study the bird a little and is that influencing the relative size longer and write some field notes, I comparison? It is important to be mind- would not have made the mistake of ful of these aspects when looking at any telling the other birder with me that I photos. Some species look so similar to was fairly certain the bird was a Hoary other species that photos alone are not Redpoll. sufficient for identification regardless Photography is an incredible tool for of the quality of the photo (Please see birders to use with many advantages. Tropical Kingbird photo). On the Photos can be extremely useful and other hand, many photos are diagnos- helpful for identification, both for the tic even if they are not very good observer and reviewer. With the advent (Please see Black Vulture photos). Ad- of digital photography, it is really easy ditional problems can arise from a sin- to have access to some form of camera gle photo which when presented as the and many of these cameras are pretty sole documentation may be suggestive remarkable. Digital photography is also for an identification but not sufficient. substantially easier to share with others, It is important to provide photos that be it through Facebook, Instagram, show key identification features prefer- Flickr, eBird, texting, and so many ably from different angles and in dif- other fast and convenient options. Pho- ferent lighting. tos also provide a fantastic study Ideally, documentation would con- medium and there is much to be tain both gorgeous/useful photos and learned about birds through carefully a detailed written description. Docu- looking at photos. Sometimes photos menting birds can be a challenge and, enable someone to make an identifica- like most challenges, it becomes easier tion that they may not have been able with practice and repetition. Everyone to make from a quick glimpse (Please learns in slightly different ways, but I see Red-necked Phalarope photo). Fur- have always found that I remember ther, photos are a fun way to share what something far better if I write it down. you have been seeing with others. As This really helps you focus on the mo- with everything, digital photography ment and what you are actually seeing. also comes with a suite of problems and The more detailed the notes, the more it is important to be aware of the limi- you learn about the bird. Experts be- tations associated with photos. There come so by studying the birds very in- are ways to lie with photographs, but tently and carefully. Have you noticed please don’t do that. Photos can be de- that many expert birders are incredible ceiving even if you do not intend them artists? By drawing/sketching birds, it to be. Is the exposure correct? Are also makes you pay attention to key fea- some colors off because of this or pos- tures, such as shape, size, plumage and sibly because the white balance is off? relative placement of body parts. How Are other features missing because the long/thick is the bill? Do the primaries picture is over or underexposed? What extend beyond the tail? What is the pat- is the angle of the bird relative to the terning on the upperparts? The list camera? Are features being foreshort- goes on and on and on. Speaking of ened or lengthened because of this lists, the following are some suggestions 10 Documenting Birds

Figures 4 and 5. While these Black Vulture pictures are bad, they are diagnostic for identification. for notes to include when documenting than the length of the bird? Were a bird. they wide? What about the tail? Tips for documenting birds: Bill? Etc. —If you did not see a trait, be up —Try to create stand-alone docu- front about it. You are not going to mentation (if someone did not see every ID characteristic every know which species you were doc- time and that is okay. umenting, would they be able to —If there are similar species, explain figure it out from the documenta- why it is not those species tion?) —Include why is the sighting is un- —Describe size (note: this is the bird’s common (e.g., early, late, high size, not some inanimate object count, extralimital, etc.) the bird was sitting on), shape, structure, plumage, and behav- Finally, please realize that those re- ioral characteristics. It’s okay to try viewing your records are volunteers try- to make some of these compar- ing to do their best and that even if isons relative to the bird itself. If your write-up/picture does not con- you were not sure if the wings were vince them to accept the bird, it does long or short, were they longer not mean you did not see it. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 11

50 Years Ago, in The Passenger Pigeon by Nancy Nabak Excerpts from Spring 1967, Volume 30, Number 1

The cover of this Passenger Pigeon sports a photo of a Mourning Dove with a hatchling snuggled in front of it in a nest, taken by John Lee. In Memoriam: “Dr. Harry Steenbock, humanitarian and longtime professor of biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin, died on December 25, 1967 at Madison. He was born in the Town of Charlestown, Calumet county, Wis- consin in August 1886 and attended schools at New Holstein and Chilton. He obtained his B.S. degree in at the University of Wisconsin in 1908 and the Ph.D. in 1916. He also studied at Yale and the University of Berlin. . . . Dr. Steenbock’s contributions to knowledge in the nutritional fields are many, but perhaps most generally known in his discovery of the process of incorporating vitamin D in foods. A patent was granted to him based on his method of “trapping the sun.” . . . His public service ideals led him to assist many organizations and groups with generous contributions when he found the members themselves actively working toward desired goals. When the WSO was preparing for its 25th an- niversary in 1964, he gave the Society $1,000 to assist in the celebration pro- gram. Subsequently he helped materially in their Honey Creek Natural Area project in the Baraboo Hills. . . . There are many living memorials to Dr. Harry Steenbock, in the person of researchers who were inspired by him and a healthier populace due to his nutritional discoveries.” Burrowing Owl Recorded in Portage Co. “On May 19, 1967 as I was returning from a morning of watching Prairie Chickens I decided to check at Kingfisher nest I had under observation. I was at town 22 north, range 8 east, section 33 N.E./S.E. when I noticed some- thing standing on a mound by a Badger burrow in an open pasture. . . . Imagine my surprise when instead of a ground squirrel I found a Bur- rowing Owl staring back at me. I watched it for a while to make sure I wasn’t dreaming and then scoped the surrounding area for others. Now I was ready to break the news to my skeptical public. At 2:00 in the afternoon I went back with Fran Hamerstrom to the area to get another person’s identification. By this time a rather gusty wind had come up and the owl was not on the burrow. It was quickly found, however, sitting in the shelter of a clump of grass. Fran got a scope on it and verified my find. We both agreed it was a Burrowing Owl. It was about 9 inches tall, with long and rather bare legs, upright stance, and yellow iris. We both had the past experience of Burrowing Owls in the West.”—Frank B. Renn, Plainfield WI A perched Vilas County Black-and-white Warbler scans the area in this image by David Franzen in late May.

12 The Spring Season: 2017

Sunil Gopalan [email protected]

ollowing a warm January/February following non-domestic non-review Fand low snowfall totals during the species that were found in 2016: Gray preceding winter, spring in Wisconsin Partridge, Hoary Redpoll, and Black- was relatively warm and wet. Snow ac- backed Woodpecker. We did have re- cumulation during spring was below ports for Pine Grosbeak, Red Knot, and normal at both Madison and LaCrosse, Worm-eating Warbler, which were but above normal near the lakeshore in missed last year. Milwaukee. In terms of overall precipi- Almost all of the data described in tation, Madison reported 2 inches this report comes from eBird. I antici- above normal numbers, and 3.5 inches pate that soon I will be able to elimi- above normal was reported in Milwau- nate the following section altogether kee. Much of the precipitation in the (where I show the growth in adoption southern part of the state was in March of eBird as the reporting tool of and April. A little to the north, La choice). Crosse had the sixth wettest spring on With the steady growth of reports record including a very wet May. Aver- made to eBird from Wisconsin over the age temperatures across the state were last several years, its adoption as the pri- just a little above normal. The ice cover mary tool to record birding observa- in mid-February on the Great Lakes was tions seems to be steady and strong. a little above that in 2016, with Lake Su- The graph below shows the steady perior at 5.7% versus 4.6% and Lake growth in volume of data and ob- Michigan at 14.4% versus 11.9%. servers. With these conditions, we had seven For those still unfamiliar with it, record or near record early arrivals this eBird is a program released by the Cor- spring. Similar to 2016, almost every ex- nell Lab of Ornithology in 2002 that pected waterfowl species was present in aims to provide an easy and accessible the state at the beginning of the season, means to document checklists online. likely due to the abundance of open By providing this data to eBird, you water. All of the other typical early mi- contribute to a database of bird abun- grants like Sandhill Crane, Killdeer and dance and distribution that is heavily Turkey Vulture were also present. utilized by educators, researchers, con- A total of 317 species were reported servation biologists and more to study in the state this spring. This compares these populations. It also allows for a re- to 311 in 2016 and 330 in 2015. This markable amount of flexibility in gen- year we did not have any reports for the erating reports such as this one when

13 14 The Spring Season: 2017

Kristie Pinnow captured this beautiful image of a Bohemian Waxwing found in Vilas County in early March. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 15

The wonderful detail decorating the back of this Ruffed Grouse stands out as imaged by Beverly Engstrom in mid-April in Oneida County.

Adam Sinkula found this Kewaunee County Wilson’s Snipe skulking in rushes in mid-April. 16 The Spring Season: 2017 compared to the traditional paper (Dane) is 460 compared to 36 in the forms. leading county by growth (Waushara). I continue to encourage eBird ob- The leaders in checklists submitted servers to maximize data utility by sub- during Spring 2017 were Jim Frank mitting complete checklists—we value (726), Peder Svingen (693), and Robin knowing what you didn’t observe as Maercklein (600). By number of much as what you did observe. This species reported across the state, the means reporting everything you see in- leaders were Rick Anderson (262), Kay cluding common species. By doing so, Kavanaugh (260), Thomas Wood and checking the ‘complete checklist’ (260), and Mark Korducki (251). box in your reports, you enhance our Countability was not factored into these ability to understand species distribu- numbers. tions. In terms of number of species re- I also continue to encourage you to ported, Dane County led with 249. At submit correct or estimated counts with the other end of the spectrum, Menom- all species observations. A number, inee County had only 101 species re- even as an estimate, is much better than ported (which is however still an im- an unknown number (denoted by an X provement over 75 reported last year). in eBird). Buffalo and Sawyer counties tied for second lowest with 123 reported As you can see below, the number of species. checklists marked incomplete and ob- The species reported from all 72 servations with unknown counts have counties were Canada Goose, Wood continued to trend downwards over the Duck, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, last year. Note that the incomplete Wild Turkey, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, checklist data has excluded incidental Red-tailed Hawk, Sandhill Crane, observations and corrects a mathemat- Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hum- ical error from last year’s report. mingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy A final note about eBird data is the Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern distribution of data submissions by Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, county. The heavily birded southern American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black- counties of Dane and Milwaukee con- capped Chickadee, White-breasted tinue to dominate the data in terms of Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, American number of checklists submitted, with Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, 6,555 and 3,542 respectively in Spring Common Yellowthroat, American Red- 2017. This is compared to 25 checklists start, Yellow Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, from Menominee County, the lowest White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, number for a given county. In terms of Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Rose- growth in the number of checklists breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, since 2016, the leaders are Waushara, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Vernon, and Crawford Counties—these Grackle. all showed more than 100% growth. The species reported from the least The figure below shows the distribution number of counties (just one each) be- of checklist counts by county over the sides several of the review species and season. It’s worth noting that the num- introduced exotics were Townsend’s ber of observers in the leading county Solitaire and Kirtland’s Warbler. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 17

Compared to the 37 species reported populations are changing and appro- from all 72 counties in spring of 2017, priately prioritize conservation efforts. 31 species were reported in spring In Spring 2017, one state first confir- 2016, 33 were reported in spring mation was found— King Rail (Dodge). 2015/2014, and 17 in spring 2013 and In total—38 county first confirmed spring 2012. breeding records were found. These in- The following review (or new to the cluded records for Hooded Merganser state list) species were accepted: (Iowa), Great Egret (Calumet, Brant, Eurasian Wigeon, Pacific Kenosha), Turkey Vulture (Columbia, Loon, Glossy Ibis, Mississippi Kite, Yel- Florence), Osprey (Racine), King Rail low Rail (Kewaunee), King Rail, Ruff, (Dodge), Virginia Rail (Polk), Sora Little Gull, White-winged Dove, Lewis’s (Crawford), Whooping Crane (Dodge), Woodpecker, Prairie Falcon, Western American Woodcock (Polk), Wilson’s Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Snipe (Dane, St. Croix), Ring-billed Gull Smith’s Longspur, Lark Bunting, West- (Dodge, Ozaukee), Caspian Tern (Oza- ern Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, and u kee, Winnebago), Red-bellied Wood- pecker (Oneida), Peregrine Falcon Painted Bunting (Door), Alder Flycatcher (Dane), Com- In addition to these review species, mon Raven (Sauk, St. Croix, Wood), the following record early arrivals were Purple Martin (Vernon), Tufted Tit- reported: Cattle Egret (Jennifer Am- mouse (Dodge, Waushara), Brown brose on March 28) and Yellow Warbler Creeper (Jefferson), Hermit Thrush (Robert Schneider on April 15). (Dodge), Louisiana Waterthrush (Keno - The year 2017 was the third year of sha), Black-and-white Warbler (Milwau- the five-year Wisconsin Breeding Bird kee), Cerulean Warbler (Jackson), Atlas II. The atlas is a comprehensive Black-throated Blue Warbler (Oconto), field survey that documents the distri- Yellow-rumped Warbler (Brown), bution and abundance of breeding LeConte’s Sparrow (Jackson), Orchard birds. The previous atlas (WBBA I) was Oriole (Outagamie), Purple Finch conducted between the years of 1995 (Outagamie), Red Crossbill (Fond du and 2000, and was an unprecedented Lac), and Pine Siskin (Florence). Refer- field effort that documented 237 ence the species accounts for details. species of which 235 were classified as at least “probable” breeders in the state. SPECIES ACCOUNTS The results of that effort continue to be used to guide conservation and man- This is a comprehensive account of agement efforts in Wisconsin. all species and hybrids reported this The current one (WBBA II) will run season. through 2019 and relies to a large ex- Symbols and abbreviations used: tent on volunteers across the state re- * = Review or record early/late porting the latest information on species that require submission of doc- breeding birds in Wisconsin so that an umentation to and approval from the updated and current picture can be WSO Records Committee before ac- formed. The ability to compare the ceptance results with those from WBBA I will ad- ** = Review species with no docu- ditionally allow us insights into how mentation submitted to the WSO 18 The Spring Season: 2017

The distinctive, pearly pattern on the chest on this adult Northern Shrike shows clearly in this photo taken by Eric Preston in Iowa County in mid-March.

Michael Huebschen witnessed this male Sharp-tailed Grouse displaying for a female in late April at Namekagon Barrens State Wildlife Area in Burnett County. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 19

This Orange-crowned Warbler, imaged by Kristie Pinnow, peeks around buds in Vilas County in mid-May.

An Oneida County Indigo Bunting, photographed by Beverly Engstrom, sits on a flowering bush in late May. 20 The Spring Season: 2017

Records Committee – hence subject to counties this species has been reported from in the review process in the future. the last ten years. The species was present at BOP in 21 counties BOP = Beginning Of Period (March across the state. High count of 1000 observed in 1st) Dane County at Island Lake WPA (David John- EOP = End Of Period (May 31st) son) on March 18, 2017, and in Jefferson County NWR = National Wildlife Refuge at Hope Lake (Aaron Stutz) on March 12, 2017. SP = State Park Last observed in the southernmost counties on April 02, 2017 in Kenosha County at Richard WGLBBO = Western Great Lakes Bong SRA (Jennifer Wenzel, and David Willard). Bird and Bat Observatory Last observed in the season on May 26, 2017 in Milwaukee County at Veterans Park in Milwaukee Snow Goose—Reported in 45 counties (Marilyn Bontly). across the state this season. This compares to 34 counties in 2016 and 31 counties in 2015. This Brant*—One individual was photographed also represents the highest number of counties with a flock of Canada and Cackling Geese at this species has been reported from in the last ten Goose Pond (Arlene Koziol) in Columbia County years. this season on March 30, 2017. It stayed for an ex- The species was present at BOP in 14 of the tended period and was enjoyed by many ob- southern counties. First observed in the north- servers. It was last reported on April 16, 2017. ernmost counties on March 18, 2017 in Ashland The record was accepted by the WSORC. County (Nick Anich), and in Marinette County (Lindsey Bender). High count of 1730 observed Cackling Goose—Reported in 41 counties in Columbia County at Goose Pond (Mark & Sue across the state this season. This compares to 36 Martin) on March 27, 2017. Last observed in the counties in 2016 and 35 counties in 2015. This southernmost counties on May 12, 2017 in also represents the highest number of counties Kenosha County at Richard Bong SRA—observa- this species has been reported from in the last ten tion tower (John Dixon). Last observed in the years. The species was present at BOP in 12 counties season on May 30, 2017 in Kewaunee County across the state. High count of 323 observed in (Pam Schwedler). Dane County (Kyle Lindemer) on March 15, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- Ross’s Goose—Reported in 30 counties ties on April 05, 2017 in Green County (Jeff Auf- across the state this season. This is significantly mann). Last observed in the season on May 02, higher than 15 counties in 2016 and eight coun- 2017 in Dane County at Odana Marsh (Chuck ties in 2015. This also represents the highest Heikkinen). number of counties this species has been re- ported from in the last ten years. Canada Goose—Reported in all 72 coun- The species was present at BOP in six of the ties across the state this season. southeastern counties. High count of 105 ob- The species was present at BOP in 58 counties served in Columbia County at Goose Pond (Cyn- across the state. High count of 4000 observed in thia Bridge) on March 31, 2017. Last observed in Columbia County at Goose Pond (Aaron the southernmost counties on March 28, 2017 in Holschbach) on March 31, 2017. The species was Kenosha County (Jim Frank). Last observed in present at EOP across the state except for the the season on May 23, 2017 in Dane County at counties of Taylor, and Eau Claire. Shovelers Sink (Jim Schwarz). Breeding was confirmed across the state ex- cept for Trempealeau County by the end of the Snow ¥ Ross’s Goose (hybrid)—One in- season. dividual was observed in Marathon County (Lori Widmann) on April 13, 2017. Mute Swan—Reported in 24 counties across the state this season. This compares to 26 coun- Greater White-fronted Goose—Reported in ties in 2016 and 22 counties in 2015. 46 counties across the state this season. This com- First observed on March 02, 2017 in Bayfield pares to 45 counties in 2016 and 30 counties in County at Long Bridge/Head of the bay, Ashland 2015. This also represents the highest number of (Ryan Brady), and in Door County (Melody The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 21

Walsh). High count of 10 observed in Washing- Breeding was confirmed in 39 counties across ton County (Tom Schaefer) on May 21, 2017, and the state by the end of the season. (Andrea Szymczak) on May 21, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 10 counties across the state. Blue-winged Teal—Reported in 68 counties Breeding was confirmed in the counties of across the state this season. This compares to 67 Ashland, and Washington by the end of the sea- counties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. son. First observed on March 05, 2017 in Green County (Zoe Yoerger, and Quentin Yoerger). First Trumpeter Swan—Reported in 65 counties observed in the northernmost counties on March across the state this season. This compares to 64 27, 2017 in Bayfield County at Long Bridge/ counties in 2016 and 56 counties in 2015. This Head of the bay, Ashland (Alex Lehner). High also represents the highest number of counties count of 200 observed in Jefferson County this species has been reported from in the last ten (Robert Volenec) on April 15, 2017, and in Man- years. itowoc County at Collins Marsh SWA (Julie Wood- The species was present at BOP in 22 counties cock) on April 19, 2017. The species was present across the state. High count of 101 observed in at EOP in 36 counties across the state. Burnett County at Crex Meadows SWA (Patrick Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Peters) on May 09, 2017, and (Scott Clark) on Chippewa, Dane, Dodge, Oconto, and Wood May 09, 2017. The species was present at EOP in across the state by the end of the season. 25 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 17 counties across Cinnamon Teal**—One individual observed the state by the end of the season. on April 28, 2017 in Jefferson County at Hwy. 106 flooded fields, Fort Atkinson (Aaron Stutz). It was Tundra Swan—Reported in 60 counties last observed on May 03, 2017. across the state this season. This compares to 53 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in 2015. This Blue-winged ¥ Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)— also ties the highest number of counties this One individual reported in the counties of Dane, species has been reported from in the last ten and Sheboygan this season. years. The species was present at BOP in 14 counties Northern Shoveler—Reported in 68 coun- across the state. First observed in the northern- ties across the state this season. This compares to most counties on March 18, 2017 in Douglas 64 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in 2015. This County (Peder Svingen). High count of 1087 ob- also represents the highest number of counties served in Ozaukee County at Harrington Beach this species has been reported from in the last ten SP—WGLBBO waterbird count site (Calvin Bren- years. nan) on March 22, 2017. Last observed in the The species was present at BOP in 26 of the southernmost counties on April 09, 2017 in Grant southern counties. High count of 1068 observed County at Potosi Landing (Andrew Meiborg), in Dane County at Nine Springs Natural Area and in Kenosha County (Kristin Brunk, and Maia (Cari Sprague) on April 06, 2017. The species was Persche). Last observed in the season on May 30, present at EOP in 10 counties across the state. 2017 in Kewaunee County (Adam Sinkula). Breeding was confirmed in Outagamie County by the end of the season. Wood Duck—Reported in all 72 counties across the state this season. This compares to 71 Gadwall—Reported in 61 counties across counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. This the state this season. This compares to 58 coun- also ties the highest number of counties this ties in 2016 and 56 counties in 2015. This also species has been reported from in the last ten represents the highest number of counties this years. species has been reported from in the last ten The species was present at BOP in 12 of the years. southern counties. First observed in the north- The species was present at BOP in 26 counties ernmost counties on March 22, 2017 in Bayfield across the state. High count of 400 observed in County at Short Bridge, Ashland (Alex Lehner). Columbia County at Lake Wisconsin—Causeway High count of 75 observed by multiple observers (Bob Kavanagh and Kay Kavanagh) on March 23, this season. The species was present at EOP in 63 2017. The species was present at EOP in nine counties across the state. counties across the state. 22 The Spring Season: 2017

David Franzen caught this brilliant, male Purple Finch looking over its shoulder in early April in Vilas County.

This Sharp-shinned Hawk was photographed by Bob Larson at Heckrodt Preserve in Winnebago County in mid-April. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 23

This male Ruffed Grouse displays on a drumming log in Vilas County, as imaged by David Franzen in late May.

This flock of American Avocets gathered for Rita Flores Wiskowski at Samuel Myers Park in Racine County in late April. 24 The Spring Season: 2017

Breeding was confirmed in Dodge County by counties in 2016 and 47 counties in 2015. This the end of the season. also represents the highest number of counties this species has been reported from in the last ten Eurasian Wigeon*—Three individuals were years. reported this season. In Brown County at The species was present at BOP in 21 of the Sumaico (Tom Prestby) on April 4, 2017, in Out- southern counties. High count of 450 observed agamie county at DW Bergstrom III Memorial in Jefferson County (Cynthia Bridge) on March Waterfowl Complex (Dan Abel) on April 11, 2017 21, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost and in Bayfield county at Chequamegon Bay counties on May 16, 2017 in Racine County at (Tim Oksiuta) on April 14, 2017. Samuel Myers Park (Drew Goldberg). Last ob- All records were accepted by the WSORC. served in the season on May 31, 2017 in Burnett County (Judy Haseleu), and in Rusk County American Wigeon—Reported in 59 coun- (Tony Del Valle). ties across the state this season. This compares to 58 counties in 2016 and 55 counties in 2015. Green-winged Teal—Reported in 67 coun- The species was present at BOP in 23 of the ties across the state this season. This compares to southern counties. High count of 175 observed 66 counties in 2016 and 63 counties in 2015. This in Columbia County at Schoeneberg Marsh (Kim also represents the highest number of counties Kreitinger) on April 07, 2017. Last observed in this species has been reported from in the last ten the southernmost counties on April 18, 2017 in years. Grant County at Blue River Sand Barrens SNA The species was present at BOP in 23 counties (Richard Ouren). Last observed in the season on across the state. First observed in the northern- May 31, 2017 in Marathon County at George W. most counties on April 03, 2017 in Vilas County Mead SWA—Rangeline Rd (Myles Hurlburt). (Sarah Besadny). High count of 284 observed in Ozaukee County at Harrington Beach SP— Mallard—Reported across the state except WGLBBO waterbird count site (Calvin Brennan) for Menominee County this season. This com- on March 24, 2017. Last observed in the south- pares to all 72 counties in 2016 and 2015. ernmost counties on May 07, 2017 in Racine The species was present at BOP in 50 counties County at Nicholson Wildlife Refuge (Jennifer across the state. High count of 3000 observed in Wenzel). The species was present at EOP in 12 La Crosse County at Halfway Creek Marsh (Dan counties across the state. Jackson) on March 06, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 66 counties across the state. Canvasback—Reported in 48 counties Breeding was confirmed in 39 counties across across the state this season. This compares to 52 the state by the end of the season. counties in 2016 and 44 counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 17 of the American Black Duck—Reported in 46 southern counties. First observed in the north- counties across the state this season. This com- ernmost counties on March 26, 2017 in Douglas pares to 47 counties in 2016 and 49 counties in County at Wisconsin Point (Larry & Jan Krae- 2015. mer), and at Wisconsin Point—Allouez Bay The species was present at BOP in 23 counties (Peder Svingen). High count of 3000 observed in across the state. High count of 25 observed in La Crosse County (Dan Jackson) on March 23, Brown County at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- (Tom Zenner) on April 01, 2017. Last observed ties on April 21, 2017 in Rock County at Big Hill on May 30, 2017 in Vilas County (Guy David). Park (Joshua Cullum). Last observed in the sea- Breeding was confirmed in Ashland County by son on May 28, 2017 in Dodge County (Steve the end of the season. Oakley).

Mallard ¥ American Black Duck (hy- Redhead—Reported in 56 counties across brid)—Reported in 10 counties across the state the state this season. This compares to 58 coun- this season. This compares to 13 counties in 2016 ties in 2016 and 53 counties in 2015. and 10 counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 20 of the southern counties. First observed in the north- Northern Pintail—Reported in 53 counties ernmost counties on March 22, 2017 in Bayfield across the state this season. This compares to 49 County at Long Bridge/Head of the bay, Ashland The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 25

(Alex Lehner). High count of 1000 observed in County (Stuart Malcolm) on April 13 and 14, Waukesha County at Pewaukee Lake Area (Tim 2017. Hahn) on March 20, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost counties on April 22, 2017 in Harlequin Duck—Reported in eight coun- Kenosha County at Kenosha Lakefront (Tom ties across the state this season. This is signifi- Lally). The species was present at EOP in eight cantly higher than one county in 2016. This also counties across the state. represents the highest number of counties this Breeding was confirmed in the counties of species has been reported from in the last ten Dodge, and Fond du Lac by the end of the sea- years. son. First observed on March 02, 2017 in Win- nebago County (Stuart Malcolm), and in She- Ring-necked Duck—Reported across the boygan County at Sheboygan Lakefront (gen- state except for Menominee County this season. eral) (Barry Baumann). First observed in the This compares to 68 counties in 2016 and 69 northernmost counties on April 24, 2017 in Bay- counties in 2015. This also ties the highest num- field County (Ben Baldwin). High count of two ber of counties this species has been reported observed by multiple observers this season. Last from in the last ten years. observed on May 07, 2017 in Racine County at The species was present at BOP in 27 counties Samuel Myers Park (Drew Goldberg, and Eric across the state. High count of 800 observed in Howe). Jefferson County at Hope Lake (Aaron Stutz) on March 17, 2017. The species was present at EOP Surf Scoter—Reported in seven of the south- in 11 counties across the state. eastern counties this season. This compares to five counties in 2016 and six counties in 2015. First observed on March 09, 2017 in Ozaukee Greater Scaup—Reported in 37 counties County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- across the state this season. This compares to 39 terbird count site (Calvin Brennan). High count counties in 2016 and 32 counties in 2015. of five observed in Ozaukee County at Harring- The species was present at BOP in nine of the ton Beach SP—WGLBBO waterbird count site southeastern counties. First observed in the (Calvin Brennan) on April 19, 2017, and in Man- northernmost counties on March 20, 2017 in itowoc County at Manitowoc Lakefront (Charles Douglas County at Interstate Island WMA (WI) Sontag) on May 09, 2017. Last observed in the (Ben Anderson). High count of 11,000 observed southernmost counties on April 10, 2017 in in Brown County at Cat Island Causeway (re- Racine County (Marge Martin). Last observed in stricted access) (Tom Prestby) on March 11, the season on May 24, 2017 in Milwaukee County 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- at Bradford Beach/North Point (Tom Reed). ties on May 08, 2017 in Racine County at Racine Lakefront (Dan Jackson). The species was pres- White-winged Scoter—Reported in 10 of ent at EOP in the counties of Bayfield, Brown, the eastern counties this season. This compares and Manitowoc. to nine counties in 2016 and 10 counties in 2015. First observed on March 01, 2017 in Ozaukee Lesser Scaup—Reported in 65 counties County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- across the state this season. This compares to 62 terbird count site (Calvin Brennan). High count counties in 2016 and 58 counties in 2015. of 22 observed in Ozaukee County at Harrington The species was present at BOP in 23 of the Beach SP—WGLBBO waterbird count site southern counties. First observed in the north- (Calvin Brennan) on March 06, 2017. Last ob- ernmost counties on March 20, 2017 in Douglas served in the southernmost counties on April 13, County at Interstate Island WMA (WI) (Ben An- 2017 in Kenosha County (Janet Lyons). Last ob- derson). High count of 10000 observed in Ver- served in the season on May 20, 2017 in Green non County at Upper Mississippi River NWR— Lake County at Lake Maria County Park Pool 8 (Dan Jackson) on April 01, 2017. The (Quentin Yoerger). species was present at EOP in the counties of Brown, Burnett, Dane, Douglas, and Manitowoc. Black Scoter—Reported in six of the eastern counties this season. This is significantly higher Ring-necked Duck ¥ Lesser Scaup (hy- than three counties in 2016 and three counties brid)—One individual observed in Winnebago in 2015. 26 The Spring Season: 2017

Kenneth Younger captured this portrait of a Green Heron at the UW-Madison Arboretum in early May. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 27

A small group of Sandhill Cranes, imaged by Michael Huebschen, stands in Navarino State Wildlife Area in Shawano County in late March. 28 The Spring Season: 2017

First observed on March 03, 2017 in Dane (Tom Prestby) on March 11, 2017. Last observed County (Steve Thiessen). First observed in the in the southernmost counties on April 11, 2017 northernmost counties on May 27, 2017 in Vilas in Racine County (Carol Brandt Howard). Last County at Powell Marsh SWA (Dennis observed in the season on May 31, 2017 in Bay- Gustafson). High count of eight observed in Mil- field County at Long Bridge/Head of the bay, waukee County at Bradford Beach/North Point Ashland (Richard Ouren). (Mike Wanger) on April 13, 2017, and at Lake Park—Linnwood Water Treatment Plant to Brad- Barrow’s Goldeneye**—One individual ford Beach (Jym Mooney) on April 13, 2017. Last (adult male) reported in Sheboygan County this observed on May 27, 2017 in Vilas County at Pow- season at North Point (Dan Belter) on March 14, ell Marsh SWA. (Dennis Gustafson). 2017. It was last observed on March 19, 2017. This report was not submitted to the WSORC. Long-tailed Duck—Reported in nine coun- ties across the state this season. This compares to Hooded Merganser—Reported in all 72 13 counties in 2016 and 11 counties in 2015. counties across the state this season. This com- First observed on March 01, 2017 in Ozaukee pares to 69 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- 2015. This also represents the highest number of terbird count site (Calvin Brennan). First ob- counties this species has been reported from in served in the northernmost counties on April 02, the last ten years. 2017 in Bayfield County (Ryan Brady). High The species was present at BOP in 29 counties count of 3500 observed in Kewaunee County at across the state. High count of 250 observed in Red River County Park (Tom Prestby) on May 04, Marathon County at D.C. Everest Park (Dan Bel- 2017. The species was present at EOP in Mani- ter) on March 22, 2017. The species was present towoc County. at EOP in 38 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 28 counties across Bufflehead—Reported in all 72 counties the state by the end of the season. The confirma- across the state this season. This compares to 68 tion in Iowa County is the first in either atlas. counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. This also represents the highest number of counties Common Merganser—Reported across the this species has been reported from in the last ten state except for the counties of Buffalo, Jackson, years. and Richland this season. This compares to 66 The species was present at BOP in 21 counties counties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. across the state. High count of 150 observed in The species was present at BOP in 30 counties Shawano County (Ryne Rutherford) on April 21, 2017, in Jefferson County at Hope Lake (Aaron across the state. High count of 700 observed in Stutz) on March 22, 2017, and in Dane County at Calumet County (Ross Mueller) on March 09, Nine Springs Natural Area (Zach Lilla) on April 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- 10, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost ties on May 07, 2017 in Lafayette County at Yel- counties on May 12, 2017 in Green County lowstone Lake SP (Ashley Isaacson, Sarah Wells, (Marta Magellan), and in Racine County at Wind and Bird Person). The species was present at EOP Point Lighthouse and Shoop Park (Drew Gold- in the counties of Bayfield, Door, and Vilas. berg). Last observed in the season on May 31, 2017 in Bayfield County at Long Bridge/Head of Red-breasted Merganser—Reported in 50 the bay, Ashland (Richard Ouren), and in Co- counties across the state this season. This com- lumbia County at Schoeneberg Marsh (Paul pares to 52 counties in 2016 and 43 counties in Schilke). 2015. The species was present at BOP in 12 counties Common Goldeneye—Reported in 64 across the state. First observed in the northern- counties across the state this season. This com- most counties on March 24, 2017 in Marinette pares to 62 counties in 2016 and 59 counties in County at Red Arrow Park (Joan Campbell). 2015. High count of 2161 observed in Ozaukee County The species was present at BOP in 36 counties at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO waterbird across the state. High count of 13000 observed in count site (Calvin Brennan) on March 20, 2017. Brown County at Cat Island Causeway (restricted The species was present at EOP in seven counties access) (Tom Prestby) on March 05, 2017, and adjoining the Great Lakes. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 29

Ruddy Duck—Reported in 56 counties across County at Sheltered Valley/Pine River Rd./FR the state this season. This compares to 48 coun- 2182 (Jack Swelstad). High count of one ob- ties in 2016 and 41 counties in 2015. This also served by multiple observers this season. Last ob- represents the highest number of counties this served on May 03, 2017 in Iron County (Ryan species has been reported from in the last ten Brady). years. The species was present at BOP in six of the Sharp-tailed Grouse—Reported in four of southeastern counties. First observed in the the northwestern counties of Bayfield, Burnett, northernmost counties on April 15, 2017 in Price, and Taylor this season. This compares to Marinette County (E Griffis). High count of 1800 the same number of counties in 2016 and 2015. observed in Brown County (Tom Prestby) on First observed on March 11, 2017 in Burnett April 15, 2017, and (Willson Gaul) on April 15, County at Crex Meadows SWA (Kris Moulton). 2017. The species was present at EOP in 12 coun- First observed in the northernmost counties on ties across the state. May 10, 2017 in Bayfield County (Washburn Ranger District CNNF). High count of 28 ob- Northern Bobwhite—Reported in seven served in Burnett County (Brian Collins) on counties across the state this season. This is sig- April 09, 2017. Last observed on May 31, 2017 in nificantly higher than three counties in 2016 and Bayfield County (Washburn Ranger District four counties in 2015. CNNF). First observed on March 05, 2017 in Portage Breeding was confirmed in Bayfield County by County (Rick Anderson). High count of four ob- the end of the season. served in Portage County (Rick Anderson) on March 05, 2017. Last observed on May 29, 2017 in Greater Prairie-Chicken—Reported in four Wood County (Thomas Sell, and Patricia Kuzma of the central counties of Adams, Marathon, Sell). Portage, and Wood this season. This compares to the same number of counties in 2016 and 2015. Ring-necked Pheasant—Reported in 56 First observed on March 01, 2017 in Portage counties across the state this season. This com- County (Rick Anderson). High count of 21 ob- pares to 55 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in served in Portage County (Rick Anderson) on 2015. March 13, 2017. Last observed on May 27, 2017 in The species was present at BOP in 13 counties Portage County at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh across the state. First observed in the northern- (Nick Seeger). most counties on April 11, 2017 in Marinette County (Lindsey Bender). High count of 30 ob- Wild Turkey—Reported in all 72 counties served in Pierce County (Ba Kal) on March 16, across the state this season. 2017. The species was present at EOP in 29 coun- The species was present at BOP in 35 counties ties across the state. across the state. High count of 200 observed in Marathon County (Dan Belter) on March 04, Ruffed Grouse—Reported in 50 counties 2017. The species was present at EOP in 57 coun- across the state this season. This compares to 57 ties across the state. counties in 2016 and 53 counties in 2015. Breeding was confirmed in 17 counties across The species was present at BOP in 10 counties the state by the end of the season. across the state. High count of nine observed in Rusk County (Max Malmquist) on April 08, 2017. Red-throated Loon—Reported in eight The species was present at EOP in 31 counties counties adjoining the Great Lakes this season. across the state. This compares to nine counties in 2016 and eight Breeding was confirmed in the counties of counties in 2015. Iron, Jackson, and Oneida by the end of the sea- First observed on March 02, 2017 in Ozaukee son. County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- terbird count site (Calvin Brennan). First ob- Spruce Grouse—Reported in four of the served in the northernmost counties on May 26, northern counties of Florence, Forest, Iron, and 2017 in Bayfield County at Sioux/Onion R. Oneida this season. This compares to four coun- Mouth at Bayview Beach (Erik Bruhnke, Ryan ties in 2016 and four counties in 2015. Brady, and Nick Anich). High count of 38 ob- First observed on April 05, 2017 in Forest served in Ozaukee County at Harrington Beach 30 The Spring Season: 2017

Greg Hottman secured this portrait of a red-phase Eastern Screech Owl in Dane County in late March. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 31

A male Bobolink appears poised for action in this photo taken by Eric Preston in mid-May in Iowa County.

A wet Great Horned Owl, found by Rita Flores Wiskowski, peers from the crotch of a tree in Milwaukee County in late March. 32 The Spring Season: 2017

SP—WGLBBO waterbird count site (Calvin Bren- Horned Grebe—Reported in 57 counties nan) on May 04, 2017. Last observed in the south- across the state this season. This compares to 45 ernmost counties on May 04, 2017 in Racine counties in 2016 and 48 counties in 2015. County at Wind Point Lighthouse and Shoop First observed on March 02, 2017 in Waukesha Park (Helen Pugh). Last observed in the season County at Idle Isle Park (Andrea Szymczak), and on May 26, 2017 in Bayfield County at Sioux/ in Ozaukee County at Stonecroft Pond (Jim Onion R. Mouth at Bayview Beach (Erik Frank). First observed in the northernmost coun- Bruhnke, Ryan Brady, and Nick Anich). ties on April 05, 2017 in Douglas County at Wis- consin Point (Larry & Jan Kraemer). High count Pacific Loon*—One individual was re- of 800 observed in Marathon County at Radtke ported on April 2, 2017 from Lake Waubesa in Park (Dan Belter) on April 20, 2017. Last ob- Dane County (Don Stone). The report was ac- served in the southernmost counties on May 07, cepted by the WSORC. 2017 in Racine County at Wind Point Lighthouse and Shoop Park (Jennifer Wenzel). Last observed Common Loon—Reported in 62 counties in the season on May 18, 2017 in Douglas County across the state this season. This compares to 64 at Wisconsin Point (Larry & Jan Kraemer). counties in 2016 and 63 counties in 2015. First observed on March 02, 2017 in Ozaukee Red-necked Grebe—Reported in 11 coun- County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- ties across the state this season. This compares to terbird count site (Calvin Brennan). First ob- 10 counties in 2016 and 15 counties in 2015. served in the northernmost counties on March First observed on March 09, 2017 in Ozaukee 30, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ryan Brady). High County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- count of 124 observed in Ozaukee County at Har- terbird count site (Mike Wanger, and Calvin rington Beach SP—WGLBBO waterbird count Brennan). High count of 11 observed in Ozau- site (Calvin Brennan) on May 01, 2017. Last ob- kee County (Jim Frank) on April 20, 2017. Last served in the southernmost counties on May 10, observed on May 31, 2017 in Burnett County (Judy Haseleu), and in Columbia County at 2017 in Racine County at Samuel Myers Park Schoeneberg Marsh (Paul Schilke). (stan rosenstiel), and at Pugh Marina (stan rosen- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Co- stiel). The species was present at EOP in 21 coun- lumbia, and Winnebago by the end of the season. ties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in nine counties Eared Grebe—Reported in eight of the east- across the state by the end of the season. ern counties this season. This is significantly higher than five counties in 2016 and two coun- Pied-billed Grebe—Reported across the ties in 2015. state except for Menominee County this season. First observed on March 27, 2017 in Milwau- This compares to 66 counties in 2016 and 70 kee County at Milwaukee Art Museum (Jym counties in 2015. This also ties the highest num- Mooney), in Kewaunee County at Kewaunee Har- ber of counties this species has been reported bor (Tom Zenner), and in Ozaukee County at from in the last ten years. Harrington Beach SP (Jim Frank). High count of The species was present at BOP in eight of the three observed in Waupaca County (Don Nuss- southeastern counties. First observed in the baum) on April 17, 2017. Last observed on May northernmost counties on March 22, 2017 in 14, 2017 in Oneida County (Walter Piper). Marinette County at Red Arrow Park (Marcia Hurst). High count of 60 observed in Dane Western Grebe—Reported in the counties County at Lake Farm County Park (Jim Schwarz) of Burnett, Dane, and Kewaunee this season. This on April 06, 2017, in Jefferson County at Korth compares to three counties in 2016. This also ties Park (Aaron Stutz) on April 20, 2017, and in La the highest number of counties this species has Crosse County at Myrick Marsh (Emily Weiser) been reported from in the last ten years. on April 29, 2017. The species was present at EOP First observed on April 07, 2017 in Kewaunee in 31 counties across the state. County at Kewaunee Harbor (Tom Zenner). Breeding was confirmed in four of the eastern High count of two observed by multiple observers counties of Dodge, Rock, Shawano, and Vilas by this season. Last observed on May 29, 2017 in the end of the season. Dane County at Fish Lake (Mary Hampton). The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 33

Double-crested Cormorant—Reported in County (Karen Straub) on May 14, 2017, and in 58 counties across the state this season. This com- Burnett County (Judy Haseleu) on May 13, 2017. pares to 54 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in The species was present at EOP in 14 counties 2015. across the state. First observed on March 16, 2017 in Mani- towoc County (Two Rivers Stopover Project). First Great Blue Heron—Reported across the observed in the northernmost counties on April state except for Pepin County this season. This 02, 2017 in Bayfield County at Northern Great compares to 70 counties in 2016 and 71 counties Lakes Visitor Center (Tim Oksiuta). High count in 2015. This also ties the highest number of of 3500 observed in Winnebago County (Jeff counties this species has been reported from in Baughman) on April 25, 2017. The species was the last ten years. present at EOP in 25 counties across the state. The species was present at BOP in 12 counties Breeding was confirmed in seven counties across the state. First observed in the northern- across the state by the end of the season. most counties on March 22, 2017 in Marinette County at Red Arrow Park (Marcia Hurst). High American White Pelican—Reported in 51 count of 120 observed in Marathon County at counties across the state this season. This com- D.C. Everest Park (Dan Belter) on April 11, 2017, pares to 48 counties in 2016 and 45 counties in and (Dan Belter) on April 12, 2017. The species 2015. was present at EOP in 59 counties across the state. First observed on March 05, 2017 by multiple Breeding was confirmed in 22 counties across observers this season. First observed in the north- the state by the end of the season. ernmost counties on April 13, 2017 in Marinette County at Red Arrow Park (Marcia Hurst). High Great Egret—Reported in 45 counties count of 3000 observed in Brown County (Tom across the state this season. This compares to 40 Prestby) on May 10, 2017. The species was pres- counties in 2016 and 45 counties in 2015. ent at EOP in 25 counties across the state. First observed on March 28, 2017 by multiple Breeding was confirmed in four of the south- observers this season. First observed in the north- eastern counties of Brown, Dane, Dodge, and ernmost counties on April 04, 2017 in Marinette Winnebago by the end of the season. County at Red Arrow Park (Marcia Hurst). High count of 75 observed in Walworth County at Na- American Bittern—Reported in 57 counties tureland Park (Daniel Schneider) on May 14, across the state this season. This compares to 49 2017. The species was present at EOP in 24 coun- counties in 2016 and 48 counties in 2015. This ties across the state. also represents the highest number of counties Breeding was confirmed in seven counties this species has been reported from in the last ten years. across the state by the end of the season. Of these, First observed on April 01, 2017 in Door the confirmations in the counties of Calumet, County (Dan Collins), and in Winnebago County and Kenosha are the first in either atlas. (Mark Messer). First observed in the northern- most counties on April 08, 2017 in Bayfield Snowy Egret—Reported in four of the County at Sioux/Onion R. Mouth at Bayview southeastern counties of Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Beach (Elizabeth Lexau). High count of 75 ob- and Outagamie this season. This is significantly served in Winnebago County at Rush Lake higher than one county in 2016. (David Aronson) on April 22, 2017. The species First observed on May 12, 2017 in Dane was present at EOP in 27 counties across the state. County at County V Ponds (Sunil Gopalan, Kyle Lindemer, Aaron Holschbach, and Darrell Schiff- Least Bittern—Reported in 13 counties man). High count of one observed by multiple across the state this season. This compares to 15 observers this season. Last observed on May 23, counties in 2016 and 16 counties in 2015. 2017 in Outagamie County (Jeff Brinkman). First observed on May 06, 2017 in Manitowoc County (Sumner Matteson, and Nancy Nabak). Little Blue Heron**—Up to three individ- First observed in the northernmost counties on uals were reported from La Crosse County this May 13, 2017 in Marinette County at Lake No- season. First observed on April 29, 2017 (Brian quebay SWA and Sedge Meadow SNA (Jay Wat- Baker). Last observed on May 01, 2017 (Dan Jack- son). High count of two observed in Outagamie son, and Gwyneth Calvetti). 34 The Spring Season: 2017

Kenneth Younger found this late May Least Bittern almost in full view in the marsh at Edna Taylor Park in Dane County in late May.

Jym Mooney discovered this collection of walking geese, including Canada, Snow, and Ross’s Goose, in early March in Milwaukee County. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 35

This uncommon Smith’s Longspur was spotted in a field in Dane County by Greg Hottman in late April.

This Broad-winged Hawk, denizen of the north woods, was photographed by Stephen Fisher in Oneida County in late April. 36 The Spring Season: 2017

Cattle Egret—Reported in nine of the south- White-faced Ibis—Reported in four of the ern counties this season. This is significantly southeastern counties of Dane, Dodge, Fond du higher than four counties in 2016 and three Lac, and Green Lake this season. This compares counties in 2015. to three counties in 2016. First observed on March 28, 2017 in Milwau- First observed on April 16, 2017 in Dane kee County at Jackson Park (Susan Kulinski, Jen- County at Nine Springs Natural Area (Shawn nifer Ambrose, and Lorri Howski). High count of Miller, Brian Schneider, Kenny Younger, and 15 observed in Winnebago County (Jeff Baugh- Mary Hampton). High count of three observed man) on May 24, 2017. Last observed in the by multiple observers in Dodge County at Hori- southernmost counties on May 15, 2017 in Grant con NWR across several dates. Last observed on County (Craig Kruse). Last observed in the sea- May 11, 2017 by multiple observers at the same son on May 30, 2017 in Jefferson County (Cyn- location. thia Bridge). Breeding was confirmed in Winnebago Turkey Vulture—Reported in all 72 coun- County by the end of the season. ties across the state this season. This compares to 72 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. This Green Heron—Reported in 61 counties also ties the highest number of counties this across the state this season. This compares to 61 species has been reported from in the last ten counties in 2016 and 64 counties in 2015. years. First observed on April 09, 2017 in Racine The species was present at BOP in 13 counties County at Trout Ponds Conservancy (Eric Howe). across the state. First observed in the northern- First observed in the northernmost counties on most counties on March 26, 2017 in Bayfield April 21, 2017 in Forest County (Nancy Rich- County (Ryan Brady). High count of 85 observed mond). High count of 11 observed in Jefferson in Door County at Washington Island—general County at Rose Lake SNA (Philip Kress) on May (Melody Walsh) on April 16, 2017. The species 21, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 44 was present at EOP in 63 counties across the state. counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Calumet, Columbia, Florence, Marathon, and Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Manitowoc, and Sauk by the end of the season. Of these, the con- Polk by the end of the season. firmations in the counties of Columbia, and Flo- rence are the first in either atlas. Black-crowned Night-Heron—Reported in 23 counties across the state this season. This com- Osprey—Reported in 66 counties across the pares to 23 counties in 2016 and 19 counties in state this season. This compares to 67 counties in 2015. 2016 and 64 counties in 2015. First observed on April 09, 2017 in Dodge First observed on March 25, 2017 in Dane County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 49 (Jeff Baugh- County at Wingra Park (Peter Overholt). First ob- man), and in Fond du Lac County at Horicon served in the northernmost counties on April 09, NWR—Hwy. 49 (Jeff Baughman). First observed 2017 in Bayfield County (Haley Appleman). High in the northernmost counties on April 19, 2017 count of seven observed in Manitowoc County at in Marinette County (Marcia Hurst). High count Collins Marsh SWA (Robert Domagalski) on May of 16 observed in Fond du Lac County at Hori- 15, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 39 con NWR—Hwy. 49 (Kenny Younger) on April counties across the state. 21, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 11 of Breeding was confirmed in 38 counties across the eastern counties. the state by the end of the season. The confirma- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of tion in Racine County is the first in either atlas. Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Winnebago by the end of the season. Golden Eagle—Reported in 12 counties across the state this season. This compares to 20 Glossy Ibis*—Single individual first ob- counties in 2016 and 16 counties in 2015. served on May 06, 2017 in Dodge County at Hori- First observed on March 01, 2017 in Rusk con NWR—Hwy. 49 (Dodge Co.) (Rick Todd). County (Victoria Sokolowski). High count of Last observed on May 30, 2017 (John Longhenry) three observed in Rusk County (Victoria at the same location. Sokolowski) on March 11, 2017. Last observed on The record was accepted by the WSORC. April 16, 2017 in Door County at Washington Is- The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 37

land—general (Melody Walsh), and in Bayfield Cutright) on April 15, 2017. The species was pres- County (Ryan Brady). ent at EOP in 28 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 10 counties across Mississippi Kite*—The first report came the state by the end of the season. from Rock County and was observed May 14, 2017 through past EOP (Craig and Quentin Northern Goshawk—Reported in nine Yoerger). This was near a location where breed- counties across the state this season. This com- ing was confirmed in 2016. pares to 18 counties in 2016 and 10 counties in A flyover report came from Brown County on 2015. May 28, 2017 (Tom Prestby). First observed on March 22, 2017 in Forest Both reports were accepted by the WSORC. County (Matthew Learned). Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Price County (Sue Kartman). Northern Harrier—Reported across the state except for the counties of Menominee, Bald Eagle—Reported in all 72 counties Pepin, and Richland this season. This compares across the state this season. This compares to the to 69 counties in 2016 and 66 counties in 2015. same number of counties in 2016 and 2015. This also ties the highest number of counties this The species was present at BOP in 51 counties species has been reported from in the last ten across the state. High count of 300 observed in years. Crawford County at Gremore Lake (Jan Collins) The species was present at BOP in 24 counties on March 01, 2017. The species was present at across the state. First observed in the northern- EOP in 54 counties across the state. most counties on March 19, 2017 in Douglas Breeding was confirmed in 57 counties across County (Peder Svingen), and at Roy Johnson Mit- the state by the end of the season. igation Wetlands (Nan & Scott Wisherd). High count of seven observed in Door County at Wash- Red-shouldered Hawk—Reported in 50 ington Island—general (Paul Noeldner) on May counties across the state this season. This com- 07, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 31 pares to 47 counties in 2016 and 48 counties in counties across the state. 2015. This also represents the highest number of Breeding was confirmed in six of the south- counties this species has been reported from in eastern counties by the end of the season. the last ten years. The species was present at BOP in seven coun- Sharp-shinned Hawk—Reported in 64 ties across the state. First observed in the north- counties across the state this season. This com- ernmost counties on March 25, 2017 in Forest pares to 55 counties in 2016 and 59 counties in County (Mary Maertz). High count of four ob- 2015. This also represents the highest number of served in Door County (Melody Walsh) on March counties this species has been reported from in 31, 2017, in Waupaca County (Don Nussbaum) the last ten years. on April 04, 2017, and in Washington County The species was present at BOP in 20 counties (Scott Diehl) on May 27, 2017. The species was across the state. High count of 23 observed in present at EOP in 14 counties across the state. Ashland County at Apostle Islands NL—Long Is- Breeding was confirmed in eight counties land (Mike DeWitt) on April 22, 2017. Last ob- across the state by the end of the season. served on May 31, 2017 in Marquette County (Daryl Christensen), and in Brown County (Jay Broad-winged Hawk—Reported in 67 Watson). counties across the state this season. This com- Breeding was confirmed in Ashland County by pares to 66 counties in 2016 and 65 counties in the end of the season. 2015. This also ties the highest number of coun- ties this species has been reported from in the last Cooper’s Hawk—Reported in 66 counties ten years. across the state this season. This compares to 68 First observed on April 09, 2017 in Grant counties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. County at UW-Platteville Memorial Park (Alex The species was present at BOP in 24 counties Harman). First observed in the northernmost across the state. High count of 14 observed in counties on April 14, 2017 in Bayfield County at Sheboygan County at Kohler-Andrae SP (Re- Bayfield (town) (Ben Baldwin). High count of becca Sher) on April 15, 2017, and (Seth 2000 observed in Door County (Melody Walsh) 38 The Spring Season: 2017

Jim Stewart took this classic image of a Great Blue Heron grasping a catfish at Stricker’s Pond, in Dane County in early April,

On May Day, Jennifer Ambrose captured this photo of an American Avocet with a Willet at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 39

This Nashville Warbler allowed Adam Sinkula to make a portrait at Bay Beach Sanctuary in Brown County in mid-May. 40 The Spring Season: 2017

on May 18, 2017, (Donna Benson) on May 18, 13, 2017 in Dodge County at Horicon NWR— 2017, and (Melody Walsh) on May 27, 2017. Auto Tour and Trails (Eric Matrejek, John The species was present at EOP in 31 counties Kivikoski, and Jack & Holly Bartholmai). An in- across the state. dividual was also observed visually on May 21, Breeding was confirmed in the counties of 2017 in Dodge County again at the Horicon Auto Ashland, Iron, and Washburn by the end of the Tour (Andy Cassini, Paul Schilke). It was later de- season. termined that a pair of individuals was present at the location. The pair remained at this location Red-tailed Hawk—Reported in all 72 coun- for a while past EOP. Daryl Christensen con- ties across the state this season. This compares to firmed a breeding pair on May 23 when he ob- 71 counties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. This served nest building behavior. This is the first also ties the highest number of counties this breeding confirmation for the species in the state species has been reported from in the last ten in either atlas. years. An additional individual was also reported on The species was present at BOP in 45 counties May 25, 2017 in Grant County (Kelly J. McKay). across the state. High count of 28 observed in All reports were accepted by the WSORC. Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin) on April 01, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 54 counties Virginia Rail—Reported in 54 counties across the state. across the state this season. This compares to 45 Breeding was confirmed in 31 counties across counties in 2016 and 43 counties in 2015. This the state by the end of the season. also represents the highest number of counties this species has been reported from in the last ten Rough-legged Hawk—Reported in 52 coun- years. ties across the state this season. This compares to First observed on April 08, 2017 in Outagamie 45 counties in 2016 and 52 counties in 2015. County at Mack SWA (Michael O’Connell), and The species was present at BOP in 25 counties in Fond du Lac County (Dave&Kerry Sehloff). across the state. High count of 14 observed in First observed in the northernmost counties on Douglas County at Roy Johnson Mitigation Wet- April 22, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ryan Brady). lands (Nan & Scott Wisherd) on March 19, 2017. High count of eight observed in Brown County Last observed in the southernmost counties on at Resort Rd. Ponds (Brown Co.) (Tom Prestby) April 09, 2017 in Green County (Patrick Mc- on April 19, 2017. The species was present at EOP Gowan). Last observed on May 29, 2017 in Bay- in 22 counties across the state. field County at County E & H farm fields area Breeding was confirmed in the counties of (Richard Ouren). Dunn, and Polk by the end of the season. The confirmation in Polk County is the first in either Yellow Rail*—Reported in the counties of atlas. Burnett, Kewaunee, and Oconto this season. This compares to six counties in 2016 and four coun- Sora—Reported in 67 counties across the ties in 2015. state this season. This compares to 62 counties in The reports from Oconto County came be- 2016 and 63 counties in 2015. This also repre- tween May 07, 2017 (Jack Swelstad) and May 26, sents the highest number of counties this species 2017 (Tom Prestby, Don DeWitt, and Katrina De- has been reported from in the last ten years. Witt). These reports were not submitted to the First observed on March 06, 2017 in Win- WSORC. nebago County (Don DeWitt). First observed in The report from Kewaunee County was made the northernmost counties on May 11, 2017 in on May 14, 2017 (Adam Sinkula) and was ac- Ashland County at Wakefield Rd. (Ashland Co.) cepted by the WSORC. (Northland College Field Ornithology, and Paula Reports from Crex Meadows (Burnett Anich). High count of 15 observed in Waukesha County) do not require WSORC acceptance. County at Vernon Marsh—Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 8 (Spence Stehno) on April 22, King Rail*—Reported in the counties of 2017, and at Vernon Marsh (general) (Spence Dodge, Grant and St. Croix this season. Stehno) on May 13, 2017, in Rusk County at Re- First individual was reported on May 5, 2017 claimed Flambeau Mine Nature Trails (Victoria in St. Croix County (Scott Andrews). Sokolowski) on April 28, 2017, and in Brown An individual was reported heard only on May County (Don DeWitt) on May 07, 2017. The The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 41

species was present at EOP in 40 counties across Whooping Crane—Reported in nine coun- the state. ties across the state this season. This compares to Breeding was confirmed in the counties of eight counties in 2016 and five counties in 2015. Crawford, and Dane by the end of the season. First observed on March 05, 2017 in Jefferson The confirmation in Crawford County is the first County (Karen Etter Hale). High count of nine in either atlas. observed in Juneau County at Necedah NWR (Oliver Burrus) on April 24, 2017, and (Ben Bur- Common Gallinule—Reported in 13 of the rus) on April 24, 2017. Last observed in the southern counties this season. This compares to southernmost counties on March 26, 2017 in nine counties in 2016 and 12 counties in 2015. Grant County at Potosi Landing (Grant Co.) This also represents the highest number of coun- (Tony Moline). Last observed on May 30, 2017 in ties this species has been reported from in the last Juneau County (John Meredig), and in Dodge ten years. County (John Longhenry). First observed on April 22, 2017 in Dodge Breeding was confirmed in the counties of County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 49 (Ken Milen- Dodge, and Juneau by the end of the season. The der), and in Columbia County at Schoeneberg confirmation in Dodge County is the first in ei- Marsh (Jim Schwarz). High count of five ob- ther atlas. served in Brown County at Sensiba SWA (Paul Schilke) on May 29, 2017. The species was pres- Black-necked Stilt—Reported in 10 of the ent at EOP in 11 of the southeastern counties. southeastern counties this season. This compares Breeding was confirmed in Dodge County by to 13 counties in 2016 and seven counties in the end of the season. 2015. First observed on April 09, 2017 in Columbia American Coot—Reported in 60 counties County at Harvey Rd. Ponds (Columbia Co.) across the state this season. This compares to 61 (Andy McGivern). High count of 21 observed in counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. Dodge County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 49 (Carl The species was present at BOP in 15 counties Schwartz) on May 11, 2017, (Marilyn Bontly) on across the state. First observed in the northern- May 11, 2017, (Tom Uttech) on May 11, 2017, most counties on March 27, 2017 in Bayfield and (Mike Wanger) on May 11, 2017. Last ob- County at Long Bridge/Head of the bay, Ashland served in the southernmost counties on April 16, (Alex Lehner). High count of 3000 observed in 2017 in Kenosha County (Tim Hansen, Jennifer Dane County at Lake Farm County Park (Jim Wenzel, Paul Kinzer, and John Dixon). The Schwarz) on April 06, 2017. The species was pres- species was present at EOP in the counties of ent at EOP in 19 counties across the state. Dodge, and Fond du Lac. Breeding was confirmed in six counties across Breeding was confirmed in the counties of the state by the end of the season. Of these, the Dodge, and Fond du Lac by the end of the sea- confirmations in the counties of Columbia, Dane, son. and Outagamie are the first in either atlas. American Avocet—Reported in 10 counties Sandhill Crane—Reported in all 72 coun- across the state this season. This compares to 10 ties across the state this season. This compares to counties in 2016 and nine counties in 2015. 72 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. This First observed on April 20, 2017 in Sheboygan also ties the highest number of counties this County at Sheboygan Lakefront (general) (Barry species has been reported from in the last ten Baumann), in Milwaukee County at McKinley years. Beach (Jim Frank), and in Dane County at County The species was present at BOP in 38 counties V & C Ponds (Cynthia Bridge, and Aaron across the state. First observed in the northern- Holschbach). High count of 40 observed in She- most counties on March 18, 2017 in Marinette boygan County at Sheboygan Lakefront (general) County (Lindsey Bender). High count of 1000 (Barry Baumann) on April 20, 2017. Last observed observed in Jefferson County at Adam Birding in the southernmost counties on April 29, 2017 by Conservancy (Ari Rice) on March 19, 2017. The multiple observers this season. Last observed on species was present at EOP in 66 counties across May 31, 2017 by multiple observers this season. the state. Breeding was confirmed in 53 counties across Black-bellied Plover—Reported in 30 coun- the state by the end of the season. ties across the state this season. This compares to 42 The Spring Season: 2017

David Lund garnered this portrait of an adult male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Bayfield County in mid-May.

David Franzen captured this photograph of an adult male Pileated Woodpecker at a nest hole in Vilas County in late May. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 43

This cautious-looking Cape May Warbler appeared in front of Jennifer Ambrose at Wilson Park in Milwaukee County in mid-May.

A Short-billed Dowitcher, photographed by David Lund, stands placidly on planking in Bayfield County in mid-May. 44 The Spring Season: 2017

22 counties in 2016 and 19 counties in 2015. This Killdeer—Reported across the state except also represents the highest number of counties for Menominee County this season. This com- this species has been reported from in the last ten pares to 71 counties in 2016 and 70 counties in years. 2015. This also ties the highest number of coun- First observed on April 28, 2017 by multiple ties this species has been reported from in the last observers this season. First observed in the north- ten years. ernmost counties on May 10, 2017 in Bayfield The species was present at BOP in 25 coun- County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 20 ob- ties across the state. First observed in the north- served in Kewaunee County (Pam Schwedler) on ernmost counties on March 27, 2017 in May 18, 2017. Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Marinette County (Marcia Hurst, and E Griffis), Winnebago County (Stuart Malcolm). and in Bayfield County at Long Bridge/Head of the bay, Ashland (Alex Lehner). High count of American Golden-Plover—Reported in 15 63 observed in Marathon County at Rangeline counties across the state this season. This com- Flowage (Dan Belter) on May 11, 2017. The pares to 13 counties in 2016 and 13 counties in species was present at EOP in 61 counties across 2015. the state. First observed on March 28, 2017 in Dane Breeding was confirmed in 40 counties across County at County V & C Ponds (Kyle Lindemer). the state by the end of the season. High count of 16 observed in Dodge County at Jersey Rd. and Hwy A (Aaron Holschbach) on Upland Sandpiper—Reported in 18 coun- April 22, 2017. Last observed on May 28, 2017 in ties across the state this season. This compares to Chippewa County (Anne Geraghty). 19 counties in 2016 and 17 counties in 2015. First observed on April 14, 2017 in Dane Semipalmated Plover—Reported in 36 County at Thousand’s Rock Prairie (Kay Ka- counties across the state this season. This com- vanagh), and in Iowa County at Mounds View pares to 36 counties in 2016 and 35 counties in Grassland—Schurch-Thomson Prairie (Richard 2015. Henderson, and John Kivikoski). First observed First observed on April 21, 2017 in Columbia in the northernmost counties on May 08, 2017 County at Harvey-Wangsness Wetland (Jim in Bayfield County (Wayne Seeger). High count Schwarz). First observed in the northernmost of six observed in Dane County at Thomson Me- counties on May 13, 2017 in Vilas County (NLDC morial Prairie (Mike Bailey) on April 15, 2017, Birders, Ann Swift, and Guy David) at Powell and in Iowa County at Mounds View Grass- Marsh SWA—Vilas Co. (Ken Milender). High land—Schurch-Thomson Prairie (Richard Hen- count of 40 observed in Jefferson County at Burnt derson) on April 21, 2017, and (Eric Preston) Village County Park (Cynthia Bridge) on May 19, on April 25, 2017. The species was present at 2017. The species was present at EOP in 16 coun- EOP in six counties across the state. ties across the state. Whimbrel—Reported in 11 counties across Piping Plover—Reported in the counties of the state this season. This is significantly higher Brown, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Racine ad- than six counties in 2016 and six counties in joining Lake Michigan this season. This com- 2015. This also represents the highest number of pares to six counties in 2016 and three counties counties this species has been reported from in in 2015. the last ten years. First observed on April 16, 2017 in Manitowoc First observed on May 11, 2017 in Kewaunee County at Manitowoc Lakefront (Charles Son- County (Pam Schwedler). First observed in the tag). northernmost counties on May 16, 2017 in Bay- On Cat Island in Brown County where they field County at Thompson’s West End Park were confirmed as breeders in the past, they ar- (Kathy Morales and Eric Julson). High count of rived first on April 18, 2017 (Tom Prestby). 54 observed by multiple observers this season. Courtship was observed at the end of April and Last observed in the southernmost counties on the first nest was documented on May 18, 2017 May 14, 2017 in Racine County at Samuel Myers and the final nest on May 31, 2017. A total of 13 Park (Helen Pugh, and Jennifer Wenzel). Last ob- individuals were observed at this location during served on May 29, 2017 by multiple observers this the season. season. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 45

Hudsonian Godwit—Reported in nine magalski). The same individual was last observed counties across the state this season. This is sig- on April 27, 2017 (Paul Regnier). nificantly higher than five counties in 2016. The report was accepted by the WSORC. First observed on April 27, 2017 in Fond du Lac County (Dave&Kerry Sehloff). High count of Stilt Sandpiper—Reported in 14 counties three observed by multiple observers this season. across the state this season. This is significantly Last observed on May 26, 2017 in Fond du Lac higher than three counties in 2016. This also rep- County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 49 (Mark Almod- resents the highest number of counties this ovar). species has been reported from in the last ten years. Marbled Godwit—Reported in 11 counties First observed on April 29, 2017 in Dane across the state this season. This is significantly County (Cynthia Bridge). Last observed on May higher than seven counties in 2016. This also ties 30, 2017 by multiple observers this season. the highest number of counties this species has been reported from in the last ten years. Sanderling—Reported in 15 counties across First observed on April 27, 2017 in Manitowoc the state this season. This compares to 11 coun- ties in 2016 and 12 counties in 2015. County at Manitowoc Impoundment (Jay Watson, First observed on April 27, 2017 in Manitowoc Joel Trick, and Patti Trick), and at Manitowoc County at Manitowoc Impoundment (Joel Trick). Lakefront (Charles Sontag). High count of nine First observed in the northernmost counties on observed in Marathon County at George W. May 15, 2017 in Bayfield County at Port Wing Mead SWA—Rangeline Rd (Myles Hurlburt) on Harbor (Ryan Brady, and Nick Anich). High May 16, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost count of 18 observed in Douglas County at Wis- counties on May 01, 2017 in Grant County consin Point (Larry & Jan Kraemer) on May 18, (Pamela Jennings). Last observed on May 29, 2017. The species was present at EOP in seven 2017 by multiple observers this season. counties adjoining the Great Lakes. Ruddy Turnstone—Reported in 25 counties Dunlin—Reported in 36 counties across the across the state this season. This is significantly state this season. This compares to 33 counties in higher than 16 counties in 2016. This also repre- 2016 and 37 counties in 2015. sents the highest number of counties this species First observed on March 28, 2017 in Dane has been reported from in the last ten years. County at County V & C Ponds (Kyle Lindemer). First observed on April 29, 2017 in Pepin First observed in the northernmost counties on County (Janine Polk). First observed in the north- May 15, 2017 in Ashland County at Maslowski ernmost counties on May 17, 2017 in Ashland Beach (John Toren). High count of 320 observed County at Maslowski Beach (Kathy Morales Eric in Dodge County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 49 Julson, and Nick Anich). High count of 40 ob- (Dave Brasser) on May 26, 2017. The species was served in Pepin County (Janine Polk) on May 16, present at EOP in 14 counties across the state. 2017. The species was present at EOP in four of the eastern counties of Brown, Fond du Lac, Baird’s Sandpiper—Reported in 13 coun- Manitowoc, and Marinette. ties across the state this season. This compares to nine counties in 2016 and 11 counties in 2015. Red Knot—Reported in the counties of First observed on April 03, 2017 in Brown Brown, Dodge, and Jefferson this season. County (Tom Prestby). High count of seven ob- First observed on May 19, 2017 in Jefferson served in Dodge County at Horicon NWR—Auto County at Hwy N and M Ponds (Daniel Schnei- Tour and Trails (Carl Schroeder) on May 29, 2017. der). High count of two observed by multiple ob- Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Marathon servers this season in both Dodge and Brown County at George W. Mead SWA—Rangeline Rd counties. Last observed on May 28, 2017 in (Myles Hurlburt), in Fond du Lac County (Stuart Brown County at Cat Island Causeway (restricted Malcolm), in Chippewa County (Pamela Hoyland), access) (Tom Prestby). and in Winnebago County (Stuart Malcolm).

Ruff*—One individual reported in Mani- Least Sandpiper—Reported in 39 counties towoc County this season was first observed on across the state this season. This compares to 44 April 24, 2017 at Collins Marsh SWA (Robert Do- counties in 2016 and 43 counties in 2015. 46 The Spring Season: 2017

As depicted by Greg Hottman, an Upland Sandpiper raises its wings at the Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Iowa County in early May.

In early May, Jim Stewart caught this Double-crested Cormorant in the middle of catching a small catfish at the Dodge County portion of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 47

Vicki Sokolowski in late April found this fluffed-out adult male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Rusk County in late April. 48 The Spring Season: 2017

First observed on April 16, 2017 in Waukesha Short-billed Dowitcher—Reported in 28 County at McMahon Rd wetland (Tim Hahn). counties across the state this season. This com- First observed in the northernmost counties on pares to 24 counties in 2016 and 30 counties in May 09, 2017 in Ashland County at Maslowski 2015. Beach (Tim Oksiuta). High count of 75 observed First observed on April 28, 2017 in Ozaukee in Brown County at Cat Island Causeway (re- County (Calvin Brennan). First observed in the stricted access) (Joel Trick) on May 27, 2017, and northernmost counties on May 18, 2017 by mul- (Patti Trick) on May 27, 2017. The species was tiple observers this season. High count of 47 ob- present at EOP in seven of the eastern counties. served in Manitowoc County (Robert Domagal- ski) on May 14, 2017. Last observed on May 30, White-rumped Sandpiper—Reported in 2017 in Dodge County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 27 counties across the state this season. This com- 49 (Darrell Schiffman). pares to 19 counties in 2016 and 19 counties in 2015. This also represents the highest number of Long-billed Dowitcher—Reported in 15 counties this species has been reported from in counties across the state this season. This is sig- the last ten years. nificantly higher than nine counties in 2016 and First observed on May 04, 2017 in La Crosse six counties in 2015. This also represents the County (Dan Jackson). First observed in the highest number of counties this species has been northernmost counties on May 15, 2017 in Vilas reported from in the last ten years. County (Tom Rooney). High count of 75 ob- First observed on April 18, 2017 in Chippewa served in Brown County at Cat Island Causeway County at Woodfords’ Ponds (Pamela Hoyland, (restricted access) (Tom Prestby) on May 28, and Janet Swartz-Myrman). First observed in the 2017. The species was present at EOP in 13 coun- northernmost counties on May 18, 2017 in Bay- ties across the state. field County at County E & H farm fields area (Nick Anich). High count of 26 observed in Jef- Pectoral Sandpiper—Reported in 38 coun- ferson County at Hwy. 106 flooded fields, Fort Atkinson (Kay Kavanagh) on April 29, 2017. Last ties across the state this season. This compares to observed on May 18, 2017 in Bayfield County at 37 counties in 2016 and 33 counties in 2015. County E & H farm fields area (Nick Anich). First observed on March 24, 2017 in Kenosha County at Des Plaines River at Hwy. N (John American Woodcock—Reported across the Dixon), and in Milwaukee County (Jym Mooney). state except for Lafayette County this season. This First observed in the northernmost counties on compares to 71 counties in 2016 and 69 counties April 25, 2017 in Ashland County (Ryan Brady). in 2015. This also ties the highest number of High count of 158 observed in Dane County counties this species has been reported from in (Steve Thiessen) on April 25, 2017. The species the last ten years. was present at EOP in the counties of Dodge, The species was present at BOP in nine of the Dunn, Fond du Lac, Marathon, and Ozaukee southern counties. First observed in the north- across the state. ernmost counties on March 22, 2017 in Bayfield County (David Bratley, and Nick Anich). High Semipalmated Sandpiper—Reported in count of 32 observed in Columbia County (Sara 34 counties across the state this season. This com- Kehrli) on May 03, 2017. The species was present pares to 33 counties in 2016 and 32 counties in at EOP in 29 counties across the state. 2015. This also ties the highest number of coun- Breeding was confirmed in 25 counties across ties this species has been reported from in the last the state by the end of the season. The confirma- ten years. tion in Polk County is the first in either atlas. First observed on April 27, 2017 in La Crosse County (Dan Jackson). First observed in the Wilson’s Snipe—Reported in 66 counties northernmost counties on May 19, 2017 in Ash- across the state this season. This compares to 66 land County at Maslowski Beach (Todd Ward, counties in 2016 and 64 counties in 2015. This and Northeast Wisconsin Bird Club). High count also ties the highest number of counties this of 450 observed in Brown County at Cat Island species has been reported from in the last ten Causeway (restricted access) (Tom Prestby) on years. May 28, 2017. The species was present at EOP in First observed on March 02, 2017 in Kenosha 22 counties across the state. County (Tim Hansen). First observed in the The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 49

northernmost counties on April 03, 2017 in Flo- Solitary Sandpiper—Reported in 52 coun- rence County (Kay Kavanagh). High count of 116 ties across the state this season. This compares to observed in Kenosha County at Des Plaines River 57 counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. at Hwy. N (John Dixon) on April 14, 2017. Last First observed on April 13, 2017 in Grant observed in the southernmost counties on May County at Studnika Road (Richard Ouren). First 07, 2017 in Green County (Aaron Haycraft, and observed in the northernmost counties on May Quentin Yoerger), and in Lafayette County (John 04, 2017 in Florence County (Kay Kavanagh). Dadisman). The species was present at EOP in 12 High count of 16 observed in Marathon County counties across the state. at George W. Mead SWA (Mary Backus) on May Breeding was confirmed in the counties of 10, 2017. Last observed on May 26, 2017 in Dane, Eau Claire, and St. Croix by the end of the Dodge County at Horicon NWR—Hwy. 49 (Myles season. Of these, the confirmations in the coun- Hurlburt), and at Horicon NWR—Auto Tour and ties of Dane, and St. Croix are the first in either Trails (Myles Hurlburt, and Jeff Baughman), and atlas. in Burnett County (Roman Buck).

Wilson’s Phalarope—Reported in 28 coun- Greater Yellowlegs—Reported in 58 coun- ties across the state this season. This compares to ties across the state this season. This compares to 20 counties in 2016 and 23 counties in 2015. 58 counties in 2016 and 52 counties in 2015. This First observed on April 28, 2017 by multiple also ties the highest number of counties this observers this season. First observed in the north- species has been reported from in the last ten ernmost counties on May 18, 2017 in Bayfield years. County (Elaine Vokoun). High count of five ob- First observed on March 09, 2017 in Dodge served in Chippewa County (Pamela Hoyland) County (Anne Moretti). First observed in the on May 17, 2017, and in Pepin County (Janine northernmost counties on April 08, 2017 in Dou- Polk) on May 04, 2017. Last observed in the glas County at Wisconsin Point—Gull Bluff (Ryan Steiner, John P Richardson, and Steve Kolbe). southernmost counties on May 01, 2017 in Grant High count of 70 observed in Outagamie County County (Pamela Jennings). The species was pres- at Mack SWA (Stuart Malcolm) on April 21, 2017. ent at EOP in six counties across the state. Last observed on May 30, 2017 in Marathon County at George W. Mead SWA—Rangeline Rd Red-necked Phalarope—Reported in seven (Myles Hurlburt), and in Door County (Eric counties across the state this season. This is sig- Howe, and Kristin Wegner). nificantly higher than two counties in 2016. This also ties the highest number of counties this Willet—Reported in 22 counties across the species has been reported from in the last ten state this season. This compares to 21 counties in years. 2016 and 14 counties in 2015. First observed on May 11, 2017 in Jefferson First observed on April 25, 2017 in Kenosha County (Spence Stehno). High count of four ob- County (Doreen Silvers). First observed in the served by multiple observers this season. The northernmost counties on May 02, 2017 in Ash- species was present at EOP in the counties of land County at Maslowski Beach (Tim Oksiuta). Dodge, Fond du Lac, and St. Croix. High count of 123 observed in Sheboygan County at North Side Municipal Beach/Deland Spotted Sandpiper—Reported in 66 coun- Park (Dave & Kerry Sehloff) on May 02, 2017. ties across the state this season. This compares to Last observed on May 29, 2017 by multiple ob- 65 counties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. servers this season. First observed on April 03, 2017 in Milwaukee County at South Metro Pier in Oak Creek (Mike Lesser Yellowlegs—Reported in 53 counties Wanger). First observed in the northernmost across the state this season. This compares to 57 counties on April 29, 2017 in Iron County at counties in 2016 and 49 counties in 2015. Saxon Harbor (Brett Bockhop, and Kim Kraw- First observed on March 24, 2017 in Dodge czyk). High count of 40 observed in Ozaukee County (Jack & Holly Bartholmai), and in Ozau- County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- kee County (Thomas Wood). First observed in terbird count site (Calvin Brennan) on May 16, the northernmost counties on April 19, 2017 in 2017. The species was present at EOP in 38 coun- Forest County (Kay Kavanagh, and Bob Ka- ties across the state. vanagh), and in Vilas County at Powell Marsh 50 The Spring Season: 2017

SWA (Neil Kent). High count of 500 observed in Franklin’s Gull—Reported in 12 counties Outagamie County at Mack SWA (Adam Sinkula) across the state this season. This compares to on May 12, 2017. Last observed on May 30, 2017 eight counties in 2016 and eight counties in 2015. in Dodge County at Co. Hwy. A and Hwy 151 First observed on April 03, 2017 in Dane pond (Jim Frank), and in Marathon County at County at Ashton K Pond (Cynthia Bridge). First George W. Mead SWA—Rangeline Rd (Myles observed in the northernmost counties on May Hurlburt). 31, 2017 in Bayfield County at Whittlesey Creek NWR (Ryan Brady). High count of 16 observed Bonaparte’s Gull—Reported in 43 counties in La Crosse County (Emily Weiser) on May 21, across the state this season. This compares to 49 2017. The species was present at EOP in the counties in 2016 and 48 counties in 2015. counties of Bayfield, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan. First observed on March 25, 2017 in Green Lake County at Lake Maria County Park (Jon Ring-billed Gull—Reported in 65 counties Roti Roti, Wendy Schultz, and Thomas Schultz). across the state this season. This compares to 67 First observed in the northernmost counties on counties in 2016 and 63 counties in 2015. April 07, 2017 in Ashland County at Maslowski The species was present at BOP in 28 counties Beach (Nick Anich). High count of 7755 ob- across the state. High count of 10000 observed in served in Door County (Kristin Wegner) on April Fond du Lac County at Lakeside Park (Jeff 29, 2017, and (Eric Howe) on April 29, 2017. Last Baughman) on April 04, 2017. The species was observed in the southernmost counties on May present at EOP in 24 counties across the state. 11, 2017 in Racine County at Samuel Myers Park Breeding was confirmed in eight counties (Drew Goldberg). The species was present at across the state by the end of the season. Of these, EOP in six counties across the state. the confirmations in the counties of Dodge, and Ozaukee are the first in either atlas. Little Gull*—Reported in the counties of Reported in 51 counties Door, and Manitowoc this season. This compares Herring Gull— across the state this season. This compares to 53 to four counties in 2016 and seven counties in counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. 2015. The species was present at BOP in 27 counties First observed on April 29, 2017 in Door across the state. High count of 6400 observed in County (Melody Walsh, Eric Howe, and Kristin Winnebago County (Stuart Malcolm) on March Wegner). High count of two observed in Mani- 09, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 19 towoc County at Manitowoc Lakefront (Charles counties across the state. Sontag) on May 16, 2017, and on May 30, 2017, Breeding was confirmed in six of the eastern and at Manitowoc Impoundment (Thomas counties by the end of the season. Wood) on May 21, 2017. The species was present at EOP in Manitowoc County. Lesser Black-backed Gull—Reported in 15 Only the report from Door County was sub- counties across the state this season. This com- mitted to and accepted by the WSORC. pares to 15 counties in 2016 and 15 counties in 2015. Laughing Gull*—Single individuals re- First observed on March 02, 2017 in Milwau- ported in the counties of Ozaukee, and Sheboy- kee County at Veterans Park (Milwaukee) (Jym gan this season. This compares to five counties in Mooney). First observed in the northernmost 2016 and three counties in 2015. counties on April 18, 2017 in Ashland County at One individual was observed on May 21, 2017 Maslowski Beach (Tim Oksiuta, Nick Anich, and in Ozaukee County at Port Washington— Ryan Brady). High count of 11 observed in She- Marina/Harbor (Joan Sommer). It was last boygan County at Sheboygan Lakefront (gen- observed on May 23, 2017 (Kay Kavanagh, and eral) (Seth Cutright) on May 24, 2017, and (Re- Bob Kavanagh). A second individual was ob- becca Sher) on May 24, 2017. Last observed in served on May 23, 2017 in Sheboygan County at the southernmost counties on April 26, 2017 in North Point Park (Kay Kavanagh, and Bob Ka- Kenosha County at Kenosha Harbor Mouth vanagh). (John Dixon). The species was present at EOP in WSORC review is only required for records the counties of Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and She- away from Lake Michigan. boygan. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 51

Glaucous Gull—Reported in 11 counties Black Tern—Reported in 31 counties across across the state this season. This compares to 17 the state this season. This compares to 30 coun- counties in 2016 and 17 counties in 2015. ties in 2016 and 44 counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in eight coun- First observed on May 04, 2017 in Dodge ties across the state. High count of 21 observed County at Horicon Marsh SWA—International Ed- in Douglas County at Wisconsin Point—Allouez ucation Center (April Laufenberg), and at Hori- Bay (Peder Svingen) on April 02, 2017, (Todd con NWR—General (Tom Mertins), and in Bur- Whitesel) on April 02, 2017, and (Robbye John- nett County at Crex Meadows SWA (David Adair). son) on April 02, 2017. Last observed in the First observed in the northernmost counties on southernmost counties on March 06, 2017 in May 25, 2017 in Vilas County at Northern High- Kenosha County at Des Plaines River at Hwy. N land-American Legion SF—Allequash Lake Marsh (Drew Goldberg). Last observed on May 30, 2017 (Vickie Becker, and John and Mary Bates and in Manitowoc County at Manitowoc Lakefront Burns). High count of 120 observed in Dodge (Charles Sontag). County at Horicon NWR—Ledge and Point Rds (Kyle Schumacher) on May 13, 2017. The species Great Black-backed Gull—Reported in 12 was present at EOP in 26 counties across the state. counties across the state this season. This com- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Co- pares to 14 counties in 2016 and 15 counties in lumbia, and Marquette by the end of the season. 2015. The species was present at BOP in seven coun- Common Tern—Reported in 19 counties ties across the state. First observed in the north- across the state this season. This compares to 23 counties in 2016 and 21 counties in 2015. ernmost counties on March 19, 2017 in Douglas First observed on April 22, 2017 in Ozaukee County at Interstate Island WMA (WI) (Peder County at Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve Svingen). High count of 18 observed in Mani- (Joan Sommer, and Dani Baumann). First ob- towoc County at Manitowoc Lakefront (Charles served in the northernmost counties on May 03, Sontag) on March 03, 2017. Last observed in the 2017 in Ashland County at Bayview Park, Ashland southernmost counties on May 07, 2017 in (Northland College Field Ornithology, and Paula Racine County at Samuel Myers Park (Drew Gold- Anich). High count of 3087 observed in Ozaukee berg, and Eric Howe). Last observed on May 30, County at Harrington Beach SP—WGLBBO wa- 2017 in Manitowoc County at Manitowoc Lake- terbird count site (Calvin Brennan) on May 12, front (Charles Sontag). 2017. The species was present at EOP in eight counties across the state. Herring ¥ Great Black-backed Gull (hy- Breeding was confirmed in Winnebago brid)—One individual observed in Winnebago County by the end of the season. County (Stuart Malcolm) on March 09, 2017. Forster’s Tern—Reported in 41 counties Caspian Tern—Reported in 29 counties across the state this season. This compares to 42 across the state this season. This compares to 35 counties in 2016 and 42 counties in 2015. counties in 2016 and 38 counties in 2015. First observed on April 09, 2017 in Brown First observed on April 06, 2017 in Manitowoc County at Sensiba SWA (Tom Prestby), and in La County at Manitowoc Lakefront (Charles Son- Crosse County (Emily Weiser). First observed in tag). First observed in the northernmost counties the northernmost counties on May 18, 2017 in on April 18, 2017 in Ashland County at Maslowski Bayfield County at Northern Great Lakes Visitor Beach (Nick Anich, and Ryan Brady). High count Center (Elaine Vokoun). High count of 75 ob- of 520 observed in Ozaukee County at Harring- served in Ozaukee County at Harrington Beach ton Beach SP—WGLBBO waterbird count site SP—WGLBBO waterbird count site (Calvin Bren- (Calvin Brennan) on May 10, 2017. The species nan) on May 01, 2017. The species was present at was present at EOP in 10 counties adjoining the EOP in 12 of the southeastern counties. Great Lakes. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Breeding was confirmed in four of the eastern Fond du Lac, and Marquette by the end of the counties of Brown, Door, Ozaukee, and Win- season. nebago by the end of the season. Of these, the confirmations in the counties of Ozaukee, and Eurasian Collared-Dove—Reported in 22 Winnebago are the first in either atlas. counties across the state this season. This com- 52 The Spring Season: 2017

pares to 19 counties in 2016 and 16 counties in (Tom Prestby) on May 28, 2017. The species was 2015. This also represents the highest number of present at EOP in 42 counties across the state. counties this species has been reported from in Breeding was confirmed in the counties of the last ten years. Marathon, Outagamie, and Shawano by the end First observed on March 04, 2017 in Brown of the season. County (Nick Seeger), and in Columbia County at Firemen’s Park, Arlington (Spence Stehno). Eastern Screech-Owl—Reported in 31 coun- High count of six observed in Crawford County ties across the state this season. This compares to (Jan Collins) on May 07, 2017. Last observed on 31 counties in 2016 and 30 counties in 2015. This May 30, 2017 in Lafayette County (John Dadis- also ties the highest number of counties this man). species has been reported from in the last ten Breeding was confirmed in Crawford County years. by the end of the season. The species was present at BOP in six of the southern counties. First observed in the north- White-winged Dove*—Single individual ernmost counties on March 15, 2017 in Bayfield observed on May 17, 2017 in Racine County (Eric County (Ryan Brady). High count of eight ob- Howe, and Kristin Wegner). served in Crawford County (Dennis Kirschbaum) This report was accepted by the WSORC. on April 16, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 10 counties across the state. Mourning Dove—Reported in all 72 coun- Breeding was confirmed in five of the south- ties across the state this season. This is the same eastern counties of Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Man- as the count in 2016 and 2015. itowoc, and Milwaukee by the end of the season. The species was present at BOP in 58 counties Reported in 64 coun- across the state. High count of 120 observed in Great Horned Owl— ties across the state this season. This compares to Dane County at Goose Lake Area (Jim Schwarz) 59 counties in 2016 and 62 counties in 2015. This on April 11, 2017. The species was present at EOP also represents the highest number of counties across the state except for the counties of Mar- this species has been reported from in the last ten quette, and Taylor. years. Breeding was confirmed in 37 counties across The species was present at BOP in 18 of the the state by the end of the season. southern counties. High count of five observed in Dane County (Greg Hottman) on May 01, Reported in 34 Yellow-billed Cuckoo— 2017. The species was present at EOP in 28 coun- counties across the state this season. This com- ties across the state. pares to 45 counties in 2016 and 39 counties in Breeding was confirmed in 32 counties across 2015. the state by the end of the season. First observed on May 03, 2017 in La Crosse County (Jules Teskie). High count of three ob- Snowy Owl—Reported in nine counties served in La Crosse County at Coulee Experi- across the state this season. This compares to 21 mental State Forest (Emily Weiser) on May 27, counties in 2016 and 33 counties in 2015. 2017, in Milwaukee County at Whitnall Park (An- The species was present at BOP in the coun- drea Szymczak) on May 17, 2017, and in Rock ties of Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Green Lake, County at Cook Arboretum (Aaron Haycraft) on and Shawano across the state. High count of May 29, 2017, and (Quentin Yoerger) on May 29, three observed in Sheboygan County (jason 2017. The species was present at EOP in 30 coun- miller) on March 10, 2017. Last observed on ties across the state. April 20, 2017 in Chippewa County (Scott Emer- son). Black-billed Cuckoo—Reported in 53 coun- ties across the state this season. This compares to Barred Owl—Reported across the state ex- 60 counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. cept for the counties of Calumet, Kenosha, and First observed on May 06, 2017 in Iowa County Pepin this season. This compares to 70 counties at Tower Hill SP (Kelly Rueckheim). First ob- in 2016 and 62 counties in 2015. served in the northernmost counties on May 13, The species was present at BOP in 18 counties 2017 in Forest County (Mary Maertz). High across the state. High count of eight observed in count of four observed in Outagamie County Ashland County (Carol Becker) on April 04, The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 53

2017. The species was present at EOP in 42 coun- ties this species has been reported from in the last ties across the state. ten years. Breeding was confirmed in 12 counties across First observed on April 23, 2017 in Vernon the state by the end of the season. County (Chris Kirkpatrick). First observed in the northernmost counties on May 25, 2017 in Vilas Long-eared Owl—Reported in seven coun- County (Vickie Becker). High count of 52 ob- ties across the state this season. This compares to served in Adams County (Tom Reed) on May 31, 10 counties in 2016 and five counties in 2015. 2017. The species was present at EOP in 35 coun- First observed on March 05, 2017 in Ozaukee ties across the state. County at Cedarburg Bog (Jim Frank). First ob- Breeding was confirmed in Dane County by served in the northernmost counties on April 04, the end of the season. 2017 in Bayfield County (Rick Burkman). Last observed on May 24, 2017 in Jackson County Chuck-will’s-widow**—Reported in the (Randy Hoffman). counties of Jefferson, and Walworth this season. The same counties reported the species in 2016 Short-eared Owl—Reported in 12 counties and 2015 as well. across the state this season. This compares to 12 First observed on May 14, 2017 in Jefferson counties in 2016 and 14 counties in 2015. County at Kettle Moraine SF—Young Rd. First observed on March 03, 2017 in Waukesha (Spence Stehno). Last observed on May 31, 2017 County at Paradise Valley SWA—Bark River Unit in Jefferson County at Kettle Moraine SF—Young (Spence Stehno). High count of four observed in Rd. (Anne Moretti, Mary Korkor). Portage County (Myles Hurlburt) on March 14, This species was not reported to the WSORC 2017 at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh (Dan Bel- this season. ter) on March 13, 2017, and in Kenosha County at Richard Bong SRA (Paul Schilke) on March Eastern Whip-poor-will—Reported in 50 11, 2017, and (Maxwell Kotelnicki) on March 31, counties across the state this season. This com- 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- pares to 47 counties in 2016 and 42 counties in ties on April 12, 2017 in Kenosha County at 2015. This also represents the highest number of Richard Bong SRA (Frank Sharkozy, John Dixon, counties this species has been reported from in and Jennifer Wenzel). Last observed on May 30, the last ten years. 2017 in Portage County at Buena Vista Grass- First observed on April 15, 2017 in La Crosse lands/Marsh (Joey Sundvall). County at Coulee Experimental State Forest (Gwyneth Calvetti), and in Outagamie County Northern Saw-whet Owl—Reported in 19 (Dan Abel). First observed in the northernmost counties across the state this season. This com- counties on April 21, 2017 in Marinette County pares to 21 counties in 2016 and 14 counties in (Dale Leitzke). High count of seven observed in 2015. Crawford County (Dennis Kirschbaum) on May First observed on March 15, 2017 in Bayfield 24, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 28 County (Brian McCaffery, and Cisco 1). First ob- counties across the state. served in the northernmost counties on March 15, 2017 in Bayfield County (Brian McCaffery, Chimney Swift—Reported in 64 counties and Cisco 1). High count of three observed in across the state this season. This compares to 66 Douglas County (Randy Hoffman) on May 19, counties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- First observed on April 08, 2017 in Dane ties on March 26, 2017 in Walworth County (Scott County at Tiedeman’s Pond (Tim Fenske). First Weberpal). Last observed on May 31, 2017 in observed in the northernmost counties on May Price County (Jim Krakowski). 09, 2017 in Marinette County (Marcia Hurst). Breeding was confirmed in Ashland County by High count of 500 observed in Vernon County the end of the season. (Roger Hanson) on May 09, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 55 counties across the Common Nighthawk—Reported in 61 state. counties across the state this season. This com- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of pares to 61 counties in 2016 and 58 counties in Adams, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, and Polk across 2015. This also ties the highest number of coun- the state by the end of the season. 54 The Spring Season: 2017

Ruby-throated Hummingbird—Reported Breeding was confirmed in six of the southern in all 72 counties across the state this season. This counties by the end of the season. compares to 71 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in 2015. This also ties the highest number of Red-bellied Woodpecker—Reported across counties this species has been reported from in the state except for Douglas County this season. the last ten years. This compares to 71 counties in 2016 and 69 First observed on April 18, 2017 in Milwaukee counties in 2015. This also ties the highest num- County (Adam Yellen). First observed in the ber of counties this species has been reported northernmost counties on May 10, 2017 in from in the last ten years. Marinette County (Thomas Johnston, and Joan The species was present at BOP in 54 counties Campbell), and in Vilas County (Sarah Besadny). across the state. High count of 12 observed in La High count of 26 observed in Clark County (Judy Crosse County at Van Loon SWA—general (Nick Lund) on May 30, 2017. The species was present Cooley) on May 14, 2017, and in Dane County at at EOP in 62 counties across the state. Pheasant Branch Conservancy (general) (Charles Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Henrikson) on April 13, 2017, and (Kerry Be- heler) on May 06, 2017. The species was present Clark, Dane, Dunn, Milwaukee, and Polk across at EOP in 65 counties across the state. the state by the end of the season. Breeding was confirmed in 24 counties across the state by the end of the season. The confirma- Belted Kingfisher—Reported across the tion in Oneida County is the first in either atlas. state except for Pepin County this season. This compares to 70 counties in 2016 and 71 counties Yellow-bellied Sapsucker—Reported across in 2015. This also ties the highest number of the state except for Marquette County this sea- counties this species has been reported from in son. This compares to 71 counties in 2016 and 72 the last ten years. counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 11 counties First observed on March 04, 2017 in Dane across the state. First observed in the northern- County (Steve Brezinski, and Mary Murrell). First most counties on April 01, 2017 in Iron County observed in the northernmost counties on March (Tim Oksiuta). High count of six observed in 28, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). High Ozaukee County at Harrington Beach SP— count of 30 observed in La Crosse County at WGLBBO waterbird count site (Calvin Brennan) Goose Island (Scott Puchalski) on April 23, 2017, on April 19, 2017. The species was present at EOP and (Scott Puchalski) on April 29, 2017. The in 53 counties across the state. species was present at EOP in 41 counties across Breeding was confirmed in 14 counties across the state. the state by the end of the season. Breeding was confirmed in seven counties across the state by the end of the season. Lewis’s Woodpecker*—One individual re- ported at a feeder on private property in Bayfield Downy Woodpecker—Reported in all 72 County this season. First observed on May 15, counties across the state this season. This com- 2017 (Ryan Brady, Laura Erickson, Tim Oksiuta, pares to 72 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in and Nick Anich). Last observed on May 20, 2017. 2015. This report was accepted by the WSORC. The species was present at BOP in 58 counties across the state. High count of 21 observed in Mil- Red-headed Woodpecker—Reported in 64 waukee County at Schlitz Audubon Nature Cen- counties across the state this season. This com- ter (Schlitz Audubon Record) on April 26, 2017. pares to 62 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in The species was present at EOP in 65 counties 2015. This also represents the highest number of across the state. counties this species has been reported from in Breeding was confirmed in 20 counties across the last ten years. the state by the end of the season. First observed on March 18, 2017 in Burnett County (Paul MacKean). High count of seven ob- Hairy Woodpecker—Reported in all 72 served in Juneau County at Necedah NWR counties across the state this season. This is the (Oliver Burrus) on May 28, 2017, and (Ben Bur- same number as 2016 and 2015. rus) on May 28, 2017. The species was present at The species was present at BOP in 54 counties EOP in 28 counties across the state. across the state. High count of 10 observed in La The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 55

Crosse County at Goose Island (Scott Puchalski) 2016 and 47 counties in 2015. This also repre- on April 01, 2017, in Dane County (robin van sents the highest number of counties this species vught) on May 13, 2017, in Waupaca County has been reported from in the last ten years. (Robert Welch) on April 08, 2017, and in Vernon First observed on March 03, 2017 in Kenosha County (Amy Klusmeier) on May 09, 2017. The County (Drew Goldberg). First observed in the species was present at EOP in 63 counties across northernmost counties on March 17, 2017 in the state. Douglas County (Otto Gockman). High count of Breeding was confirmed in 22 counties across three observed in Bayfield County (Kathy the state by the end of the season. Morales Eric Julson) on May 19, 2017, and in Ozaukee County at Harrington Beach SP— Northern Flicker—Reported across the WGLBBO waterbird count site (Calvin Brennan) state except for Pepin County this season. This on March 21, 2017. The species was present at compares to 72 counties in 2016 and in 2015. EOP in seven counties across the state. The species was present at BOP in 11 of the Breeding was confirmed in Ashland County by southern counties. First observed in the north- the end of the season. ernmost counties on March 31, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 341 ob- Peregrine Falcon—Reported in 37 counties served in Iron County at Saxon Harbor (Tim Ok- across the state this season. This compares to 42 siuta) on April 09, 2017. The species was present counties in 2016 and 36 counties in 2015. at EOP across the state except for the counties of The species was present at BOP in the coun- Taylor, Pepin, and Eau Claire. ties of Brown, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Pepin, and Breeding was confirmed in 17 counties across Trempealeau across the state. High count of five the state by the end of the season. observed in Door County (Eric Howe) on May 30, 2017. The species was present at EOP in nine Pileated Woodpecker—Reported across counties across the state. the state except for Kenosha County this season. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of This compares to 71 counties in 2016 and 70 Ashland, Brown, Door, and Milwaukee adjoining counties in 2015. This also ties the highest num- the Great Lakes by the end of the season. The ber of counties this species has been reported confirmation in Door County is the first in either from in the last ten years. atlas. The species was present at BOP in 37 counties across the state. High count of seven observed in Reported in Kenosha Dane County (Kerry Beheler) on May 06, 2017. Prairie Falcon*— County this season. First observed on March 27, The species was present at EOP in 53 counties across the state. 2017 at Richard Bong SRA (Jennifer Ambrose). Breeding was confirmed in nine counties Last observed on March 29, 2017 (Kay Kavanagh, across the state by the end of the season. William McClellan, and Annette McClellan). This report was accepted by the WSORC. American Kestrel—Reported in 68 counties across the state this season. This compares to 71 Olive-sided Flycatcher—Reported in 51 counties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. counties across the state this season. This com- The species was present at BOP in 32 coun- pares to 37 counties in 2016 and 51 counties in ties across the state. First observed in the north- 2015. This also ties the highest number of coun- ernmost counties on March 18, 2017 in Bayfield ties this species has been reported from in the last County at County E & H farm fields area (Wayne ten years. Seeger). High count of 13 observed in Sheboy- First observed on May 09, 2017 in Trem- gan County at Kohler-Andrae SP (Rebecca Sher, pealeau County at Trempealeau NWR (Maureen Seth Cutright) on April 15, 2017. The species Blackford), in Burnett County (Samuel Ander- was present at EOP in 38 counties across the son), and in La Crosse County (Jules Teskie). state. First observed in the northernmost counties on Breeding was confirmed in 15 counties across May 15, 2017 in Ashland County (Nick Anich). the state by the end of the season. High count of three observed in Bayfield County at Birch Grove Campground (Ryan Brady) on Merlin—Reported in 56 counties across the May 29, 2017. The species was present at EOP in state this season. This compares to 51 counties in 21 counties across the state. 56 The Spring Season: 2017

Eastern Wood-Pewee—Reported across the species was present at EOP in 51 counties across state except for Forest County this season. This the state. compares to 70 counties in 2016 and 69 counties Breeding was confirmed in Dane County by in 2015. This also represents the highest number the end of the season. The confirmation in Dane of counties this species has been reported from County is the first in either atlas. in the last ten years. First observed on May 03, 2017 in Green Willow Flycatcher—Reported in 48 coun- County (Kate Dike, and Fred Dike). First ob- ties across the state this season. This compares to served in the northernmost counties on May 19, 41 counties in 2016 and 45 counties in 2015. This 2017 in Florence County (Jeff Brinkman). High also represents the highest number of counties count of 27 observed in Grant County at Wyalus- this species has been reported from in the last ten ing SP (David La Puma, John Bloomfield, Janice years. Brose, Barbara Kelley) on May 27, 2017. The First observed on May 10, 2017 in Dane species was present at EOP in 67 counties across County at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (gen- the state. eral) (Heather Kauffman and Heather Maxwell), Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Co- and at Walking Iron County Park (Mike Bailey). lumbia, Crawford, Door, and Sauk across the state First observed in the northernmost counties on by the end of the season. May 17, 2017 in Marinette County at Red Arrow Park (Marcia Hurst). High count of 15 observed Yellow-bellied Flycatcher—Reported in 38 in Jefferson County at Lake Mills SWA—Zeloski counties across the state this season. This com- Marsh (Joshua Cullum) on May 31, 2017, and in pares to 32 counties in 2016 and 32 counties in Kenosha County at Chiwaukee Prairie SNA (Tom 2015. Lally) on May 29, 2017. The species was present First observed on May 10, 2017 in Lincoln at EOP in 46 counties across the state. County (David Edlund). First observed in the northernmost counties on May 15, 2017 in Bay- Least Flycatcher—Reported across the state field County at Bark Point (John Toren). High except for Barron County this season. This com- count of six observed in Douglas County at pares to 71 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in County P Swamp (Thomas Wood) on May 27, 2015. 2017. The species was present at EOP in 15 coun- First observed on April 21, 2017 in La Crosse ties across the state. County at Coulee Experimental State Forest (Gwyneth Calvetti). First observed in the north- Acadian Flycatcher—Reported in 22 coun- ernmost counties on May 10, 2017 in Forest ties across the state this season. This compares to County (Jon Sund, and Lydia Sund). High count 24 counties in 2016 and 21 counties in 2015. of 40 observed in Marathon County at George W. First observed on May 06, 2017 in Grant Mead SWA (general) (Dan Belter) on May 13, County at Wyalusing SP (Peter Fissel). High 2017. The species was present at EOP in 53 coun- count of 12 observed in Grant County at Wyalus- ties across the state. ing SP (Marilyn Bontly) on May 21, 2017. The Breeding was confirmed in six counties across species was present at EOP in 21 counties across the state by the end of the season. the state. Eastern Phoebe—Reported in all 72 coun- Alder Flycatcher—Reported in 62 counties ties across the state this season. This is the same across the state this season. This compares to 54 number as 2016 and 2015. counties in 2016 and 58 counties in 2015. This First observed on March 06, 2017 in Sauk also represents the highest number of counties County (Jennie Lanzendorf). First observed in this species has been reported from in the last ten the northernmost counties on April 02, 2017 in years. Forest County (Drew Goldberg), and in Florence First observed on May 12, 2017 in Fond du Lac County (Kay Kavanagh). High count of 16 ob- County at Kettle Moraine SF—Mauthe Lake Rec. served in La Crosse County at Coulee Experi- Area (Marie Adams). First observed in the north- mental State Forest (Jules Teskie) on April 08, ernmost counties on May 18, 2017 in Bayfield 2017. The species was present at EOP in 68 coun- County at Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center ties across the state. (Sam Krah). High count of 16 observed in Bur- Breeding was confirmed in 63 counties across nett County (Larry Persico) on May 27, 2017. The the state by the end of the season. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 57

Great Crested Flycatcher—Reported across compares to four counties in 2016 and nine the state except for Lincoln County this season. counties in 2015. This compares to 70 counties in 2016 and 2015. First observed on April 14, 2017 in Iowa This also represents the highest number of coun- County at Iowa County Grasslands (John ties this species has been reported from in the last Kivikoski), in Dunn County (Nina Koch, and Pam ten years. Campbell), and in Brown County (Nick Seeger). First observed on April 14, 2017 in Douglas High count of two observed in Iowa County County at Wisconsin Point (Larry & Jan Krae- (Aaron Haycraft) on May 27, 2017 at Iowa County mer). High count of 15 observed in Waukesha Grasslands, and (John Kivikoski) on April 25, County at Nashotah Park (Jacob Collison) on 2017. This was also the last observation of the sea- May 27, 2017. The species was present at EOP in son. 68 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in Iowa County by the Breeding was confirmed in 12 counties across end of the season. the state by the end of the season. Northern Shrike—Reported in 38 counties Western Kingbird*—Reported in the coun- across the state this season. This compares to 40 ties of Ashland, Bayfield, and Door this season. counties in 2016 and 39 counties in 2015. The report from Door County came on May 25, The species was present at BOP in 17 counties 2017 from Washington Island (Dale Bird, and across the state. High count of three observed in Melody Walsh). Multiple reports came from Ash- Portage County (Maureen Brocken) on March land County with the first being two birds re- 19, 2017, and (Gerry Janz) on March 19, 2017, ported on May 26, 2017 (Nick Anich). Another and in Burnett County at Crex Meadows SWA single bird was reported on May 29, 2017 (Dick (Alan Selin) on March 31, 2017. Last observed in Verch). When relocated, two birds were reported the southernmost counties on April 01, 2017 by at the same location (Nick Anich) later that day. multiple observers this season. Last observed on A report from Bayfield County came on May 31 April 10, 2017 in Douglas County at Loon’s Foot (Ryan Brady). Landing (Heather Bradford). Only the report from Door County was sub- mitted to and accepted by the WSORC. White-eyed Vireo—Reported in six counties across the state this season. This compares to Eastern Kingbird—Reported in all 72 seven counties in 2016 and nine counties in 2015. counties across the state this season. This com- First observed on April 17, 2017 by multiple pares to 71 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in observers at Grant Park in Milwaukee County. 2015. Last observed on May 27, 2017 in Fond du Lac First observed on April 15, 2017 in Waupaca County (anonymous). County (Ken Milender). First observed in the northernmost counties on May 13, 2017 in Bell’s Vireo—Reported in nine counties Marinette County at Peshtigo Harbor SWA— across the state this season. This compares to 13 Peshtigo Pt./Pond Rd. (Lynette Thonne, and counties in 2016 and seven counties in 2015. Joan Campbell), in Forest County (Mary Maertz), First observed on May 14, 2017 in Grant and in Iron County at Little Turtle Flowage County at Wyalusing SP (Dan Jackson, Gwyneth (NLDC Birders). High count of 20 observed by Calvetti, and Scott Puchalski). High count of multiple observers this season. The species was three observed in La Crosse County (Dan Jack- present at EOP across the state except for the son) on May 19, 2017. The species was present at counties of Forest, Taylor, and Pepin. EOP in six counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 19 counties across Breeding was confirmed in Iowa County by the the state by the end of the season. end of the season.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher*—An individual Yellow-throated Vireo—Reported in 68 was reported from Horicon Marsh in Dodge counties across the state this season. This com- County (Bess Wong) on May 16, 2017. pares to 68 counties in 2016 and 70 counties in This report was accepted by the WSORC. 2015. First observed on April 28, 2017 in Waukesha Loggerhead Shrike—Reported in the coun- County at Retzer Nature Center (Spence Stehno, ties of Brown, Dunn, and Iowa this season. This Cheryl Richter), in Jefferson County at Kettle 58 The Spring Season: 2017

Moraine SF—Carlin Trail Rd. Area (Andrea High count of 24 observed in Dodge County at Szymczak), and in Milwaukee County at Jackson Horicon NWR—Auto Tour and Trails (Mark Ko- Park (Barbara Potthast). First observed in the rducki) on May 12, 2017. The species was present northernmost counties on May 12, 2017 in For- at EOP in 62 counties across the state. est County (Mary Maertz), and in Bayfield Breeding was confirmed in five of the eastern County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 10 ob- counties of Dane, Dodge, Marathon, Milwaukee, served in Juneau County (John Meredig) on May and Waukesha by the end of the season. 30, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 54 counties across the state. Red-eyed Vireo—Reported in all 72 coun- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of ties across the state this season. This compares to Dane, Dunn, Marathon, Polk, and Walworth 72 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. across the state by the end of the season. First observed on May 04, 2017 in Iowa County (John Kivikoski), and in Waushara County (Rick Blue-headed Vireo—Reported in 64 coun- Anderson). First observed in the northernmost ties across the state this season. This compares to counties on May 11, 2017 in Bayfield County 60 counties in 2016 and 58 counties in 2015. This (Ben Baldwin). High count of 66 observed in also represents the highest number of counties Juneau County (John Meredig) on May 30, 2017. this species has been reported from in the last ten The species was present at EOP in 68 counties years. across the state. First observed on April 15, 2017 in Waukesha Breeding was confirmed in seven counties County at Kettle Moraine SF—Scuppernong Ski across the state by the end of the season. and Hiking Trail (Andrea Szymczak). First ob- served in the northernmost counties on May 03, Gray Jay—Reported in five of the northern 2017 in Vilas County (Sarah Besadny), and in Flo- counties of Florence, Forest, Iron, Oneida, and rence County (Kay Kavanagh). High count of Vilas this season. This compares to five counties eight observed in Iron County (Colleen Matula) in 2016 and six counties in 2015. on May 31, 2017. The species was present at EOP First observed on March 02, 2017 in Iron in 19 counties across the state. County (Brett Bockhop). High count of four ob- served in Florence County (Rebecca Zarling) on Philadelphia Vireo—Reported in 45 coun- March 25, 2017, and in Vilas County at Northern ties across the state this season. This compares to Highland-American Legion SF (Debra & Randall 32 counties in 2016 and 34 counties in 2015. This Augustinak) on May 25, 2017. Last observed on also represents the highest number of counties this species has been reported from in the last ten May 28, 2017 in Vilas County (Sarah Besadny). years. Breeding was confirmed in Vilas County by the First observed on May 06, 2017 in Dane end of the season. County at Indian Lake (Dane Co.) (Mary Hamp- ton). First observed in the northernmost coun- Blue Jay—Reported in all 72 counties across ties on May 15, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ryan the state this season. This is the same number as Brady). High count of six observed in Calumet 2016 and 2015. County at High Cliff SP (Tony Nowak) on May The species was present at BOP in 58 counties 16, 2017. Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Dane across the state. High count of 1150 observed in County at UW Madison Arboretum—Grady Tract Bayfield County at Bark Point (Ryan Brady) on (Charles Henrikson), and in Milwaukee County May 10, 2017. The species was present at EOP in at Sheridan Park (Jennifer Ambrose). 68 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 41 counties across Warbling Vireo—Reported in 67 counties the state by the end of the season. across the state this season. This compares to 66 counties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. American Crow—Reported in all 72 coun- First observed on April 24, 2017 in Dane ties across the state this season. This is the same County at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve—Wil- number as 2016 and 2015. low Creek Woods/Willow Beach (Kenny The species was present at BOP in 66 counties Younger). First observed in the northernmost across the state. High count of 310 observed in counties on May 12, 2017 in Ashland County at Milwaukee County at Schlitz Audubon Nature Hot Pond (Xcel Energy), Ashland (Ryan Brady). Center (Marilyn Bontly) on March 06, 2017. The The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 59

species was present at EOP across the state except Purple Martin—Reported in 45 counties for the counties of Marquette, and Taylor. across the state this season. This compares to 50 Breeding was confirmed in 49 counties across counties in 2016 and 45 counties in 2015. the state by the end of the season. First observed on April 05, 2017 by multiple observers at Stricker’s Pond in Dane County. First Common Raven—Reported in 46 counties observed in the northernmost counties on May across the state this season. This compares to 47 25, 2017 in Marinette County (Howard Lorenz). counties in 2016 and 46 counties in 2015. High count of 60 observed in Calumet County at The species was present at BOP in 18 counties High Cliff SP—Butterfly Pond Trail (Todd Ward) across the state. High count of 15 observed in on May 15, 2017. The species was present at EOP Marinette County (Jay Watson) on April 17, 2017, in 31 counties across the state. and in Iron County (Colleen Matula) on May 31, Breeding was confirmed in 19 counties across 2017. The species was present at EOP in 30 coun- the state by the end of the season. The confirma- ties across the state. tion in Vernon County is the first in either atlas. Breeding was confirmed in 15 counties across the state by the end of the season. Of these, the Tree Swallow—Reported in all 72 counties confirmations in the counties of Sauk, St. Croix, across the state this season. This is the same num- and Wood are the first in either atlas. ber as 2016 and 2015. First observed on March 18, 2017 in Lafayette Horned Lark—Reported in 59 counties County at Yellowstone SWA (Rebecca Gilman). across the state this season. This compares to 56 First observed in the northernmost counties on counties in 2016 and 56 counties in 2015. April 02, 2017 in Bayfield County at Northern The species was present at BOP in 40 counties Great Lakes Visitor Center (Tim Oksiuta), in Flo- across the state. First observed in the northern- rence County (Kay Kavanagh), and in Forest most counties on May 10, 2017 in Bayfield County County (Mary Maertz). High count of 1000 ob- (Ben Baldwin). High count of 100 observed in served in Jefferson County (Robert Volenec, Jeanne Scherer) on April 13, 2017. The species Portage County at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh was present at EOP across the state except for the (Dan Belter) on March 13, 2017. The species was counties of Taylor, Crawford, and Lafayette. present at EOP in 28 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 54 counties across Breeding was confirmed in five of the south- the state by the end of the season. ern counties of Columbia, Dodge, Jackson, Out- agamie, and Washington by the end of the sea- Bank Swallow—Reported in 61 counties son. across the state this season. This compares to 58 counties in 2016 and 59 counties in 2015. This Re- Northern Rough-winged Swallow— also represents the highest number of counties ported in 66 counties across the state this season. this species has been reported from in the last ten This compares to 64 counties in 2016 and 66 years. counties in 2015. This also ties the highest num- First observed on April 11, 2017 in Dane ber of counties this species has been reported County at Fish Lake (Aaron Holschbach). First from in the last ten years. observed in the northernmost counties on May First observed on April 02, 2017 in Dane 04, 2017 in Florence County (Kay Kavanagh). County at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (gen- High count of 300 observed in Milwaukee County eral) (Mike McDowell). First observed in the (Karen Johnson) on May 23, 2017. The species northernmost counties on May 02, 2017 in was present at EOP in 36 counties across the state. Marinette County at Red Arrow Park (Joan Breeding was confirmed in 20 counties across Campbell). High count of 100 observed in Sauk the state by the end of the season. County at Lower Wisconsin SR—Bakken’s Pond Unit (John Kivikoski) on April 29, 2017, and in Barn Swallow—Reported across the state Sheboygan County at Sheboygan Lakefront (gen- except for Douglas County this season. This com- eral) (Tom Prestby) on April 30, 2017. The pares to 72 counties in 2016 and and 2015. species was present at EOP in 52 counties across First observed on April 01, 2017 in Columbia the state. County at Goose Pond (Ken Milender). First ob- Breeding was confirmed in 27 counties across served in the northernmost counties on April 13, the state by the end of the season. 2017 in Marinette County (Marcia Hurst). High 60 The Spring Season: 2017

count of 300 observed in Dane County (Don across the state. First observed in the northern- Stone) on May 21, 2017. The species was present most counties on May 31, 2017 in Marinette at EOP in 67 counties across the state. County (Kelly Rueckheim). High count of 15 ob- Breeding was confirmed in 48 counties across served in Dane County (Savannah Bartel) on the state by the end of the season. March 20, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 30 counties across the state. Cliff Swallow—Reported in 64 counties Breeding was confirmed in eight counties across the state this season. This compares to 60 across the state by the end of the season. Of these, counties in 2016 and 61 counties in 2015. This the confirmations in the counties of Dodge, and also represents the highest number of counties Waushara are the first in either atlas. this species has been reported from in the last ten years. Great Tit—Reported in the counties of First observed on April 09, 2017 in Milwaukee Ozaukee, and Sheboygan this season. County at South Metro Pier (Oak Creek) (Mike First observed on March 04, 2017 in Sheboy- Wanger), and in Calumet County at High Cliff gan County at Sheboygan Indian Mound Park SP—Butterfly Pond Trail (Rick Anderson). First (Dave&Kerry Sehloff) (Ken Severn). High count observed in the northernmost counties on May of five observed in Sheboygan County at Sheboy- 12, 2017 in Florence County (Kay Kavanagh), gan Indian Mound Park (Barry Baumann) on and in Forest County (Mary Maertz). High count May 15, 2017. Last observed on May 27, 2017 in of 250 observed in Brown County at UW-Green Sheboygan County at Sheboygan Indian Mound Bay Arboretum (Jayson Giese) on May 25, 2017. Park (Raymie Miller), and in Ozaukee County The species was present at EOP in 55 counties (Mary Kloepping, and Michael Kloepping). across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 41 counties across Red-breasted Nuthatch—Reported in 68 the state by the end of the season. counties across the state this season. This com- pares to 68 counties in 2016 and 64 counties in Black-capped Chickadee—Reported in all 2015. 72 counties across the state this season. This is the The species was present at BOP in 33 counties same number as 2016 and 2015. across the state. High count of 23 observed in The species was present at BOP in 65 counties Oconto County (Tom Schaefer, Andrea Szym- across the state. High count of 78 observed in czak) on April 29, 2017. Last observed in the Vilas County at Conserve School (restricted ac- southernmost counties on May 17, 2017 in cess) (Nathan Martineau) on March 11, 2017. Racine County (Kristin Wegner, and Eric Howe). The species was present at EOP in 68 counties The species was present at EOP in 42 counties across the state. across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 48 counties across Breeding was confirmed in nine counties the state by the end of the season. across the state by the end of the season.

Boreal Chickadee—Reported in the coun- White-breasted Nuthatch—Reported in all ties of Forest, and Vilas this season. This com- 72 counties across the state this season. This is the pares to three counties in 2016 and two counties same number as 2016 and 2015. in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 61 counties First observed on March 10, 2017 in Vilas across the state. High count of 23 observed in County at Conserve School (restricted access) Manitowoc County (Julie Woodcock) on April 21, (Nathan Martineau). Last observed on May 24, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 66 coun- 2017 in Forest County at Giant Pine Rd. (Thomas ties across the state. Wood), and in Vilas County (Vickie Becker). Breeding was confirmed in 33 counties across the state by the end of the season. Tufted Titmouse—Reported in 53 counties across the state this season. This compares to 44 Brown Creeper—Reported across the state counties in 2016 and 43 counties in 2015. This except for the counties of Pepin, and Buffalo this also represents the highest number of counties season. This compares to 67 counties in 2016 and this species has been reported from in the last ten 66 counties in 2015. This also represents the years. highest number of counties this species has been The species was present at BOP in 26 counties reported from in the last ten years. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 61

The species was present at BOP in 15 counties field County (Brian McCaffery). High count of across the state. High count of 21 observed in Mil- 36 observed in Burnett County (Larry Persico) waukee County at Estabrook Park (Jonathan on May 27, 2017. The species was present at EOP Abresch) on April 08, 2017. The species was pres- in 59 counties across the state. ent at EOP in 15 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Dane, and Racine by the end of the season. Bayfield, Jefferson, Vilas, and Waushara by the end of the season. The confirmation in Jefferson Marsh Wren—Reported in 49 counties across County is the first in either atlas. the state this season. This compares to 44 coun- ties in 2016 and 51 counties in 2015. House Wren—Reported across the state ex- First observed on April 14, 2017 in Racine cept for Sawyer County this season. This com- County at Samuel Myers Park (Jennifer Wenzel). pares to 71 counties in 2016 and 68 counties in First observed in the northernmost counties on 2015. This also ties the highest number of coun- May 12, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). ties this species has been reported from in the last High count of 40 observed in Manitowoc County ten years. at Collins Marsh SWA (Robert Domagalski) on First observed on April 08, 2017 in Dane May 15, 2017. The species was present at EOP in County at Elver Park (Sam Krerowicz). First ob- 35 counties across the state. served in the northernmost counties on April 22, Breeding was confirmed in the counties of 2017 in Marinette County (Joan Campbell). High Dane, Dodge, and Rock by the end of the season. count of 40 observed in Marathon County at George W. Mead SWA (Dan Belter) on May 13, Carolina Wren—Reported in 16 counties 2017. The species was present at EOP in 65 coun- across the state this season. This compares to 17 ties across the state. counties in 2016 and 12 counties in 2015. Breeding was confirmed in 35 counties across First observed on March 04, 2017 in Dane the state by the end of the season. County (Aaron Balogh). High count of three ob- served in Trempealeau County at Trempealeau Winter Wren—Reported in 61 counties NWR (Rishi Palit) on May 01, 2017. Last observed across the state this season. This compares to 53 on May 31, 2017 in Door County (Melody Walsh). counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. This also represents the highest number of counties Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—Reported in 59 this species has been reported from in the last ten counties across the state this season. This com- years. pares to 61 counties in 2016 and 59 counties in First observed on March 10, 2017 in Dane 2015. County at UW-Madison Arboretum (Shawn First observed on April 09, 2017 in Eau Claire Miller, Todd Draper, and Charles Henrikson). County (Trevor Ostendorf), and in Ozaukee First observed in the northernmost counties on County at Donges Bay Gorge (OWLT) (Marilyn March 31, 2017 in Bayfield County (Susan Mack- Bontly, Norma Zehner, and Barbara Keller- reth). High count of seven observed in Milwau- mann). First observed in the northernmost coun- kee County at Doctors Park in Fox Point (Jim ties on April 25, 2017 in Marinette County (Mar- Frank) on April 03, 2017. The species was pres- cia Hurst). High count of 40 observed in ent at EOP in 24 counties across the state. Milwaukee County at Lake Park (Jacob Collison) Breeding was confirmed in the counties of on May 11, 2017. The species was present at EOP Door, and Kewaunee by the end of the season. in 44 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 21 counties across Sedge Wren—Reported in 63 counties the state by the end of the season. across the state this season. This compares to 57 counties in 2016 and 56 counties in 2015. This Golden-crowned Kinglet—Reported across also represents the highest number of counties the state except for Pepin County this season. this species has been reported from in the last ten This compares to 67 counties in 2016 and 62 years. counties in 2015. This also represents the high- First observed on April 18, 2017 in Dane est number of counties this species has been re- County at Nine Springs Natural Area (Jason ported from in the last ten years. Daley, and Mark Millard). First observed in the First observed on March 03, 2017 in Win- northernmost counties on May 03, 2017 in Bay- nebago County (Mark Benson). High count of 62 The Spring Season: 2017

100 observed in Milwaukee County at Wehr Na- ties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. This also ture Center (Colleen Resendiz) on March 24, represents the highest number of counties this 2017, and in Sheboygan County (Barry Bau- species has been reported from in the last ten mann) on April 03, 2017. Last observed in the years. southernmost counties on April 23, 2017 in First observed on April 24, 2017 in Polk Racine County at Honey Creek SWA—Cherry County (Allen Hanson). First observed in the Lake Sedge Meadow SNA (Paul Kinzer). The northernmost counties on May 13, 2017 in For- species was present at EOP in 12 counties across est County (Mary Maertz). High count of 15 ob- the state. served in Juneau County (John Meredig) on May 30, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 56 Ruby-crowned Kinglet—Reported across counties across the state. the state except for the counties of Menominee, Breeding was confirmed in the counties of and Pepin this season. This compares to 69 coun- Forest, Jackson, and Langlade by the end of the ties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. This also season. represents the highest number of counties this species has been reported from in the last ten Gray-cheeked Thrush—Reported in 39 years. counties across the state this season. This com- First observed on March 24, 2017 in Dane pares to 41 counties in 2016 and 39 counties in County at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (Cliff 2015. Anderson), in Grant County at UW-Platteville Me- First observed on April 25, 2017 in Milwaukee morial Park (Alex Harman), and in Milwaukee County at Sheridan Park (Milwaukee County County at Kohl Park (East of 76th St) (Milwau- Parks Natural Areas Staff). First observed in the kee County Parks Natural Areas Staff). First ob- northernmost counties on May 12, 2017 in Bay- served in the northernmost counties on April 09, field County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 10 ob- 2017 by multiple observers this season. High served in Brown County at Bay Beach Wildlife count of 85 observed in Milwaukee County at Sanctuary (Mark Korducki, Tom Prestby, Menomonee River Parkway—N. Swan Blvd. to W. Quentin Yoerger) on May 21, 2017. Last observed Capitol Dr. (Jacob Collison) on April 16, 2017. on May 29, 2017 in Milwaukee County at Mangan Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Iron County Woods (Jeremy Meyer), and in Grant County (Colleen Matula), and in Bayfield County (Bar- (Ernesto Reyes). bara Moldenhauer). Swainson’s Thrush—Reported in 58 coun- Eastern Bluebird—Reported in all 72 coun- ties across the state this season. This compares to ties across the state this season. This compares to 57 counties in 2016 and 59 counties in 2015. 71 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in 2015. First observed on April 29, 2017 in Dane The species was present at BOP in 17 counties County at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (Kyle across the state. First observed in the northern- Lindemer, and Mike McDowell). First observed most counties on April 01, 2017 in Florence in the northernmost counties on May 10, 2017 in County (Kay Kavanagh). High count of 22 ob- Marinette County (Marcia Hurst). High count of served in Dane County (Kerry Beheler) on May 26 observed in Manitowoc County at Point Creek 06, 2017, and in Ozaukee County at Harrington Park (Robert Domagalski) on May 17, 2017. The Beach SP (Jennifer Hoffman, Geoffrey A. species was present at EOP in the counties of Bay- Williamson) on May 14, 2017. The species was field, Door, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Out- present at EOP in 61 counties across the state. agamie across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 51 counties across the state by the end of the season. Hermit Thrush—Reported across the state except for the counties of Pepin, Buffalo, and Townsend’s Solitaire—One individual re- Lafayette this season. This compares to 67 coun- ported in St. Croix County this season. First ob- ties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. served on April 01, 2017 at Willow River SP— First observed on March 03, 2017 in Dane Trout Brook Trail (Larry Persico). County at UW-Madison Arboretum (Charles Henrikson). First observed in the northernmost Veery—Reported across the state except for counties on April 02, 2017 in Bayfield County the counties of Crawford, Richland, and (Alex Lehner). High count of 70 observed in Lafayette this season. This compares to 66 coun- Sawyer County (Ryan Brady) on April 28, 2017. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 63

The species was present at EOP in 23 counties First observed on March 19, 2017 in Dane across the state. County (Aaron Greene). First observed in the Breeding was confirmed in the counties of northernmost counties on April 15, 2017 in Bay- Dodge, and Jackson by the end of the season. field County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 24 ob- The confirmation in Dodge County is the first in served in Burnett County at Namekagon Barrens either atlas. SWA—North Unit (Ken Milender) on April 29, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 58 coun- Wood Thrush—Reported across the state ties across the state. except for the counties of Iron, Washburn, and Breeding was confirmed in 16 counties across Buffalo this season. This compares to 64 counties the state by the end of the season. in 2016 and 66 counties in 2015. This also repre- sents the highest number of counties this species Northern Mockingbird—Reported in 19 has been reported from in the last ten years. counties across the state this season. This com- First observed on April 26, 2017 in Milwaukee pares to 20 counties in 2016 and 18 counties in County at Bender Park (Michelle Abel). First ob- 2015. served in the northernmost counties on May 12, First observed on April 23, 2017 in Racine 2017 in Forest County (Mary Maertz). High County at Wind Point (Lighthouse and Shoop count of 13 observed in La Crosse County at Park) (Helen Pugh). First observed in the north- Coulee Experimental State Forest (Scott Puchal- ernmost counties on May 09, 2017 in Vilas ski) on May 28, 2017. The species was present at County (Mike Peczynski). High count of two ob- EOP in 51 counties across the state. served in Burnett County at Crex Meadows SWA Breeding was confirmed in the counties of (Pam Campbell) on May 28, 2017, (Thomas Brown, and Milwaukee by the end of the season. Wood) on May 29, 2017, and (W. Douglas Robin- son) on May 19, 2017. The species was present at American Robin—Reported in all 72 coun- EOP in seven counties across the state. ties across the state this season. This is the same number as 2016 and 2015. European Starling—Reported in all 72 The species was present at BOP in 40 counties counties across the state this season. This is the across the state. High count of 8450 observed in same count as in 2016 and 2015. Douglas County at Wisconsin Point—Gull Bluff The species was present at BOP in 53 counties (Steve Kolbe, Ryan Steiner, and John P Richard- across the state. High count of 750 observed in son) on April 08, 2017. The species was present at Milwaukee County at Franklin Landfill (Terry EOP across the state except for Taylor County. Pavletic) on March 02, 2017. The species was Breeding was confirmed in 68 counties across present at EOP across the state except for the the state by the end of the season. counties of Marquette, and Taylor. Breeding was confirmed in 58 counties across Gray Catbird—Reported in all 72 counties the state by the end of the season. across the state this season. This compares to 71 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in 2015. American Pipit—Reported in 30 counties First observed on April 12, 2017 in Milwaukee across the state this season. This compares to 26 County at Grobschmidt Park (Michelle Abel). counties in 2016 and 20 counties in 2015. This First observed in the northernmost counties on also represents the highest number of counties May 09, 2017 in Iron County (Kyle Lee). High this species has been reported from in the last ten count of 27 observed in Jefferson County at Wa- years. terloo SWA—Springer Rd. area (Aaron Stutz) on First observed on March 05, 2017 in Dane May 28, 2017. The species was present at EOP County at Shovelers Sink (Mike McDowell). First across the state except for the counties of Taylor, observed in the northernmost counties on May and Pepin. 04, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). High Breeding was confirmed in 25 counties across count of 30 observed in Green Lake County at the state by the end of the season. Lake Maria Road Pond (Thomas Schultz) on March 21, 2017. Last observed on May 28, 2017 in Brown Thrasher—Reported across the state Dane County at Fish Lake (Eddie Hicks). except for the counties of Langlade, and Iron this season. This is the same as the count in 2016 and Bohemian Waxwing—Reported in 11 of 2015. the northern counties this season. This compares 64 The Spring Season: 2017

to eight counties in 2016 and two counties in served in Iowa County (John Kivikoski) on March 2015. This also represents the highest number of 03, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost counties this species has been reported from in counties on March 14, 2017 in Racine County the last ten years. (Drew Goldberg). Last observed on May 19, 2017 First observed on March 02, 2017 in Lincoln in Ashland County at Ashland Oredock Base County (David Edlund). High count of 1270 ob- (Nick Anich). served in Ashland County (Ryan Brady) on April 03, 2017. Last observed on April 27, 2017 in Lin- Ovenbird—Reported across the state except coln County (Ken Milender). for Lafayette County this season. This compares to 70 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. Cedar Waxwing—Reported across the state First observed on April 26, 2017 in Jefferson except for the counties of Sawyer, and Pepin this County (Daniel Schneider), and in Vernon season. This compares to 69 counties in 2016 and County (Dan Jackson). First observed in the 68 counties in 2015. This also represents the northernmost counties on May 07, 2017 in Vilas highest number of counties this species has been County (Guy David). High count of 48 observed reported from in the last ten years. in Menominee County (Tom Prestby) on May 25, The species was present at BOP in 19 counties 2017. The species was present at EOP in 62 coun- across the state. First observed in the northern- ties across the state. most counties on April 05, 2017 in Forest County Breeding was confirmed in the counties of at Sheltered Valley/Pine River Rd./FR 2182 (Jack Bayfield, Jackson, Sauk, and Vilas across the state Swelstad). High count of 100 observed in Dane by the end of the season. County at Fish Camp Park, Lake Kegonsa (Kris Perlberg) on May 19, 2017. The species was pres- Worm-eating Warbler—Reported in the ent at EOP in 67 counties across the state. counties of Calumet, and Ozaukee this season. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of First observed on April 30, 2017 in Calumet Kenosha, and Polk by the end of the season. County (Kay Kavanagh, Matthew King, Stuart Malcolm, and Michael Gray). Last observed on Lapland Longspur—Reported in 30 coun- May 16, 2017 in Ozaukee County (Jim Frank). ties across the state this season. This compares to 33 counties in 2016 and 38 counties in 2015. Louisiana Waterthrush—Reported in 20 The species was present at BOP in 14 counties counties across the state this season. This com- across the state. First observed in the northern- pares to 17 counties in 2016 and 16 counties in most counties on March 30, 2017 in Bayfield 2015. County (Ryan Brady). High count of 2000 ob- First observed on April 06, 2017 in Milwaukee served in Sauk County (Paul Schilke) on April 25, County at Lake Park (Mike Wanger). High count 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- of six observed in Sauk County at Baxter’s Hol- ties on April 26, 2017 in Rock County (Joshua low SNA (Aaron Balogh, and Kim O’Keefe) on Cullum). Last observed on May 22, 2017 in Win- May 07, 2017. The species was present at EOP in nebago County (Todd Ward, and Stuart Mal- the counties of Dane, Dunn, Grant, Sauk, and colm). Vernon across the state. Breeding was confirmed in four of the south- Smith’s Longspur*—Reported in Dane ern counties of Iowa, Kenosha, Sauk, and Wauke- County this season. First observed on April 26, sha by the end of the season. The confirmation in 2017 (Steve Thiessen). High count of seven ob- Kenosha County is the first in either atlas. served (Kris Perlberg) on April 26, 2017. Last ob- served on May 01, 2017 (Kristy Larson). Northern Waterthrush—Reported in 65 This report was accepted by the WSORC. counties across the state this season. This com- pares to 64 counties in 2016 and 67 counties in Snow Bunting—Reported in 26 counties 2015. across the state this season. This compares to 26 First observed on April 16, 2017 in Dane counties in 2016 and 29 counties in 2015. County at Nine Springs Natural Area (Ashley The species was present at BOP in 20 counties Hannah). First observed in the northernmost across the state. First observed in the northern- counties on May 03, 2017 in Florence County most counties on March 18, 2017 in Bayfield (Kay Kavanagh). High count of 13 observed in La County (Ryan Brady). High count of 300 ob- Crosse County at Myrick Marsh (La Crosse) The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 65

(Emily Weiser) on May 13, 2017. The species was Prothonotary Warbler—Reported in 20 present at EOP in 23 counties across the state. counties across the state this season. This com- pares to 24 counties in 2016 and 28 counties in Golden-winged Warbler—Reported in 60 2015. counties across the state this season. This com- First observed on April 23, 2017 in Dane pares to 65 counties in 2016 and 61 counties in County at Middleton Hills Neighborhood Park 2015. South (Janis Cooper). High count of 11 observed First observed on May 01, 2017 in La Crosse in Rock County at Avon Bottoms (Andy Paulios) County (Kim Larson). First observed in the on May 25, 2017. The species was present at EOP northernmost counties on May 11, 2017 in Bay- in 11 counties across the state. field County (Rick Burkman). High count of 12 Breeding was confirmed in six of the southern observed in Marathon County (Jim Peck) on May counties by the end of the season. 13, 2017, and in Burnett County (Larry Persico) on May 27, 2017. The species was present at EOP Tennessee Warbler—Reported in 62 coun- in 29 counties across the state. ties across the state this season. This compares to Breeding was confirmed in Jackson County by 60 counties in 2016 and 64 counties in 2015. the end of the season. First observed on April 28, 2017 in Milwaukee County at We Energies Grassland (St. Francis) Reported in 58 Blue-winged Warbler— (Jennifer Ambrose). First observed in the north- counties across the state this season. This com- ernmost counties on May 18, 2017 in Marinette pares to 60 counties in 2016 and 57 counties in County at Peshtigo Harbor SWA—Peshtigo 2015. Pt./Pond Rd. (Joan Campbell). High count of 28 First observed on April 21, 2017 in La Crosse observed in St. Croix County at Willow River SP— County at Coulee Experimental State Forest Trout Brook Trail (Larry Persico) on May 19, (Gwyneth Calvetti). First observed in the north- 2017. Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Win- ernmost counties on May 19, 2017 in Marinette nebago County (Mark Benson), and in Rusk County (Lindsey Bender). High count of 30 ob- County (Tony Del Valle). served in La Crosse County at Coulee Experi- mental State Forest (Scott Puchalski) on May 07, Reported in 48 2017. The species was present at EOP in 41 coun- Orange-crowned Warbler— counties across the state this season. This com- ties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in La Crosse County pares to 47 counties in 2016 and 46 counties in by the end of the season. 2015. First observed on April 16, 2017 in multiple Brewster’s Warbler (hybrid)—Reported southern counties by multiple observers this sea- in the counties of Bayfield, Brown, Juneau, and son. First observed in the northernmost counties Outagamie across the state this season. This is sig- on April 29, 2017 in Ashland County at Prentice nificantly higher than one county in 2016 and Park (Paula Anich, and Nick Anich). High count two counties in 2015. of nine observed in Milwaukee County at Warni- mont County Park (Jeremy Meyer) on May 10, Black-and-white Warbler—Reported in 68 2017. Last observed on May 27, 2017 in Bayfield counties across the state this season. This com- County at Bayfield Fish Hatchery/Pikes Creek pares to 72 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in (Alex Lehner). 2015. First observed on April 15, 2017 by multiple Nashville Warbler—Reported across the observers at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in state except for the counties of Pepin, Crawford, Dane County. First observed in the northernmost and Lafayette this season. This compares to 71 counties on May 10, 2017 by multiple observers. counties in 2016 and in 2015. High count of 14 observed in Bayfield County at First observed on April 20, 2017 in Jefferson Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (Sam Krah) County (Daniel Schneider). First observed in the on May 18, 2017. The species was present at EOP northernmost counties on May 09, 2017 in in 38 counties across the state. Marinette County (Claire Kluskens), and in For- Breeding was confirmed in Milwaukee County est County (Jon Sund, and Lydia Sund). High by the end of the season. The confirmation in count of 30 observed in Monroe County at Fort Milwaukee County is the first in either atlas. McCoy (Casey Weissburg) on May 10, 2017. The 66 The Spring Season: 2017

species was present at EOP in 37 counties across (Larry Persico) on May 27, 2017. The species was the state. present at EOP across the state except for the counties of Menominee, and Taylor. Connecticut Warbler—Reported in 25 coun- Breeding was confirmed in 10 counties across ties across the state this season. This is signifi- the state by the end of the season. cantly higher than 15 counties in 2016 and in 2015. This also represents the highest number of Hooded Warbler—Reported in 19 of the counties this species has been reported from in southern counties this season. This compares to the last ten years. 20 counties in 2016 and 15 counties in 2015. First observed on May 10, 2017 in Iowa County First observed on April 26, 2017 in Waukesha (John Kivikoski). First observed in the northern- County (Andrea Szymczak). High count of five most counties on May 21, 2017 in Bayfield County observed in Waukesha County (Tim Hahn, and (Ryan Brady). High count of two observed in Ed Hahn) on May 29, 2017. The species was pres- Sauk County at Baxter’s Hollow SNA (Mary ent at EOP in 16 of the southern counties. Hampton) on May 21, 2017. Last observed on May 28, 2017 in Dane County at Cherokee Marsh American Redstart—Reported in all 72 Conservation Park—South Unit (Jon Peacock), counties across the state this season. This is the and in Winnebago County (Mark Benson). same count as in 2016 and 2015. First observed on May 01, 2017 in Dunn Mourning Warbler—Reported in 59 coun- County at Dunnville SWA (Trevor Ostendorf), ties across the state this season. This compares to and in Sauk County (Owen Holte). First observed 52 counties in 2016 and in 2015. This also repre- in the northernmost counties on May 12, 2017 in sents the highest number of counties this species Ashland County (Carol Becker). High count of has been reported from in the last ten years. 50 observed in La Crosse County (Scott Puchal- First observed on May 08, 2017 in Grant ski) on May 21, 2017. The species was present at County (Mike Hedemark). First observed in the EOP in 68 counties across the state. northernmost counties on May 17, 2017 in Bay- Breeding was confirmed in 14 counties across field County (Nick Anich). High count of eight the state by the end of the season. observed in Iron County (Colleen Matula) on May 31, 2017, and in Vilas County (Casey Weiss- Kirtland’s Warbler—Reported in Adams burg) on May 25, 2017. The species was present County this season. This compares to one county at EOP in 39 counties across the state. in 2016 and three counties in 2015. First observed on May 18, 2017 (Nina Koch). Kentucky Warbler—Reported in six of the High count of three observed (David Edlund, southern counties this season. This is significantly and Guy Williams) on May 19, 2017, and (Tom higher than three counties in 2016. Reed) on May 25, 2017. Last observed on May 31, First observed on May 10, 2017 in Grant 2017 (Thomas Wood). County at Wyalusing SP—Long Valley Rd. (Kay Kavanagh). High count of three observed by mul- Cape May Warbler—Reported in 52 coun- tiple observers in Grant County at Wyalusing SP ties across the state this season. This compares to on several dates. Last observed on May 31, 2017 51 counties in 2016 and 49 counties in 2015. in Sauk County at Baxter’s Hollow SNA (Chuck First observed on April 26, 2017 in La Crosse Heikkinen), and in Grant County at Wyalusing County (Emily Weiser). First observed in the SP (Emily Hockman). northernmost counties on May 07, 2017 in Vilas County (Nina Koch). High count of 15 observed Common Yellowthroat—Reported in all 72 in Brown County at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary counties across the state this season. This is the (Tom Prestby) on May 12, 2017. Last observed on same count as in 2016 and 2015. May 29, 2017 in Vilas County (Dennis Gustafson). First observed on April 16, 2017 in Milwaukee County at Oak Creek PKWY #15 (Milwaukee Cerulean Warbler—Reported in 21 coun- County Parks Natural Areas Staff). First observed ties across the state this season. This compares to in the northernmost counties on May 11, 2017 in 27 counties in 2016 and 20 counties in 2015. Ashland County at Wakefield Rd. (Northland First observed on May 03, 2017 in Washburn College Field Ornithology, and Paula Anich). County at Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary (anony- High count of 65 observed in Burnett County mous). High count of 20 observed in Grant The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 67

County at Wyalusing SP (Gwyneth Calvetti) on field County at Bark Point (Ryan Brady). High May 13, 2017, and on May 14, 2017. The species count of 12 observed in Iron County (Colleen was present at EOP in 14 of the southern counties. Matula) on May 31, 2017. The species was pres- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of ent at EOP in 17 counties across the state. Grant, and Jackson by the end of the season. The confirmation in Jackson County is the first in ei- Yellow Warbler—Reported in all 72 coun- ther atlas. ties across the state this season. This compares to 72 counties in 2016 and 71 counties in 2015. Northern Parula—Reported in 55 counties First observed on April 19, 2017 in Ozaukee across the state this season. This compares to 53 County at Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. (Thomas Wood). First observed in the northern- First observed on April 14, 2017 in Brown most counties on May 09, 2017 by multiple ob- County at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (Nick servers this season. High count of 70 observed in Seeger). First observed in the northernmost Jefferson County at Glacial Drumlin State Trail— counties on May 06, 2017 in Marinette County Lake Mills west to Zeloski Marsh (Cynthia Bridge, (Claire Kluskens). High count of 30 observed in and Aaron Stutz) on May 13, 2017. The species Milwaukee County at Sheridan Park (Jeremy was present at EOP across the state except for the Meyer) on May 14, 2017. The species was present counties of Menominee, and Taylor. at EOP in 14 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 23 counties across Breeding was confirmed in Bayfield County by the state by the end of the season. the end of the season. Chestnut-sided Warbler—Reported across the Magnolia Warbler—Reported in 63 coun- state except for the counties of Marquette, Rich- ties across the state this season. This compares to land, and Lafayette this season. This compares to 56 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in 2015. 71 counties in 2016 and 69 counties in 2015. First observed on May 04, 2017 in Iowa County First observed on May 02, 2017 in Milwaukee (John Kivikoski). First observed in the northern- County at Lake Park (Michelle Abel). First ob- most counties on May 12, 2017 in Marinette served in the northernmost counties on May 10, County (Joan Campbell). High count of 25 ob- 2017 in Marinette County (Claire Kluskens). served in Door County at Peninsula SP (Quentin High count of 30 observed in Vilas County (Casey Yoerger, Tom Prestby, and Mark Korducki) on Weissburg) on May 22, 2017, (Casey Weissburg) May 21, 2017. The species was present at EOP in on May 23, 2017, and (Casey Weissburg) on May 12 counties across the state. 25, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 47 counties across the state. Bay-breasted Warbler—Reported in 42 Breeding was confirmed in four of the north- counties across the state this season. This com- ern counties of Clark, Marathon, Polk, and Wash- pares to 43 counties in 2016 and 40 counties in burn by the end of the season. 2015. First observed on May 08, 2017 in Rock Blackpoll Warbler—Reported in 53 coun- County (Joel Thiele). First observed in the north- ties across the state this season. This compares to ernmost counties on May 13, 2017 in Marinette 52 counties in 2016 and 52 counties in 2015. County at Lake Noquebay SWA and Sedge First observed on May 03, 2017 in Racine Meadow SNA (Jay Watson). High count of 20 ob- County at Wind Point (Lighthouse and Shoop served in Door County at Peninsula SP (Jeff Zuh- Park) (Eric Howe). First observed in the north- lke) on May 20, 2017. Last observed on May 31, ernmost counties on May 13, 2017 in Marinette 2017 in Bayfield County (Ryan Brady). County at Lake Noquebay SWA and Sedge Meadow SNA (Jay Watson). High count of 20 ob- Blackburnian Warbler—Reported in 62 served in Ozaukee County at Lion’s Den Gorge counties across the state this season. This com- Nature Preserve (Marilyn Bontly, Joan Sommer, pares to 64 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in and Bill Grossmeyer) on May 16, 2017. Last ob- 2015. served on May 31, 2017 by multiple observers First observed on April 26, 2017 in Brown this season. County at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (Nick Seeger, and Tom Prestby). First observed in the Black-throated Blue Warbler—Reported in northernmost counties on May 10, 2017 in Bay- 34 counties across the state this season. This com- 68 The Spring Season: 2017

pares to 37 counties in 2016 and 34 counties in The confirmation in Brown County is the first in 2015. either atlas. First observed on May 04, 2017 in Douglas County (Heriberto Verdugo Munguía). High Yellow-throated Warbler—Reported in the count of seven observed in Oconto County (An- counties of Crawford, Dane, and Grant this sea- drea Szymczak) on May 27, 2017. The species was son. This compares to three counties in 2016 and present at EOP in 10 counties across the state. four counties in 2015. Breeding was confirmed in Oconto County by First observed on April 22, 2017 in Grant the end of the season. The confirmation in County at Wyalusing SP (Tom Schaefer, and An- Oconto County is the first in either atlas. drea Szymczak). High count of three observed in Grant County at Wyalusing SP (Gwyneth Calvetti) Palm Warbler—Reported across the state on May 14, 2017 (Emily Hockman) and on May except for the counties of Menominee, Rusk, and 25, 2017 (Emily Hockman). Last observed on Taylor this season. This compares to 68 counties May 31, 2017 in Grant County at Wyalusing SP in 2016 and 66 counties in 2015. (Emily Hockman). First observed on April 10, 2017 in Dane County at Kettle Pond Conservation Park (Glen Prairie Warbler—A single individual was Chism), and in Rock County (Jim Hughes). First observed on May 09, 2017 in Milwaukee County observed in the northernmost counties on April at Lake Park (Patrick Horn, and Dennis 15, 2017 in Forest County (Mary Maertz). High Gustafson). This compares to two counties in count of 275 observed in Brown County at Point 2016 and four counties in 2015. au Sauble (Tom Prestby) on May 10, 2017. The species was present at EOP in seven of the north- Black-throated Green Warbler—Reported ern counties. in 64 counties across the state this season. This compares to 63 counties in 2016 and 56 counties Reported in 63 counties Pine Warbler— in 2015. across the state this season. This compares to 64 First observed on April 23, 2017 in Ozaukee counties in 2016 and in 2015. County at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve First observed on April 05, 2017 in Dane (OWLT) (Calvin Brennan), and in Waukesha County (Sunil Gopalan). First observed in the County (Tom Schaefer, and Andrea Szymczak). northernmost counties on April 18, 2017 in Ash- First observed in the northernmost counties on land County (Janice Sharp). High count of 15 ob- May 06, 2017 in Vilas County (Sarah Besadny), served in Jackson County (Jim Otto) on May 31, and in Bayfield County at Cornucopia (Ben Bald- 2017. The species was present at EOP in 37 coun- ties across the state. win). High count of 28 observed in Door County Breeding was confirmed in the counties of at Washington Island (Melody Walsh) on May 13, Dunn, Jackson, and Vilas by the end of the sea- 2017. The species was present at EOP in 25 coun- son. ties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in Shawano County Yellow-rumped Warbler—Reported in all by the end of the season. 72 counties across the state this season. This com- pares to 71 counties in 2016 and 70 counties in Canada Warbler—Reported in 51 counties 2015. across the state this season. This compares to 45 First observed on March 01, 2017 in Sauk counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. County at August Derleth Park (Aaron First observed on May 09, 2017 in Trempealeau Holschbach). First observed in the northernmost County at Trempealeau NWR (Maureen Black- counties on April 02, 2017 in Bayfield County ford). First observed in the northernmost counties (Ryan Brady). High count of 500 observed in La on May 13, 2017 in Marinette County at Lake No- Crosse County (Scott Puchalski, and Dan Jack- quebay SWA and Sedge Meadow SNA (Jay Wat- son) on April 30, 2017, and in Trempealeau son). High count of 10 observed in Ozaukee County at Trempealeau NWR (Scott Puchalski) County at Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Mar- on April 29, 2017. The species was present at EOP ilyn Bontly, Zoe Finney, and Joan Sommer) on May in 24 counties across the state. 22, 2017, and in Racine County at Colonial Park Breeding was confirmed in the counties of (Jennifer Wenzel) on May 24, 2017. The species Brown, and Chippewa by the end of the season. was present at EOP in 20 counties across the state. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 69

Wilson’s Warbler—Reported in 60 counties compares to two counties in 2016 and two coun- across the state this season. This compares to 52 ties in 2015. counties in 2016 and 56 counties in 2015. First observed on April 25, 2017 in Burnett First observed on April 28, 2017 in Dane County (Matthew Berg). High count of three ob- County at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (Paul served in Burnett County at Crex Meadows SWA Senner). First observed in the northernmost (Patrick Peters, and Scott Clark) on May 09, 2017. counties on May 13, 2017 in Marinette County at This was also the last observation of the season. Lake Noquebay SWA and Sedge Meadow SNA (Jay Watson). High count of 16 observed in Bay- American Tree Sparrow—Reported across field County at Bayfield Fish Hatchery/Pikes the state except for the counties of Menominee, Creek (Ryan Brady) on May 24, 2017. The species Pepin, and Buffalo this season. This compares to was present at EOP in 12 counties across the state. 69 counties in 2016 and 68 counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 48 counties Grasshopper Sparrow—Reported in 37 across the state. High count of 82 observed in counties across the state this season. This com- Kenosha County (Susan Kulinski) on March 27, pares to 33 counties in 2016 and 34 counties in 2017. Last observed in the southernmost coun- 2015. This also represents the highest number of ties on May 07, 2017 in Racine County at Cliffside counties this species has been reported from in Park (Drew Goldberg). Last observed on May 11, the last ten years. 2017 by multiple observers at Hawthorne and KK First observed on April 14, 2017 in Iowa pond in Ozaukee County County at Mounds View Grassland—Schurch- Thomson Prairie (John Kivikoski). High count of Chipping Sparrow—Reported in all 72 25 observed by multiple observers this season. counties across the state this season. This is the The species was present at EOP in 27 counties same number as in 2016 and 2015. across the state. First observed on March 01, 2017 in Marathon Breeding was confirmed in Monroe County by County (Dan Belter). First observed in the north- the end of the season. ernmost counties on April 04, 2017 in Marinette County (Joan Campbell). High count of 100 ob- Henslow’s Sparrow—Reported in 27 coun- served in La Crosse County at Oak Grove Ceme- ties across the state this season. This compares to tery (Scott Puchalski) on April 17, 2017. The 30 counties in 2016 and 25 counties in 2015. species was present at EOP in 68 counties across First observed on April 15, 2017 in Waukesha the state. County (Andrea Szymczak). High count of nine Breeding was confirmed in 27 counties across observed in Waukesha County (Mariette Nowak) the state by the end of the season. on May 04, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 27 counties across the state. Clay-colored Sparrow—Reported in 60 counties across the state this season. This com- LeConte’s Sparrow—Reported in seven pares to 63 counties in 2016 and 60 counties in counties across the state this season. This com- 2015. pares to 10 counties in 2016 and 12 counties in First observed on April 16, 2017 in Dane 2015. County at Nine Springs Natural Area (Ashley First observed on April 24, 2017 by multiple Hannah). First observed in the northernmost observers in Milwaukee County at Schlitz counties on April 28, 2017 in Marinette County Audubon Nature Center. First observed in the (Joan Campbell). High count of 25 observed by northernmost counties on May 25, 2017 in Bay- multiple observers this season. The species was field County (Nick Anich). High count of four present at EOP in 45 counties across the state. observed in Jackson County (Randy Hoffman) on Breeding was confirmed in Ozaukee County May 25, 2017. Last observed on May 31, 2017 in by the end of the season. Burnett County (James Hoefler). Breeding was confirmed in Jackson County by Field Sparrow—Reported in 62 counties the end of the season. The confirmation in Jack- across the state this season. This is the same num- son County is the first in either atlas. ber as in 2016 and 2015. First observed on March 24, 2017 in Ozaukee Nelson’s Sparrow—Reported in the coun- County at Harrington Beach SP (Thomas Wood). ties of Burnett, and Milwaukee this season. This First observed in the northernmost counties on 70 The Spring Season: 2017

April 24, 2017 in Florence County (Kay Ka- Dark-eyed Junco—Reported across the state vanagh). High count of 20 observed in Waukesha except for the counties of Pepin, and Buffalo this County (Anne Moretti) on May 15, 2017, and in season. This compares to 72 counties in 2016 and Iowa County at Mounds View Grassland— 70 counties in 2015. Schurch-Thomson Prairie (Steve Brezinski) on The species was present at BOP in 52 counties April 16, 2017. The species was present at EOP in across the state. High count of 300 observed in 51 counties across the state. Marathon County (Sarah Sabatke) on April 15, Breeding was confirmed in 11 counties across 2017, and in Oneida County (Ken Milender) on the state by the end of the season. April 11, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost counties on May 05, 2017 in Grant County at Lark Sparrow—Reported in 27 counties Rountree Branch Recreational Trail—Dog Park across the state this season. This compares to 21 (Shannon Drexler). Last observed on May 31, counties in 2016 and 24 counties in 2015. This also 2017 in Rusk County (Tony Del Valle). represents the highest number of counties this species has been reported from in the last ten years. White-crowned Sparrow—Reported across First observed on April 16, 2017 in Walworth the state except for the counties of Menominee, County at Kettle Moraine SF—Young Rd. (An- Douglas, and Clark this season. This compares to drea Szymczak), in Waukesha County (Andrea 69 counties in 2016 and 64 counties in 2015. This Szymczak), in Sauk County at Spring Green Pre- also ties the highest number of counties this serve—East (Alex Harman), and in Columbia species has been reported from in the last ten County at Schoeneberg Marsh (Jon Peacock). years. First observed in the northernmost counties on The species was present at BOP in four of the May 10, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). southern counties of Iowa, Manitowoc, Milwau- High count of 14 observed in Sauk County at kee, and Racine. First observed in the northern- Spring Green Preserve—East (Mary Hampton) most counties on April 25, 2017 in Marinette County (Joan Campbell). High count of 170 ob- on May 07, 2017. The species was present at EOP served in Door County at Washington Island in eight counties across the state. (Melody Walsh) on May 13, 2017. Last observed Breeding was confirmed in Monroe County by on May 31, 2017 in Marinette County (Joan the end of the season. Campbell). Lark Bunting*—Reported in the counties Harris’s Sparrow—Reported in 10 coun- of Bayfield, Vernon, and Vilas this season. This is ties across the state this season. This compares to significantly higher than one county in 2016. 15 counties in 2016 and eight counties in 2015. One report was made on May 19, 2017 at Pow- First observed on April 28, 2017 in Chippewa ell Marsh in Vilas County (Guy David)—this re- County (Pamela Hoyland). First observed in the port was not submitted to the WSORC. northernmost counties on May 11, 2017 in Bay- The other reports include ones made on May field County (Ben Baldwin). High count of two 22, 2017 in Bayfield County (Wayne Seeger) and observed in Dunn County (A & R Cowjak) on on May 23, 2017 in Vernon County (Paul Hayes). May 12, 2017, and in St. Croix County at Car- These reports were accepted by the WSORC. penter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus (Steve Weston, Kevin Smith, and Joanna Eckles) on May Fox Sparrow—Reported in 64 counties 13, 2017. Last observed on May 17, 2017 in Bur- across the state this season. This compares to 66 nett County (Tyler Peterson). counties in 2016 and 61 counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 13 counties White-throated Sparrow—Reported in all across the state. First observed in the northern- 72 counties across the state this season. This com- most counties on March 30, 2017 in Bayfield pares to 70 counties in 2016 and 70 counties in County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 50 ob- 2015. served in Door County (Barry Baumann) on The species was present at BOP in 11 of the April 02, 2017. Last observed in the southernmost southern counties. First observed in the north- counties on April 21, 2017 in Kenosha County at ernmost counties on April 08, 2017 in Douglas Richard Bong SRA (Jenn Silva). Last observed on County at Wisconsin Point—Gull Bluff (Ryan May 11, 2017 in Columbia County at Schoene - Steiner, and Steve Kolbe). High count of 100 ob- berg Marsh (Richard Beilfuss). served on May 2, 2017 in La Crosse County (Dan The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 71

Jackson), and at Coulee Experimental State For- Lincoln’s Sparrow—Reported in 51 coun- est (Jon Thometz). The species was present at ties across the state this season. This compares to EOP in 23 counties across the state. 47 counties in 2016 and 49 counties in 2015. Breeding was confirmed in Vilas County by the First observed on April 15, 2017 in Dane end of the season. County at Nine Springs Natural Area (Ashley Hannah). First observed in the northernmost Vesper Sparrow—Reported in 59 counties counties on May 04, 2017 in Douglas County across the state this season. This compares to 60 (Heriberto Verdugo Munguía). High count of counties in 2016 and 54 counties in 2015. five observed by multiple observers this season. First observed on March 29, 2017 in Dunn The species was present at EOP in the counties County (Pamela Hoyland). First observed in the of Ashland, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, northernmost counties on April 15, 2017 in Bay- and Vilas across the state. field County (Washburn Ranger District CNNF). High count of eight observed in Burnett County Swamp Sparrow—Reported across the (Brian Collins) on May 14, 2017. The species state except for Pepin County this season. This was present at EOP in 32 counties across the compares to 70 counties in 2016 and 69 counties state. in 2015. This also represents the highest number Breeding was confirmed in the counties of of counties this species has been reported from Dunn, Jackson, and Monroe by the end of the in the last ten years. season. First observed on March 02, 2017 in Dane County at UW Madison Arboretum—Spring Trail Pond (Mike Bailey). First observed in the north- Savannah Sparrow—Reported across the ernmost counties on April 08, 2017 in Douglas state except for the counties of Menominee, Buf- County at Wisconsin Point—Gull Bluff (Steve falo, and Crawford this season. This compares to Kolbe, John P Richardson, and Ryan Steiner). 67 counties in 2016 and 66 counties in 2015. This High count of 75 observed in Dane County at also represents the highest number of counties Nine Springs Natural Area (Shawn Miller) on this species has been reported from in the last ten April 18, 2017. The species was present at EOP in years. 53 counties across the state. First observed on March 24, 2017 in Milwau- Breeding was confirmed in nine counties kee County at Milwaukee Lake Express Ferry Ter- across the state by the end of the season. minal (Lorri Howski). First observed in the northernmost counties on April 14, 2017 in Bay- Spotted Towhee**—One individual observed field County (Ryan Brady). High count of 50 ob- on April 26, 2017 in Monroe County (Lennie and served in Marathon County (Jim Peck) on May Maria Lichter). Last observed on April 27, 2017. 13, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 57 This report was not submitted to the WSORC. counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of Eastern Towhee—Reported in all 72 coun- Clark, Portage, and Vernon by the end of the sea- ties across the state this season. This compares to son. 68 counties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. This also represents the highest number of counties Song Sparrow—Reported in all 72 counties this species has been reported from in the last ten across the state this season. This is the same count years. as in 2016 and 2015. First observed on March 18, 2017 in Dane The species was present at BOP in 16 of the County (Jesse Swift). First observed in the north- southern counties. First observed in the north- ernmost counties on April 30, 2017 in Vilas ernmost counties on March 20, 2017 in Marinette County (Elizabeth Stone). High count of 30 ob- County at Red Arrow Park (Marcia Hurst). High served in Trempealeau County at Trempealeau count of 80 observed in Dane County at Nine NWR (Scott Puchalski) on April 29, 2017, and in Springs Natural Area (Jim Schwarz) on April 01, Vernon County at Duck Egg County Forest (Scott 2017. The species was present at EOP across the Puchalski) on May 07, 2017. The species was pres- state except for Taylor County. ent at EOP in 57 counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 34 counties across Breeding was confirmed in seven counties the state by the end of the season. across the state by the end of the season. 72 The Spring Season: 2017

Spotted ¥ Eastern Towhee (hybrid)—One The last report came on May 24, 2017 in Iowa individual observed in Milwaukee County at County (Michael Balfanz). Warnimont County Park (Thomas Wood) on All reports were accepted by the WSORC. April 26, 2017. Northern Cardinal—Reported across the Yellow-breasted Chat—Reported in the state except for the counties of Vilas, and Sawyer counties of Dane, Grant, Milwaukee, Vilas, and this season. This compares to 72 counties in 2016 Waukesha across the state this season. This com- and 71 counties in 2015. pares to seven counties in 2016 and six counties The species was present at BOP in 55 counties in 2015. across the state. High count of 34 observed in Mil- First observed on May 13, 2017 in Milwaukee waukee County at Veterans Park in Milwaukee County at Bender Park (Jeremy Meyer) (Mark (Jacob Collison) on April 01, 2017. The species Korducki). The species was present at EOP in was present at EOP in 62 counties across the state. four of the southern counties of Columbia, Dane, Breeding was confirmed in 29 counties across Grant, and Lafayette. the state by the end of the season.

Summer Tanager—Reported in 12 counties Rose-breasted Grosbeak—Reported in all 72 counties across the state this season. This com- across the state this season. This compares to pares to 71 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in nine counties in 2016 and nine counties in 2015. 2015. First observed on April 30, 2017 in Green First observed on March 24, 2017 in Milwau- County (Aaron Haycraft). Last observed on May kee County (Barbara Kellermann). First observed 25, 2017 in Milwaukee County at Lake Park in the northernmost counties on May 04, 2017 in (Ryne Rutherford). Florence County (Kay Kavanagh). High count of 24 observed in Grant County at Wyalusing SP Scarlet Tanager—Reported in all 72 coun- (John Bloomfield, Janice Brose, Barbara Kelley ties across the state this season. This compares to and David La Puma) on May 27, 2017. The 69 counties in 2016 and 66 counties in 2015. This species was present at EOP in 68 counties across also represents the highest number of counties the state. this species has been reported from in the last ten Breeding was confirmed in 23 counties across years. the state by the end of the season. First observed on April 29, 2017 in Grant County at Rountree Branch Recreational Trail— Blue Grosbeak*—One individual was re- Katie’s Garden (Alex Harman, and Andrew Mei- ported on May 2, 2017 at Warnimont County borg). First observed in the northernmost coun- Park in Milwaukee County (Thomas Wood). ties on May 14, 2017 in Ashland County (Nick A second individual was reported on May 18, Anich), and in Bayfield County (Washburn 2017 at Picnic Point in Dane County (Donald Ranger District CNNF). High count of 12 ob- Stone). served in Door County at Peninsula SP (Quentin Both reports were accepted by the WSORC. Yoerger, Tom Prestby, and Mark Korducki) on May 21, 2017. The species was present at EOP in Indigo Bunting—Reported across the state 53 counties across the state. except for Buffalo County this season. This com- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of pares to 70 counties in 2016 and 72 counties in Grant, Marathon, Milwaukee, and Waupaca 2015. across the state by the end of the season. First observed on April 15, 2017 in Waupaca County (Abby Frucht). First observed in the Western Tanager*—Reported in the coun- northernmost counties on May 11, 2017 in ties of Eau Claire, Marathon, Monroe, and Iowa Marinette County (Joan Campbell). High count this season. This compares to two counties in of 24 observed in Jefferson County at Waterloo 2016 and in 2015. SWA—Springer Rd. area (Aaron Stutz) on May First individual was observed on April 28, 2017 28, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 65 in Eau Claire County (Toni Dewitz). Second re- counties across the state. port came on May 2, 2017 in Monroe County Breeding was confirmed in five of the south- (Marty Arndt). Third report came on May ern counties of Columbia, Crawford, Dane, 13,2017 in Marathon County (Sarah Sabatke). Grant, and Waupaca by the end of the season. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 73

Painted Bunting*—One individual ob- and in Portage County (Steve Thiessen, and served on May 23, 2017 in Vernon County (Paul Nolan Pope). First observed in the northernmost Hayes). counties on April 14, 2017 in Bayfield County This report was accepted by the WSORC. (Ryan Brady). High count of 18 observed by mul- tiple observers this season. The species was pres- Dickcissel—Reported in 19 counties across ent at EOP in 10 counties across the state. the state this season. This compares to 22 coun- ties in 2016 and 18 counties in 2015. Eastern Meadowlark—Reported in 66 First observed on May 11, 2017 in Rock counties across the state this season. This com- County at Avon Bottoms—Nelson Rd. (Andy pares to 65 counties in 2016 and 62 counties in Paulios). High count of 12 observed in Rock 2015. County at Avon Bottoms (Karen Johnson) on First observed on March 02, 2017 in Dane May 27, 2017. The species was present at EOP in County at Hook Lake SWA (Ted Judy), and in Jef- 34 counties across the state. ferson County (Ed Hahn). First observed in the northernmost counties on March 29, 2017 in Bay- Yellow-headed Blackbird—Reported in 32 counties across the state this season. This com- field County (Bob Rice). High count of 35 ob- pares to 26 counties in 2016 and 31 counties in served in Kenosha County at Richard Bong 2015. SRA—Nature Center & Trail (Jeremy Meyer) on First observed on April 08, 2017 in Brown April 01, 2017. The species was present at EOP in County at Sensiba SWA (Darwin Tiede). First ob- 53 counties across the state. served in the northernmost counties on May 10, Breeding was confirmed in 11 counties across 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). High the state by the end of the season. count of 35 observed in Outagamie County at Mack SWA (Patti Trick) on May 16, 2017, and Orchard Oriole—Reported in 53 counties (Joel Trick) on May 16, 2017. The species was across the state this season. This compares to 54 present at EOP in 16 counties across the state. counties in 2016 and 53 counties in 2015. Breeding was confirmed in the counties of First observed on April 25, 2017 in Dane Chippewa, Dunn, Jefferson, and Winnebago County (K K), and in Dodge County (Jack & across the state by the end of the season. Holly Bartholmai). First observed in the north- ernmost counties on May 18, 2017 in Marinette Bobolink—Reported in 65 counties across County (Joan Campbell). High count of nine ob- the state this season. This compares to 60 coun- served in Dane County at Indian Lake (Aaron ties in 2016 and 62 counties in 2015. This also Holschbach) on May 13, 2017. The species was represents the highest number of counties this present at EOP in 40 counties across the state. species has been reported from in the last ten Breeding was confirmed in seven counties years. across the state by the end of the season. The con- First observed on April 14, 2017 in Iowa County at Mounds View Grassland—Schurch-Thomson firmation in Outagamie County is the first in ei- Prairie (John Kivikoski). First observed in the ther atlas. northernmost counties on May 09, 2017 in Bay- field County (Bob Rice). High count of 75 ob- Baltimore Oriole—Reported in all 72 coun- served by multiple observers this season. The ties across the state this season. This is the same species was present at EOP in 56 counties across count as in 2016 and 2015. the state. First observed on April 22, 2017 in Trem- Breeding was confirmed in the counties of pealeau County (Neil Kent). First observed in Dane, Shawano, Vernon, and Winnebago across the northernmost counties on May 09, 2017 in the state by the end of the season. Marinette County (Dale Leitzke, Lynette Thonne, Marcia Hurst, and Joan Campbell). Western Meadowlark—Reported in 19 High count of 40 observed in La Crosse County counties across the state this season. This com- (Gwyneth Calvetti) on May 10, 2017. The species pares to 20 counties in 2016 and 24 counties in was present at EOP in 67 counties across the 2015. state. First observed on March 19, 2017 in Adams Breeding was confirmed in 37 counties across County at Leola Marsh SWA (Rick Anderson), the state by the end of the season. 74 The Spring Season: 2017

Red-winged Blackbird—Reported in all 72 The species was present at BOP in 32 counties counties across the state this season. This is the across the state. High count of 2000 observed in same count as in 2016 and 2015. Dane County at Babcock County Park (Jeffrey The species was present at BOP in 46 counties Herbert) on March 03, 2017. The species was across the state. High count of 1250 observed in present at EOP in 68 counties across the state. Fond du Lac County (Jeff Baughman) on April Breeding was confirmed in 60 counties across 08, 2017. The species was present at EOP across the state by the end of the season. the state except for Taylor County. Breeding was confirmed in 54 counties across Evening Grosbeak—Reported in eight of the state by the end of the season. the northern counties this season. This compares to 12 counties in 2016 and 11 counties in 2015. Brown-headed Cowbird—Reported across The species was present at BOP in the coun- the state except for Iron County this season. This ties of Bayfield, and Florence. High count of 105 compares to 72 counties in 2016 and in 2015. observed in Florence County (Kay Kavanagh, and The species was present at BOP in 15 of the Bob Kavanagh) on March 03, 2017. The species southern counties. First observed in the north- was present at EOP in the counties of Florence, ernmost counties on April 07, 2017 in Marinette Forest, and Vilas. County at Peshtigo Harbor SWA—Peshtigo Pt./Pond Rd. (Marcia Hurst). High count of 400 Pine Grosbeak—Reported in the counties observed in Sheboygan County (Seth Cutright) of Bayfield, and Vilas this season. on April 02, 2017, and (Rebecca Sher) on April First observed on March 02, 2017 in Bayfield 02, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 67 County (Ryan Brady), and in Vilas County at counties across the state. 54521 Eagle River (Mike Peczynski). High count Breeding was confirmed in seven counties of three observed in Bayfield County (Ryan across the state by the end of the season. Brady) on March 02, 2017, and in Vilas County at Conserve School (restricted access) (Nathan Reported in 51 counties Rusty Blackbird— Martineau) on March 10, 2017. Last observed on across the state this season. This compares to 56 March 11, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ryan Brady). counties in 2016 and 57 counties in 2015. The species was present at BOP in 14 counties House Finch—Reported in 67 counties across the state. First observed in the northern- across the state this season. This compares to 66 most counties on March 28, 2017 in Bayfield counties in 2016 and 65 counties in 2015. County (Ben Baldwin). High count of 350 ob- The species was present at BOP in 36 counties served in Marathon County (Dan Belter) on across the state. High count of 50 observed in April 05, 2017. Last observed on May 23, 2017 in Walworth County (Aydon Clikeman) on March Grant County at Wyalusing SP—Canoe Trail 18, 2017. The species was present at EOP in 49 (Emily Hockman), and at Wyalusing SP (Allison Salas). counties across the state. Breeding was confirmed in 27 counties across Brewer’s Blackbird—Reported in 43 coun- the state by the end of the season. ties across the state this season. This compares to 43 counties in 2016 and 42 counties in 2015. Purple Finch—Reported in 68 counties First observed on March 06, 2017 in Dane across the state this season. This compares to 67 County at Goose Lake Area (Jim Schwarz). First counties in 2016 and 67 counties in 2015. This observed in the northernmost counties on April also ties the highest number of counties this 15, 2017 in Bayfield County (Ben Baldwin). High species has been reported from in the last ten count of 150 observed in Waupaca County (Don years. Nussbaum) on April 15, 2017. The species was The species was present at BOP in 24 counties present at EOP in 16 counties across the state. across the state. High count of 65 observed in Bay- Breeding was confirmed in Shawano County field County (Ben Baldwin) on April 09, 2017. Last by the end of the season. observed in the southernmost counties on May 13, 2017 in Racine County (Eric Howe). The species Common Grackle—Reported in all 72 was present at EOP in 19 counties across the state. counties across the state this season. This is the Breeding was confirmed in the counties of same count as in 2016 and in 2015. Outagamie, and Price by the end of the season. The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 75

The confirmation in Outagamie County is the Pine Siskin—Reported in 41 counties across first in either atlas. the state this season. This compares to 66 coun- ties in 2016 and 69 counties in 2015. Common Redpoll—Reported in 13 of the The species was present at BOP in 14 counties northern counties this season. This compares to across the state. High count of 131 observed in 57 counties in 2016 and 45 counties in 2015. Vilas County at Conserve School (restricted ac- The species was present at BOP in eight coun- cess) (Nathan Martineau) on March 11, 2017. ties across the state. High count of 31 observed Last observed in the southernmost counties on in Ashland County (Keith Merkel) on March 05, April 29, 2017 in Grant County (Richard Ouren). 2017. Last observed on May 05, 2017 in Door The species was present at EOP in 10 of the County (Sue Peterson). northern counties. Breeding was confirmed in four of the north- Red Crossbill—Reported in 14 counties eastern counties of Door, Florence, Forest, and Oconto by the end of the season. The confirma- across the state this season. This compares to 14 tion in Florence County is the first in either atlas. counties in 2016 and 12 counties in 2015. First observed on March 04, 2017 in Forest American Goldfinch—Reported across the County at Sheltered Valley/Pine River Rd./FR state except for Menominee County this season. 2182 (Bob Kavanagh and Kay Kavanagh). High This is the same count as in 2016 and 2015. count of 36 observed in Juneau County at The species was present at BOP in 52 counties Necedah NWR (Kevin Manley) on April 02, 2017. across the state. High count of 200 observed in Last observed on May 31, 2017 in Dunn County Door County (Melody Walsh) on March 01, 2017. (Janine Polk). The species was present at EOP in 67 counties Breeding was confirmed in Fond du Lac across the state. County by the end of the season. The confirma- Breeding was confirmed in nine counties tion in Fond du Lac County is the first in either across the state by the end of the season. atlas. House Sparrow—Reported in 68 counties White-winged Crossbill—Reported in five across the state this season. This compares to 70 of the northern counties of Bayfield, Forest, counties in 2016 and 69 counties in 2015. Oconto, Oneida, and Vilas this season. This com- The species was present at BOP in 45 counties pares to four counties in 2016 and two counties in across the state. High count of 100 observed in 2015. Grant County (Jesse Ellis) on March 05, 2017, First observed on March 04, 2017 by multiple and in Dane County (Kerry Beheler) on April 30, observers this season. High count of 35 observed 2017. The species was present at EOP in 57 coun- ties across the state. in Forest County at Sheltered Valley/Pine River Breeding was confirmed in 46 counties across Rd./FR 2182 (Kay Kavanagh and Bob Kavanagh) the state by the end of the season. on March 04, 2017. Last observed on April 17, 2017 in Forest County at Sheltered Valley/Pine Eurasian Tree Sparrow**—One individ- River Rd./FR 2182 (Drew Goldberg). ual observed on March 04, 2017 in Polk County (Allen Hanson). This report was not submitted European Goldfinch—Reported in five of to the WSORC. the southeastern counties of Dane, Kenosha, Outagamie, Ozaukee, and Racine this season. This compares to five counties in 2016 and two CITED CONTRIBUTORS: counties in 2015. This also ties the highest num- ber of counties this species has been reported Cisco 1, Dan Abel, Michelle Abel, from in the last ten years. Jonathan Abresch, David Adair, Marie First observed on March 05, 2017 in Kenosha Adams, Mark Almodovar, Jennifer Am- County (Colleen Wilkinson). High count of 12 brose, Ben Anderson, Cliff Anderson, observed in Kenosha County at “Bird Nest” Feed- ers (Tom Lally) on March 06, 2017. Last observed Rick Anderson, Samuel Anderson, Nick on May 27, 2017 in Racine County (Susan Anich, Paula Anich, Haley Appleman, Torosian). David Aronson, Jeff Aufmann, Debra & 76 The Spring Season: 2017

Randall Augustinak, Mary Backus, Mike Haseleu, Aaron Haycraft, Paul Hayes, Bailey, Brian Baker, Timothy Baker, Mike Hedemark, Chuck Heikkinen, Ben Baldwin, Michael Balfanz, Aaron Richard Henderson, Charles Henrik- Balogh, Savannah Bartel, Jack & Holly son, Jeffrey Herbert, Eddie Hicks, Bartholmai, Jeff Baughman, Barry Bau- Emily Hockman, James Hoefler, Jen- mann, Dani Baumann, Carol Becker, nifer Hoffman, Randy Hoffman, Aaron Vickie Becker, Kerry Beheler, Richard Holschbach, Owen Holte, Patrick Beilfuss, Dan Belter, Lindsey Bender, Horn, Greg Hottman, Carol Brandt Donna Benson, Mark Benson, Matthew Howard, Eric Howe, Lorri Howski, Berg, Sarah Besadny, Dale Bird, NLDC Pamela Hoyland, Jim Hughes, Myles Birders, Maureen Blackford, John Hurlburt, Marcia Hurst, Ashley Isaac- Bloomfield, Brett Bockhop, Marilyn son, Dan Jackson, Gerry Janz, Pamela Bontly, Heather Bradford, Ryan Brady, Jennings, David Johnson, Karen John- Dave Brasser, David Bratley, Calvin son, Robbye Johnson, Thomas John- Brennan, Steve Brezinski, Cynthia ston, Ted Judy, Kathy Morales Eric Jul- Bridge, Jeff Brinkman, Maureen son, Ba Kal, Sue Kartman, Heather Brocken, Janice Brose, Erik Bruhnke, Kauffman, Bob Kavanagh, Kay Ka- Kristin Brunk, Roman Buck, Rick Burk- vanagh, Sara Kehrli, Barbara Keller- man, John and Mary Bates and Burns, mann, Barbara Kelley, Neil Kent, Ben Burrus, Oliver Burrus, Gwyneth Matthew King, Paul Kinzer, Chris Kirk- Calvetti, Joan Campbell, Pam Camp- patrick, Dennis Kirschbaum, John bell, Kelly Carlson, Andy Cassini, Glen Kivikoski, K K, Mary Kloepping, Chism, Daryl Christensen, Scott Clark, Michael Kloepping, Claire Kluskens, Aydon Clikeman, Northeast Wisconsin Amy Klusmeier, Nina Koch, Steve Bird Club, Washburn Ranger District Kolbe, Mark Korducki, Mary Korkor, CNNF, Brian Collins, Dan Collins, Jan Maxwell Kotelnicki, Larry & Jan Krae- Collins, Jacob Collison, Nick Cooley, mer, Sam Krah, Jim Krakowski, Kim Janis Cooper, A & R Cowjak, Joshua Krawczyk, Kim Kreitinger, Sam Krerow- Cullum, Seth Cutright, John Dadisman, icz, Philip Kress, Craig Kruse, Susan Jason Daley, Guy David, Don DeWitt, Kulinski, Tom Lally, Jennie Lanzen- Katrina DeWitt, Mike DeWitt, Toni De- dorf, Kim Larson, Kristy Larson, April witz, Scott Diehl, Fred Dike, Kate Dike, Laufenberg, Matthew Learned, Kyle John Dixon, Robert Domagalski, Todd Lee, Alex Lehner, Dale Leitzke, Eliza- Draper, Shannon Drexler, Joanna Eck- beth Lexau, Lennie and Maria Lichter, les, David Edlund, Jesse Ellis, Scott Zach Lilla, Kyle Lindemer, John Emerson, Laura Erickson, Tim Fenske, Longhenry, Howard Lorenz, Judy Zoe Finney, Peter Fissel, Jim Frank, Lund, Janet Lyons, Paul MacKean, Abby Frucht, Willson Gaul, Anne Ger- Susan Mackreth, Mary Maertz, Marta aghty, Jayson Giese, Rebecca Gilman, Magellan, Stuart Malcolm, Max Otto Gockman, Drew Goldberg, Sunil Malmquist, Kevin Manley, Nathan Mar- Gopalan, Michael Gray, Aaron Greene, tineau, Marge Martin, Mark & Sue Mar- E Griffis, Bill Grossmeyer, Dennis tin, Eric Matrejek, Sumner Matteson, Gustafson, Ed Hahn, Tim Hahn, Karen Colleen Matula, Heather Maxwell, Etter Hale, Mary Hampton, Ashley Brian McCaffery, Annette McClellan, Hannah, Tim Hansen, Allen Hanson, William McClellan, Mike McDowell, Roger Hanson, Alex Harman, Judy Andy McGivern, Patrick McGowan, The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 77

Kelly J. McKay, Andrew Meiborg, John Schwartz, Jim Schwarz, Pam Schwedler, Meredig, Keith Merkel, Tom Mertins, Nick Seeger, Wayne Seeger, Dave & Mark Messer, Jeremy Meyer, Ken Milen- Kerry Sehloff, Alan Selin, Patricia der, Mark Millard, jason miller, Raymie Kuzma Sell, Thomas Sell, Paul Senner, Miller, Shawn Miller, Barbara Molden- Ken Severn, Frank Sharkozy, Janice hauer, Tony Moline, Jym Mooney, Anne Sharp, Rebecca Sher, Jenn Silva, Moretti, Kris Moulton, Ross Mueller, Doreen Silvers, Adam Sinkula, Kevin Heriberto Verdugo Munguía, Mary Smith, Victoria Sokolowski, Joan Som- Murrell, Nancy Nabak, Paul Noeldner, mer, Charles Sontag, Cari Sprague, Mil- Mariette Nowak, Tony Nowak, Don waukee County Parks Natural Areas Nussbaum, Steve Oakley, Michael Staff, Spence Stehno, Ryan Steiner, O’Connell, Kim O’Keefe, Tim Oksiuta, Don Stone, Elizabeth Stone, Karen Northland College Field Ornithology, Straub, Aaron Stutz, Jon Sund, Lydia Trevor Ostendorf, Jim Otto, Richard Sund, Joey Sundvall, Peder Svingen, Ouren, Peter Overholt, Patrick Palines, Janet Swartz-Myrman, Jack Swelstad, Rishi Palit, Andy Paulios, Terry Pavletic, Ann Swift, Jesse Swift, Andrea Szym- Jon Peacock, Jim Peck, Mike Peczynski, czak, Rick Terrien, Jules Teskie, Joel Kris Perlberg, Maia Persche, Larry Per- Thiele, Steve Thiessen, Jon Thometz, sico, Bird Person, Sue Peterson, Tyler Lynette Thonne, Darwin Tiede, John Peterson, Patrick Peters, Walter Piper, Toren, Susan Torosian, Joel Trick, Patti Janine Polk, Nolan Pope, Barbara Pot- Trick, Tom Uttech, Tony Del Valle, thast, Tom Prestby, Eric Preston, Two Rivers Stopover Project, Scott Puchal- Elaine Vokoun, Robert Volenec, robin ski, Helen Pugh, David La Puma, van vught, Melody Walsh, Mike Wanger, Schlitz Audubon Record, Tom Reed, Todd Ward, Jay Watson, Scott Weber- Paul Regnier, Colleen Resendiz, pal, Kristin Wegner, Emily Weiser, Casey Ernesto Reyes, Ari Rice, Bob Rice, John Weissburg, Robert Welch, Sarah Wells, P Richardson, Nancy Richmond, Jennifer Wenzel, Steve Weston, Todd Cheryl Richter, W. Douglas Robinson, Whitesel, Lori Widmann, Colleen Tom Rooney, stan rosenstiel, Jon Roti Wilkinson, David Willard, Guy Roti, Kelly Rueckheim, Ryne Ruther- Williams, Geoffrey A. Williamson, Nan ford, Sarah Sabatke, Allison Salas, Tom & Scott Wisherd, Bess Wong, Julie Schaefer, Jeanne Scherer, Darrell Woodcock, Thomas Wood, Adam Schiffman, Paul Schilke, Brian Schnei- Yellen, Craig Yoerger, Quentin Yoerger, der, Daniel Schneider, David Schrab, Zoe Yoerger, Kenny Younger, Rebecca Carl Schroeder, Thomas Schultz, Zarling, Norma Zehner, Tom Zenner, Wendy Schultz, Kyle Schumacher, Carl Jeff Zuhlke Jim Stewart captured the arrow-like flight of a Tundra Swan in this photo taken at Goose Pond in Colombia County in late March.

78 WSO Records Committee Report: Spring 2017

Quentin Yoerger 6831 N. Francis Dr Evansville, Wisconsin 53536 608.449.5261 [email protected]

he WSO Records Committee re- committee results in a Record Not Ac- Tviewed 80 records of 42 species for cepted. the Spring 2017 season, accepting 65 of them (81%). Highlights of the Spring American Redstart— season were the long staying Brant at Shawano County, 13 April 2017 (0-5). Goose Pond, King Rail in three loca- The report is of a two very brief views tions, the fifth State record of Lewis’s of a “Small warbler, appeared grayish Woodpecker, and the Mississippi Kite re- green, two bright yellow field marks, turning to its nesting location from 2016. one was on the breast flank by the edge The Kites did not nest in the same lo- of the scapular & coverts, the other cation they used in 2016. near the tail coverts. I had spotted a yel- low-rumped warbler earlier in this ACCEPTED RECORDS mixed feeding flock so the little time I had to note specific features, I noted Table 1 provides a list of records ac- that it did not have a yellow rump.” cepted by the WSO Records Committee The description provided is not de- during the Spring 2017 season. Infor- tailed enough to identify the bird to ma ion on each record, such as species, species. The description does not dis- location, observer(s), and date(s), is ac- cuss anything that would support the companied by the tally of votes made by identification as a warbler. Reports the five-person committee. Records should include remarks about size, with one or fewer dissenting votes are shape, plumage, color pattern, color, accepted into the state records. and other unique features.

RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED Barrow’s Goldeneye— Price County, 5 April 2017 (1-4). In the header for each record, voting The report is of a group of ducks ob- tallies are shown in parentheses. Votes served on a lake. “The Barrow’s stood to accept are listed first. Two or more out from the others because of the more dissenting votes from the five-person extensive black on the wings, bold wing 79 Table 1. Records accepted by the WSO Records Committee. 80

American Golden-Plover 3/28 Kyle Lindemer County Why V & C pond Dane Early Blue Grosbeak 5/2 Thomas Wood Warnimont County Park Milwaukee Blue Grosbeak 5/18 Donald Stone Picnic Point, Bill’s woods Dane Brant 4/1 Daryl Tessen Goose Pond Columbia Brant 4/1 Thomas Schultz Goose Pond Columbia Brant 4/1 Thomas Wood Goose Pond Columbia Brant 4/10 Dennis Gustafson Goose Pond Columbia Cattle Egret 3/28 Jennifer Ambrose Jackson Park Milwaukee Early Dunlin 3/28 Kyle Lindemer County Hwy V & C pond Dane Early Eared Grebe 3/27 Jym Mooney Milwaukee Harbor behind the Art Museum Milwaukee Early Eurasian Wigeon 4/4 Daryl Tessen Sumaico Brown Eurasian Wigeon 4/12 Thomas Wood DW Bergstrom III Memorial Waterfowl Complex Outagamie Eurasian Wigeon 4/14 Tim Oksiuta Head of Chequamegon Bay Bayfield Photo Eurasian Wigeon 4/3 Tom Prestby Sumaico Brown Photo Glossy Ibis 5/7 Daryl Tessen Horicon National Wildlife Refuge south of STH49 Dodge Glossy Ibis 5/7 Thomas Wood Horicon National Wildlife Refuge south of STH49 Dodge Greater Yellowlegs 3/9 Anne Moretti Morningside Rd on the north side Dodge Early King Rail 5/5 Scott Andrews Bieniemen Farms Townhomes St Croix Photo WSO RecordsCommitteeReport:Spring2017 King Rail 5/21 Cassini and Schilke Horicon Autotour Dodge Photo King Rail 5/23 Daryl Christensen Horicon Autotour Dodge Photo King Rail 5/25 Kelly J. McKay Highway 35 Grant King Rail 5/27 Drew Goldberg Horicon Autotour Dodge Photo King Rail 5/27 Rick Terrien Horicon Autotour Dodge Photo Lark Bunting 5/22 Wayne Seeger Back Yard Feeders Bayfield Photo Lark Bunting 5/23 Paul Hayes Hwy 82 and CTH A Vernon Photo Lewis’s Woodpecker 5/15 Nicholas Anich 9155 E. White Birch Road Port Wing Bayfield Photo Little Gull 4/29 Eric Howe Washington Island (east side of island) Door Photo Long-billed Dowitcher 4/15 Steve Thiessen Hy 138 south of Stoughton Dane Mississippi Kite 5/28 Tom Prestby Home Depot Shawano Ave & Hwy 41 Brown Mississippi Kite 5/14 thru 8/7 Craig and Quentin Yoerger Janesville area Rock Photo Pacific Loon 4/2 Donald Stone Lake Waubesa near Lake Farm County park Dane Painted Bunting 5/23 Paul Hayes Yuba CE Vernon Photo Piping Plover 5/1 Jym Mooney Bradford Beach Milwaukee Milwaukee Photo Piping Plover 5/6 Kurt Miller Seagull Bar Marinette USA Photo Prairie Falcon 3/27 Jennifer Ambrose Richard Bong State Rec Area Kenosha Photo The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 81 Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Kenosha Buffalo Early Manitowoc Manitowoc Manitowoc Dodge Dane Dane Dane Dane Dane Door Door Eau Claire Photo Eau Claire Photo Monroe Photo Marathon Photo Iowa Milwaukee Early Milwaukee Early Milwaukee Early MilwaukeeMilwaukee Early Early MilwaukeeMilwaukee Early Early Milwaukee Early Milwaukee Early Kewaunee Racine Bong Recreation Area Mondovi. Birch tree in front yard Collins Marsh Collins Marsh Collins Marsh Waupun area Waupun Stoughton-1500-1536 Progress Way fallow field by Progress Way Stoughton fallow field by Progress Way fallow field in the business park north of WalmartStoughton north dead end of Progress Way Dane Stoughton Stoughton Progressive Lane Island Potato Dock on Washington Island Potato Dock on Washington 1931 Spring St Fall Creek east of Eau Claire Old Parker Farm Ice Age Trail - Plover River Ice Age Trail Back yard of my home Grant Park Will-o-way Grant Park - Wil-o-way Grant Park Wil-o-way Wil-O-Way Grant County Park Wil-O-Way Grant Park—Wil-O-Way Will O Way (Grant Park) Will O Way Grant Park Wil-O-Way Kewaunee Marsh - off old Railroad tracks Racine WI Kristy Larson Anne Geraghty Marty Arndt 3/28 Mark Korducki 4/15 Robert Schneider 4/24 Bob Domagalski 4/25 Thomas Wood 4/25 Daryl Tessen 5/14 Adam Sinkula Prairie Falcon Warbler Yellow Ruff Ruff Ruff Scissor-tailed FlycatcherScissor-tailed LongspurSmith’s 5/16 4/26 Bess Wong Dale Bonk Smith’s LongspurSmith’s 4/26 Steve Thiessen Smith’s LongspurSmith’s LongspurSmith’s 4/28 4/28 Steve Thiessen Thomas Wood Smith’s LongspurSmith’s 4/28 Daryl Tessen Smith’s LongspurSmith’s KingbirdWestern KingbirdWestern TanagerWestern 5/1 5/25 5/25 4/28 Melody Walsh Dale Bird Dewitz Toni Western TanagerWestern 5/1 Western TanagerWestern 5/2 Western TanagerWestern 5/13 Sarah Sabatke Western TanagerWestern White-eyed Vireo 5/24 4/17 Michael Balfanz Jennifer Ambrose White-eyed Vireo 4/17 Jeremy Meyer White-eyed Vireo 4/17 Jym Mooney White-eyed Vireo 4/17 Karen Johnson White-eyed VireoWhite-eyed Vireo 4/17 4/18 Rita Flores Wiskowski Lorri Howski Grant Park (Wil-O-Way) White-eyed VireoWhite-eyed Vireo 4/18 4/18 Robert John McCaw Susan Kulinski Grant Park- Wil-o-way White-eyed Vireo 4/18 Thomas Wood Yellow Rail Yellow White-winged Dove 5/17 Kristin Wegner 82 WSO Records Committee Report: Spring 2017 bars and the crescent between his eye A description of the sound heard is and bill. The squared head profile with needed. Boreal Owl call is similar to the a flatter top gave the Barrow’s a slightly call of a Wilson’s Snipe. The report smaller profile than the Common Gold- could compare and contrast the two. eneye’s also present.” The committee feels this report does Broad-winged Hawk— not adequately eliminate immature Dane County, 1 April 2017 (0-5). male Common Goldeneye. Head shape The report is of a bird kettling very is not a reliable field mark to distin- high. They noted “the bold, white band guish the two species. Immature Com- just above the end of the tail was visible. mons can have extensive black on the No other field marks visible given light wings. Barrow’s also have a distinct and height. Tail was spread.” And that black shoulder stripe that was not men- the “Ratio of body width & wing width tioned in this report. to length of body including tail was too close to be an accipter—did not have Bay-breasted Warbler— the long, skinny look & both tail and Shawano County, 13 April 2017 (0-5). wings were too short. Clearly smaller The report is of a bird with “Blotched than a bigger buteo like RTHA.” The Chestnut colored flanks, breast to belly, observer also indicated that “the only light breast and belly otherwise, wing other birds with a tail band that could bars, dark eyeline, matching rufous/ have qualified are RSHA (too small) chestnut cap, the back feathers of that and a Coop or a Sharpie, but this bird’s crown appeared to stand up facing to tail & wings were way too short and the the rear a bit. Position more upright band was VERY bold.” than horizontal. Breast light colored The committee feels that the report other than flank markings. Head ap- does not rule out the possibility of the peared somewhat flat. It did not have bird being a Red-shouldered Hawk, a the dark mask of a breeding adult male, very similar species much more likely to but appeared to be a female.” Also be seen on April 1st. Some field marks noted “Eliminated Chestnut-sided War- that were not noted are the “window bler as they do not have a yellow crown crescents” at the base of the primaries or black eye-line.” seen on Red-shouldered Hawks in This report would be the earliest on flight or light under wings with a dark record for this species. A female would border seen on Broad-winged Hawks in also very likely be there this early. There flight. is no discussion of size or shape that would make this bird a warbler. Not Broad-winged Hawk— comment about a yellow crown and Dane County, 1 April 2017 (0-5). black eye-line sounds like it could have The report of a bird observed “not been a Golden-crowned Kinglet. very high overhead”. “Overall very light underside except for darker wing Boreal Owl— feather tips/edges, banded tail was Price County, 5 April 2017 (0-5). clear in the bright sunshine.” “This bird The report simply indicates “audible was somewhat smaller and lacking the only” but provides no actual descrip- dark leading wing edge of the Red-tails tion of the call heard. that are regulars here. Obviously it did The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 83 not red-tail feathers. It also lacked the Eastern Kingbird— distinctive dark underwing patches of a Milwaukee County, 2 April 2017 (3-2). Rough-legged Hawk. Wrong shape to The report is of a “Dark medium be a Cooper’s Hawk (also often seen bird with white belly and white breast here). It was shaped like a Buteo, with had a white tipped tail.” wide wings as opposed to a scimitar The bird was also noted to be “too shape.” large for a phoebe and too dark for Again the committee feels this report other flycatchers”. does not rule out Red-shouldered A very brief report of a bird that Hawk. The observer did compare this would be the second earliest on record. bird to other hawk species, but not Red- The committee would like to see more shouldered Hawk. detail included in the report. There is nothing describing the bird that would Cape May Warbler— support the identification as a fly- Dane County, 10 April 2017 (1-4). catcher other than it was compared to The report describes the bird as other flycatchers. “Olive color and streaky breast rusty head patch.” “It was the vocals that House Wren— stood out to me.” “A repeated pattern Milwaukee County, 29 March 2017 (0- of 4 to 5 crisp zeats”. 5). The committee found this to be an The report is of a bird heard only interesting report, but very brief. No and identification was “mainly relying description of size or shape provided on the sound, which was a rapid chat- that would indicate the bird in question tering that continued for a while.” “I was a warbler. This report would be 13 can’t recall another yard bird that days earlier than the current earliest would match the sound of this little record for this species. The committee chatterbox.” would need a more detailed descrip- The only description provided in this tion to accept. report is “rapid chattering”. Many species could be considered to make a Clark’s Nutcracker— noise that fits this description. While Burnett County, 30 May 2017 (0-5). the committee feels that this report is The report of a bird that was “Tan probably accurate given the “yard bird” with darker wings. White spots on wings habitat, a more detail description of the easily seen in flight. Tail darker with call is needed for the committee to ac- white on either side. Beak is dark coni- cept this record. cal and long.” During the observation the bird was “Foraging on ground with Mountain Bluebird— frequent flights to trees.” Ozaukee County, 15 May 2017 (0-5). The report fails to mention the size The report submitted had a descrip- and shape of the bird, other than the tion of “Solid Pale (color of Robin’s beak. Clark’s Nutcrackers would usually egg) Bright Blue Male Mountain Blue be seen as a gray bird, not tan. The re- Bird”. port does not provide enough detail to All reports should include remarks eliminate other species such as North- about size, shape, plumage, color pat- ern Shrike or Northern Mockingbird. tern, color, and other unique features. 84 WSO Records Committee Report: Spring 2017

This report lacked most of these details. Wisconsin would be a Ruby-throated. There is not enough detail provided for This report would be record early by the committee to accept this record. three days.

Red Phalarope— Spotted Towhee— Fond du lac County, 2 May 2017 (0-5). LaCrosse County, 27 April 2017 (0-5). The report is of a “Medium-sized The report is of a bird seen on a shorebird with pearl-gray back (unlike porch railing. No description of the RNPH), dark primaries and secondar- bird was given. The observer indicated ies as viewed from above, with white that the identification was made refer- wing stripe along most of the length of encing on-line information real time. the wing, dark nape and patch sur- A detailed description or photo- rounding and behind eye within over- graph is required for any report to be all white face, dark central rectrices, accepted. For a species such as a Spot- dark terminal ends of rectrices, short ted Towhee a detail comparison with bill; bird seen in flight directly offshore, the very similar Eastern Towhee would flying westward at the south end of also be needed to separate the two Lake Winnebago. Heavy winds from species. due north, bird flew just above water’s surface.” “No streaks on upper back as White-eyed Vireo— in Red-necked Phalarope” Shawano County, 13 April 2017 (0-5). The bird is described as being in The report indicated the observer complete basic, non-breeding plumage. had a “Great view of this bird, but short A May record would very likely show at view, perched in horizontal position, least some molt. The upper wing of the visible white eye ring, head & breast bird is described but are not a useful light gray blending down to a light yel- for identification as the underwing. Wisconsin has no accepted records of low belly, two distinct white wing bars. this species from the Spring season. The eye ring was noticeable but not These reasons made the committee thick lined. No white or yellow was seen question the report enough to not ac- in the lores but the last thing I noted cept it. was the eye ring before it lit out.” “Un- like the Bell’s Vireo this bird had Ruby-throated Hummingbird— strong, prominent double wingbars. Dane County, 9 April 2017 (0-5). That was the first field mark I noticed. The report is of a bird that “caught Unlike the Blue-Headed Vireo, the sub- my eye as it lit on the branch of an ject did not have the thick spectacle eye apple tree and proceeded to hover”. rings or whitish throat.” The bird was then seen flying away and The observer indicates the bird had a described as “Small, slender, long white eye ring, but does not mention a curved beak with the trademark ability white iris. White-eyed Vireos have a yel- to hover and dart up and down.” low lore and a white throat. Both of The report lacks the detail necessary these field marks were indicated as not to identify a hummingbird down to a seen on the bird being reported. The specific species. This report appears to committee cannot accept a report with assume that any hummingbird seen in these inconsistencies. By the Wayside—Spring 2017

Written documentation of seasonal highlights include: Brant, Pacific Loon, Mississippi Kite, Ruff, Little Gull, Prairie Falcon, Smith’s Longspur, Blue Grosbeak

BRANT dark (looked almost reddish brown in April 1, 2017 – Columbia County the sunlight), straight line of sharp con- trast between dark back of neck and Description: Small, fairly dark goose bold white front of neck. Not a ragged with pale flanks, which graded from line like a common loon. brownish at the front to dusky whitish This was a smaller bird, and had at the rear—with slight darker color at smaller bill than the nearby common the middle of the various feathers. The loons. The bill was light greyish, but rear end (behind the flank feathers) darker on top. was bright white. The back was also Body uniform dark above. I could see medium brownish. The head and neck white near underside of bird but only were almost all black, with just a small when the bird leaned to one side al- pale/whitish wedge on each side of the lowing me to view the belly. There was neck. The black neck extended well no white around eye, and the border down onto the chest, and included the between light and dark was beneath the entire front of the breast—farther eye. down than a Canada or Cackling The bird was across the lake near Goose. The bill was quite tiny for a lake farm county park; I drove over goose, and somewhat slender. there but couldn’t find it from shore. Similar Species: Canada and Cack- Similar Species: When I first saw the ling Goose, which both have bright bird I thought it might be a red white cheek patches—unlike this bird. throated loon. Indeed, this would be a They also have black necks that extend close second in terms of an ID In some only down to the base of the neck, and views the bill seemed slightly upturned not down onto the chest. like red throated. Also, I could detect —Thomas Schultz, Green Lake, WI no chin strap, which Sibley says is in most Pacific loons. But my loon had no PACIFIC LOON speckling on back, not as much white April 2, 2017 – Dane County on face as a red-throated. It had no white on the side as an arctic loon. This Description: Rounded back of head bird was smaller, with a smaller bill than and neck; back half of neck puffy and the nearby common loons; it also

85 86 “By the Wayside”—Spring 2017 lacked the horizontal dark streaks secondaries on the upper-side of the (ragged border) found on the necks of wings. common loons. Bold white neck The area near the eye looked darker looked mostly like juvenile pacific or but since I was viewing with my naked nonbreeding adult red throated loon eye, this is all I can say about the spe- in Sibley 2nd Edition. cific facial markings. The observation —Donald Stone, Middleton, WI was frustratingly short as I never saw it once it cleared the roof of the building MISSISSIPPI KITE but I believe these field marks add up May 28, 2017 – Brown County to an adult Mississippi Kite. Similar Species: See above. Description: I heard Barn Swallow —Tom Prestby, Green Bay, WI alarm call notes while buying flowers outside at Home Depot so I looked up, RUFF expecting to see a Cooper’s Hawk or April 24, 2017 – Manitowoc County Merlin. When I looked up, I noticed a bird with a completely different wing Description: While scoping a wet shape than either of those: The wings grassy field looking through about 50 were long and rounded/curved on the Lesser Yellowlegs, I suddenly came leading edge and straight on the trail- across a shorebird actively feeding that was significantly larger and more ing edge. They were pointed at the end plump than the yellowlegs. A shorebird more so than an accipiter would be but that was larger and fuller bodied than a not as much as a falcon. They were yellowlegs was immediately attention quite a bit longer than Merlin’s getting. I focused by spotting scope on wingspan should be too. The overall this bird, which was about 100 yards dis- size of the bird was larger than a Sharp- tant. The bill was slightly longer than shinned or Merlin should be but the width of the head and had a slight smaller than a Cooper’s or Peregrine down curve near the tip. It was notice- should be by a little bit. It lacked the ably thicker than the bill of the yel- flap-flap- glide pattern of an accipiter lowlegs. The bill was a rather bright or- or steady powered flight of a falcon. ange color with the distal tip black. The This bird glided during most of the ob- legs were a bright orange yellow. The servation and when it flapped, the top of the head, front of face, and the wingbeats were slower than an accipiter hind neck were a light brown. The re- or falcon. I was not able to note tail mainder of the face was white, with this shape or do not remember it since I fo- white extending down into the upper cused on other things during this quick breast. Below the white upper breast, observation. The other thing to catch the lower chest was marked by blotches my eye besides wingshape and flight of black. The lower belly and the un- style were color. I did not see any bar- dertail coverts were pure white. The ring on the underside, instead I saw back had scallops of shades of brown. gray that contrasted pretty sharply with After feeding actively for about 2 min- a lighter chest and head. When the di- utes, the bird went to sleep. For the vebombing swallows made it flap, I saw next 15 minutes or so the bird stayed in this same contrasting light color in the this sleeping condition with its back The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 87 faced to me. From this poor angle, I BOGUs bills are more pronounced could still see the bright yellow orange than a LIGU. legs and the folded wings had a barred —Eric Howe, Racine, WI appearance of black and a reddish brown. I then left the area to inform PRAIRIE FALCON other birders. March 28, 2017 – Kenosha County Similar Species: I am not able to think of a shorebird that would match Description: On my second trip of what I saw with this bird. the day to the area I was able to find the —Bob Domagalski, St. Nazianz, WI Prairie Falcon discovered the day be- fore. It flew right past a kestrel and was LITTLE GULL about twice the size of the smaller fal- APRIL 29, 2017 – DOOR COUNTY con. Pointed falcon wings and rapid di- rect flight. The tail was fairly long and Description: I initially saw via scope narrow. It was sandy brown above and just northeast of Hog Island. At this light below. It banked once and showed time, the gull was briefly seen in flight the diagnostic dark axillaries. before it had landed in the water. Dark- Similar Species: A raptor with ish underwings were noted. At the dis- pointed wings eliminates the buteos tance of 0.70 mile, the gull appeared and accipiters. Lacked white rump of slightly smaller than the nearby harrier and more rapid flight. Good BOGUs. While Kristin was viewing, the size reference as it passed a kestrel and gull took flight with BOGUs and flew was twice the size which eliminates northward; she followed this dark un- kestrel and merlin. Lighter brown than derwinged gull for approximately 0.7 a merlin or young peregrine would be. mile where upon it landed on the Tail not heavily banded as in merlin. Di- water. From our location the gull was agnostic dark axillaries. Not as large, approximately 0.5 miles east of our po- dark or broad winged as a gyrfalcon sition. No discernible eyering as com- would be. pared with BOGOs seen from this dis- —Mark Korducki, New Berlin, WI tance. The black hood extended farther down on nape than BOGUs. SMITH’S LONGSPUR White and shorter primary tip exten- April 26, 2017 – Dane County sion as compared to dark and slightly longer primaries of BOGUs. Bill Description: The longspurs flushed shorter than BOGUs. about 10 feet in front of me. Although Similar Species: BOGUs underwings I was looking for longspurs, I wasn’t are not dark as in this adult LIGU. The ready. I got my binoculars up in time to extent of the dark hood on BOGU does see them flying away, and I had a not extend as far down the nape as we plowed field for a back ground. I could observed with the LIGU. The BOGUs immediately see the wide even white were slightly but noticeably larger than outer tail feathers and some flashes of the LIGU. The BOGU has darker and the lesser wing coverts. All birds tails longer primaries as compared to the seemed the same, only could see the whitish/shorter primaries of the LIGU. white coverts on a couple. The birds cir- 88 “By the Wayside”—Spring 2017

cled far and fairly close, I wasn’t mov- BLUE GROSBEAK ing, and hoping for them to land. May 02, 2017 – Milwaukee County Which they did about 30 yards up. I couldn’t see them and left them for Description: This bird flew to the top others to see. While they were circling I of a hedgerow and perched for about locked in on a male. At times I could 20 seconds. At first I thought that this see the 3 white points. The white eye brown and blue finch-like bird was brow, white wing coverts and the white going to be my first sighting of Indigo in the tail. I could see the black auricu- Bunting for the year, but when I raised lars, but the white center spot was faint the binoculars and saw the massive, and hard to see compared to the bright conical silver bill, I knew it was not the white eye brow. The underparts were bunting. orange, and did go up behind the The head was a mottled blue and head. The general size and shape (not brown, and the underparts were almost using longspur) was similar to a house entirely chestnut brown, the exception sparrow. I only saw them in flight. being the undertail coverts which were Similar Species: Lapland Longspurs white. The black wings had broad, ru- were eliminated right away when I saw fous-brown edging on the median and the white outer feathers being white greater coverts, which formed 2 distinct all the way top to bottom. Then it was wing bars. getting the other points. Similar Species: Indigo Bunting has —Steve Thiessen, Stoughton, WI a smaller, less silvery bill. It can have some faint wingbars in some plumages, but never the distinct rufous-brown wingbars that stood out on this bird. —Thomas Wood, Menomonee Falls, WI

Jim Stewart imaged this swimming pair of Hooded Mergansers at Middleton Hill Natural Area in Dane County in late March. About the Artists

life, spending time at his cabin in Jennifer Ambrose is an avid birder and the editor of Wisconsin Metro northern Vilas County, walking his dogs Audubon Society’s newsletter The Trum- in the wonderful Wisconsin outdoors, peter. She enjoys photographing birds, and lifelong learning. especially when they are caught in mat- ing or territorial displays or taking baths. When she’s not birding, she David Franzen and his wife, June, have teaches composition and communica- lived in Phelps, Wisconsin since 1969. tion classes at Milwaukee area colleges. He worked for 34 years in the woods of northern Wisconsin, retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 2001 and from a Beverly Engstrom is a retired elemen- private forestry consulting business in tary school teacher who lives on the 2004. After retirement, he took up bird Wisconsin River in Oneida County on photography with most of his work property that is protected through a being shot within 100 yards of his conservation easement with North- house. His primary interest is in photo- woods Land Trust. She enjoys many graphing bird behavior. He does not outdoor activities, especially nature use blinds, but quietly waits in a chair photography. for a bird to strike an interesting pose within close range. During 34 years of forestry work, he captured with the Stephen Fisher is a serious amateur mind, many images that far surpass photographer, enjoying both landscape what he has captured with the camera. and wildlife photography. He is a re- The most beautiful nature scene he tired high school English teacher who ever viewed was encountered while worked as an environmental/wildlife trout fishing a small stream surrounded educator and Education Director for the Raptor Education Group, Inc. by maple forest that had sparse under- (REGI) for seven years following his re- story prior to spring leaf emergence. tirement from teaching in Wausau. He On that misty morning, a huge timber now serves as a volunteer at REGI, res- wolf glided over a hill across the stream cuing and/or transporting sick and in- and came toward him to stream’s edge. jured birds. He and his wife, Evelyn, When a wolf moves slowly, it kind of have always enjoyed and respected the glides effortlessly, and this big guy was natural world, and he has a special ap- more like a spirit than a real animal. A preciation for birds, particularly rap- real magical moment. David does occa- tors. He also enjoys traveling, reading, sional slide programs for local groups. hiking, snowshoeing, observing wild - 89 90 About the Artists

Professor at UW-Eau Claire in 2000, he Greg Hottman is an amateur wildlife and his wife, Judy, now include birding photographer from Oregon, Wiscon- and photography as part of all their sin. Greg started out taking pictures of travels. Although many of his pictures birds, mostly warblers to help with iden- are taken in Wisconsin, wintering in the tification. As a youngster in the 60’s he can remember seeing flashes of red southern US has provided many addi- going through the yard in his home- tional opportunities birding photogra- town of Cross Plains and running inside phy experiences. He has recently to the Encyclopedia Britannia to see begun making presentations on birds what bird that might have been. He in- and birding. herited that “those cows ain’t gonna milk themselves” gene so he gets up early, gets most of his work done by Jym Mooney has been an enthusiastic 6am which frees him up for the rest of birder for almost 30 years. In 2012 he the day. Greg’s favorite birds to photo- took up photography, initially as a graph are owls. The neighborhood means to document unusual sightings. foxes are fun too. He is grateful for the advice and sugges- tions of the many wildlife photographers he has had the pleasure to meet and talk Michael J. Huebschen is the current Art with as he has birded across Milwaukee Editor for The Passenger Pigeon and has County and Wisconsin; in particular Jim been an amateur wildlife photographer Edlhuber, Brian Hansen, Paul Sparks, for over 45 years. He is retired from Jeremy Meyer, Rita Flores Wiskowski, UW-Oshkosh and lives in Oshkosh, Wis- Jennifer Ambrose, and Dave Freriks. consin with his wife, Cynthia. They enjoy travel, wildlife observations, hik- ing, canoeing and fishing. Kristie L Pinnow is a native of northern Wisconsin and has always loved nature. She has enjoyed backyard birding since Bob Larson who lives in Kaukauna, is childhood, and over the years has added an advanced amateur photographer photography to that interest. She has re- who concentrates his photography in cently discovered the beauty of warblers, the Fox Valley area. All nature centers and it has become a desire to photo- and Haunts areas are fair game. Out- graph as many local species as she can. agamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Brown, Along with birding and photography, and Waushara Counties get the most at- she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and baking. tention. He switched to digital just be- fore it became affordable and has been learning ever since.” Eric Preston is an amateur nature pho- tographer who travels the Midwest, and beyond, to photograph the natural David Lund is an amateur photogra- world. He especially likes looking for pher who lives near Eau Claire. Follow- and photographing birds and butterflies ing his retirement as a Mathematics in the native grasslands of southern Wis- The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 91 consin. His photographs have appeared Jim Stewart is the son of an upstate New in numerous books and magazines, in- York salt miner and an elementary cluding Birder’s World and Gulls of the school teacher. He arrived in Wisconsin Americas. He has been interested in birds 36 years ago and fell in love with the and nature for most of his life. He cur- state’s natural areas. For all of those rently lives in Madison, Wisconsin with many years he has felt, along with Jean his wife, Kim, and son, Anders. Henri Fabre and Wisconsin’s Aldo Leopold, that beauty and perception “grow at home as well as abroad.” Now, Adam Sinkula is an avid birder from with the luxury (and shortness) of time Green Bay who grew up on a small fam- that comes with age he is able to play, ily farm in Kewaunee. This allowed for camera in hand, in the natural areas time to explore the woods and river that dot Dane and surrounding coun- nearby where he fell in love with na- ties—jewels that provide sustenance to diverse wildlife. His interest is to use his ture. He then attended UW-Stevens photography as a means to better see Point and got his degree in Wildlife by asking, over and over, two questions and minor in Biology. He first picked posed by Rachel Carson in her remark- up birding after college and quickly be- able book The Sense of Wonder (1956/ came addicted. He is currently the Ke- 1998): “For most of us, knowledge of waunee County Coordinator for the our world comes largely through sight, Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II as well yet we look about with such unseeing as co-chairman (with Nancy Nabak) of eyes that we are partially blind. One way the Big Bay Birdathon. He also takes to open your eyes to the unnoticed pride in finding local birds in Ke- beauty is to ask yourself. What if I had waunee and Brown Counties. never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?”

Victoria Sokolowski reports that her biggest love is photographing wildlife, Rita Flores Wiskowski is a birder/pho- especially birds and insects, which she tographer from South Milwaukee. In- finds fascinating and challenging. She terested in birds and nature from a tries to give the viewer insight into the young age, she became a serious birder personality of the animal she is photo- in 2008, inspired by a family of Great graphing, and she loves interactions be- Horned Owls nesting in her neighbor- tween animals. Her goal is to bring en- hood. Shortly after, she discovered the joyment and knowledge to those who wonderful network of birders in Wis- don’t have the privilege of living as consin who are willing to share knowl- close to wildlife as she does. She also edge, sightings, and adventures, and owns a veterinary clinic so she works she was hooked. These days, when she with clients and their pets all day. She is not working her day job as a fundrais- considers herself very lucky to be able ing professional, she can be found bird- to live her dream vocation in such a ing, with a pair of binoculars in one wonderful area like Wisconsin. hand, and her camera attached to a monopod in the other. Besides birding 92 About the Artists and photography, her passions include the spring of 2016 and has enjoyed div- environmental advocacy and educa- ing deep into the incredible world of tion. She serves on the boards of birds. Photography led him to birding, Lakeshore State Park, Friends of the but you'll find him looking more Mill Pond & Oak Creek Watercourse, through his binoculars than the and Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society. viewfinder these days—still, his camera is always hanging on his hip. You'll usu- ally find him in the UW-Madison Ar- boretum or anywhere that a rare bird Kenny Younger is a software engineer shows up in Dane County. from Madison, WI. He began birding in

Kristie Pinnow depicts the fresh plumage of an European Starling in Vilas County in mid-December (The Editors apologize to Ms. Pinnow for inadvertently leaving this photo out of the winter issue!). Guidelines for Authors and Artists

AUTHORS December 1; summer—March 1; fall—April 15; winter—August 1. The Passenger Pigeon, issued quarterly • The text must be in Word format by the Wisconsin Society for Ornithol- (.doc or .docx), either Word for Win- ogy (WSO), publishes articles on Wis- dows or Word for Mac. consin birds, on ornithological topics of interest to WSO members, and on • The manuscript should be double- WSO activities and business. Anyone spaced throughout (including figure with a serious interest in Wisconsin and table captions) and use 12-point birdlife—whether a professional or- Times New Roman or Calibri font nithologist or an amateur birder—is style. encouraged to submit articles and ob- • The text must be on pages separate servations to this journal. The Editors from figures and tables. are happy to discuss ideas for articles with potential authors. • On the title page, provide the article Readers are encouraged to submit title, name, address, telephone num- articles to be considered for publica- ber, and email address of all authors tion in The Passenger Pigeon. It should be of the article. noted that all research articles will be • Include the acknowledgments, liter- submitted for peer review. Articles not ature cited, and a brief biographical presenting research will go through the sketch of each author at the end of traditional editorial process. The edi- the manuscript. tors will do as much as possible to see that work is published, including offer- • Research articles should generally ing suggestions for improvement when follow standard scientific format, pertinent. with separate sections for abstract, General articles should be sent via 5–7 key words, introduction, meth- email to PassengerPigeon@WSOBirds. ods, results, discussion, conclusions, org and research-based articles should and bibliography. Deviations from be sent directly to the Peer Review Edi- this format (e.g., combined results tor, Matt Hayes at research@wsobirds. and discussion section) will be con- org. If necessary, articles may be sent by sidered on an individual manuscript basis. Key words should be different surface mail to: Passenger Pigeon, 5018 from key terms present in the title. Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53711. Following are specific guidelines for • Please use metric measures (for ex- submission: ample: millimeters, kilograms, mi- croliters). • Articles and art for each issue should be submitted by the following dates • The spelling of common and scien- in order to be considered: spring— tific bird names should follow the 93 94 Guidelines for Authors and Artists

most recent edition of the Checklist your columns and a carriage return of North American Birds (see to separate rows—do not add spaces http://checklist.aou.org), published to make columns line up. by the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU), or the most recent Guidelines for citing literature in text: updates to the checklist. Please in- Citations should be listed chronologi- clude Genus and species (italicized) cally in parentheses: following the first time that the com- mon name of a species is introduced • No comma between author(s) and in text. date: (McGhee 1995) • When appropriate, lists of species in • Use “and” between two authors: (Li tables or text should follow the most and Aschenbrenner 2007) current AOU taxonomic sequence. • If more than two authors, use “et al.:” • Use capital letters for the full com- (Moreau et al. 2015) mon names of birds (e.g., American • Personal communication or refer- Robin, Red-headed Woodpecker). ence to unpublished data: Cite the Avoid use of four letter abbreviations person’s initials and surname, insti- often used to shorten the species tutional affiliation, followed by “pers. name. For example, do not use comm.” or .“unpub. data.” Example: RBWO for Red-bellied Woodpecker. (E. Ramirez, University of Wisconsin- Madison, unpub. data). Guidelines for submitting figures and tables: • Works by the same author(s) in the same year are arranged alphabeti- • Each figure and each table must be cally by article title and differentiated on a separate page. by letter (1998a, 1998b). • Captions for all figures should be sent as a separate text file, not em- Guidelines for formatting references in bedded with the figure. bibliography section References at end of document should • Figures and table should be submit- be listed alphabetically by last name of ted in a way suitable for black-and- first author, then in increasing chrono- white reproduction. logical order. Follow the models below • Tables are encouraged to be submit- for citing books, book chapters, journal ted as Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. articles, etc. All tables for each manuscript may be included in the same Microsoft Excel Sample References: Book with separate sheets compris- ing each table. Alternatively, tables Reller, A.W. 1972. Aspects of behavioral can be created as ‘typists’ tables’ in ecology of Red-headed and Red-bellied Microsoft Word. This involves creat- woodpeckers. American Midland Natu- ing a tabular version of your table in ralist 88(2): 270–290. Microsoft Word without using the ac- Bajema, R.A. and S.L. Lima. 2001. tual “Table” function in that pro- Landscape-level Analyses of Henslow’s gram. Instead, use tabs to separate Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) The Passenger Pigeon, Vol. 80, No. 1, 2018 95

Abundance in Reclaimed Coal Mine tor for Art, at mhuebschen4@gmail. Grasslands. The American Midland com. They will be stored in secure dig- Naturalist 145(2): 288–298. ital files until recommended for a given quarterly issue of . Curtis, J.T. 1959. Vegetation of Wiscon- The Passenger Pigeon Although we would prefer to print all sin: An Ordination of Plant Communi- images chosen for in ties. Madison, WI: University of Wis- The Passenger Pigeon color, many will be printed in black & consin Press. white due to the prohibitive cost of Gregg, L. 2006. Gray Jay. Pages 296–297 printing everything in color. One image in N.J. Cutright, B.R. Harriman, and per issue will be selected as a color cover R.W. Howe (Eds.), Atlas of the Breed- photo. Every effort will be made to use ing Birds of Wisconsin. Waukesha: Wis- the best photos submitted by as many consin Society for Ornithology. contributors as possible. Final selections Estades, C.F. 1997. Habitat fragmenta- will be made by the editors. tion, pine plantation forestry and the Following are the criteria for submitted conservation of forest bird communi- work: ties in central Chile. Master of Science Thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madi- 1. Jpeg digital images of photos, draw- son. ings, paintings, sculptures, wood carv- ings, quilts or other artistic works fea- Kilvington, M., J. Rosier, R. Wilkinson turing birds seen or photographed in and C. Freeman. 1998. Urban restora- Wisconsin should be sent as email at- tion: Social opportunities and con- tachments and should be in as large straints. Paper presented to the Sym- a size as possible, with resolution of posium on Restoring the Health and at least 300 d.p.i. (1.2 megabytes for Wealth of Ecosystems, Christchurch, black-and-white and 1.5 megabytes New Zealand, September 28–30. for color). Lower resolution simply National Audubon Society. 2014. does not print well and pixel-dense Christmas Bird Count Historical Re- images make the best candidates for sults. www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/hr/ printing since they often need to be index.html [accessed September 1, cropped. All photos of birds submit- 2013]. ted must have been taken in Wiscon- Strickland, D. and H. Ouellet. 2011. sin. Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis). In A. 2. Please note: since the seasonal re- Poole (Ed.), The Birds of North Amer- ports are for the year previous to the ica Online. Ithaca, NY: Cornell Lab of current issue, any photographs for a Ornithology. http://bna.birds.cornell. given issue should also be from the edu/bna/species/040 [accessed De- same period. For example, photo- cem ber 31, 2015]. graphs for the Winter, 2015 issue should have been taken on or be- ARTISTS tween December 1, 2014 and Febru- ary 28, 2015; photographs for All photos must be submitted as jpeg Spring, 2016 should have been digital images in e-mail attachments to taken on or between March 1, 2015 Michael Huebschen, the Assistant Edi- and May 31, 2015; and so on. 96 Guidelines for Authors and Artists

3. All images submitted must be mate- the images too tightly should be rial not previously published in The avoided since the editors may choose Passenger Pigeon. to do more cropping. All unused or unusable digital images will be de- 4. All images must include the bird stroyed after a certain time period. species name and name of the artist. Date and location are also necessary 7. It is the policy of Wisconsin Society in the case of photographs. Images for Ornithology not to offer mone- of works other than photographs tary compensation to contributing should have a title if one has been artists for use of their images in The selected. Passenger Pigeon. The Society is grate- ful for those who have contributed 5. The most useful images are those in limited use of their images for publi- “portrait” format, rather than “land- cation in The Passenger Pigeon in the scape” format. A cropped photo 4” past and to those who will do so in horizontal by 5¢¢ vertical is ideal for the future. consideration for a cover photo. The “fill page” images are also best done 8. When images have been selected in portrait format and might run as and approved for each quarterly large as 4.75¢¢ ¥ 7¢¢. The editors may issue, a short biography from each do some additional cropping of im- contributing artist will be requested. ages for publication. It is tradition to publish those in the “About the Artists” pages of each 6. Since no images will be returned, the issue. As a result, the Editors request submission must be high-resolution that contributors include a short bi- copy of the original. In most cases ographical statement along with contributors will have cropped the their artwork. images for the best effect. Cropping

Michael Huebschen discovered this family of Trumpeter Swans at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area in Burnett County in late May. 97 98 99 A Killdeer stands reflected at Dane County’s Sticker’s Pond during late May, as photographed by Jim Stewart.

100 THE WISCONSIN SOCIETY FOR ORNITHOLOGY The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is an educational and scientific non- profit organization founded in 1939 “to encourage the study of Wisconsin birds.” The Society achieves this goal through programs in research, education, conservation and publication.

OFFICERS (2017–2018) President Michael John Jaeger, [email protected], 608-335-2546 Vice President Myles Hurlburt, [email protected], 715-574-1003 Secretary Jennifer Wenzel, [email protected], 262-488-8077 Treasurer Dani Baumann, [email protected], 262-617-1268

COMMITTEE CHAIRS (2017–2018) Annual Convention Christine Zimmerman, [email protected] Awards Wendy Schultz, [email protected] Badger Birder Carl Schwartz, [email protected] Bookstore Darwin Tiede, 920-997-9418, [email protected] Communications Kristin Bowers, [email protected] Conservation Michael John Jaeger, Acting Chair, [email protected] Development Mary Korkor, [email protected] Education Jim Knickelbine, [email protected]; Ed Hahn, [email protected] Field Trips Thomas R. Schultz, 920-960-1796 and Jeffrey L. Baughman, 920-960-4732; [email protected] Historian Nancy J. Nabak, [email protected] Honey Creek Levi Wood, [email protected] Membership Kim Kreitinger, [email protected] Passenger Pigeon Editors Charles A. Heikkinen and Delia O. Unson, [email protected], 608-206-0324 (Chuck); 608-235-8914 (Delia) Records Quentin Yoerger, [email protected] Research Vacant Scholarships and Grants Aaron Greene; [email protected]