Enjoy migration “miracle,” help Wisconsin birds
Bird watching enthusiasts are encouraged to enjoy the miracle of migration and take some simple steps to help their fine-feathered friends.
“Millions of birds will be passing through Wisconsin, in May, coming from as far away as Argentina, and going as far as Alaska and the Arctic Ocean,” said Craig Thompson, DNR. “It’s nothing short of a miracle and a great opportunity for people to get out to their local parks, state parks or natural areas to enjoy the spectacle.”
More than 350 different species of birds have been reported in Wisconsin, in May, providing a wealth of avian viewing opportunities that reflect Wisconsin’s location in the Mississippi River flyway, and along the Great Lakes shorelines, which birds funnel through on their way north to Canada’s boreal forest and arctic tundra.
Horicon Marsh, the world’s largest freshwater cattail marsh, and a diverse mix of other wetlands, grasslands and forests, also provide key habitats for migratory birds.
Warblers, orioles, thrushes, hummingbirds, tanagers, indigo buntings and shorebirds, are among the favorite long- distance migratory birds people are likely to see. Their migration is influenced primarily by changes in day length.
As many new bird watchers have discovered, part of the fun, is sharing sightings with family and friends, and figuring out which bird species are showing up around the neighborhood. Enjoy that camaraderie and help a good cause, by participating in the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, running through June 15.
Teams ranging from kindergarten classrooms to bird experts, can join in the fun, challenging themselves to see how many birds they can spot in a single day of their choosing. The teams collect donations from family and friends to support high priority bird conservation projects in Wisconsin, that protect species such as piping plovers, Kirtland’s warblers, whooping cranes and more. Non-profits that join the birding fun are eligible to keep half the funds they raise, giving back to birds and the community.
The annual event is hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, and is the largest fundraiser for bird conservation in the state. Last year, participants raised more than $104,000 for the Bird Protection Fund.
“We hope the birdathon can serve as a reminder of the incredible strength we have, when we come together with our communities to make a difference,” said Sarah Cameron, coordinator.
To make a donation, register a team or learn more about the Bird Protection Fund and projects supported by the Birdathon, visit https://go.dojiggy.io/wibirdathon/gatheringwarblers/ Team.
Migratory birds passing through Wisconsin, also need good places to refuel and rest between flights. A growing number of Wisconsinites and communities, are providing those stop-over habitats in their own backyards or municipal boundaries.
More than 90 Wisconsin communities, are now recognized as Bird Cities, for their conservation activities.
Adding native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to a yard, provides birds shelter and key foods that replenish fat stores used up in long flights.
“When we think of feeding birds, we should be thinking as much about native plants, as we do bird seed, oranges or sugar water,” said DNR conservation biologist Ryan Brady. “Native plants support the life cycles of 10 to 100 times more insect species than non-native plants, insects that will attract and help birds more than any feeder will, especially from spring through fall.”
Native bird populations need all the help they can get. Their populations in the U.S. and Canada, have declined by 30 percent or 2.9 billion birds, since 1970, according to a study by researchers from seven renowned organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution. A 2019 National Audubon Society study, also revealed two-thirds of North American bird species are at risk of extinction from climate change.
