"Some people are very competitive in their birding. Maybe they'll die happy, having seen a thousand species before they die, but I'll die happy knowing I've spent all that quiet time being present."
― Lynn Thomson
Part I: Migration Update
On Sunday, Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor was alive with Yellow-rumped Warblers. These hardy wood warblers—often the first to arrive in spring migration and the last to depart in fall—seemed to be everywhere, flitting among the budding branches and darting out in aerial sallies to catch emerging insects (mostly midge flies). Common, but still gorgeous.
I'm at 4 warbler species so far this spring:
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Palm Warbler
Take a look NEXRAD from early Sunday morning ...
And the wind ...
The overlapping pattern of wind direction and birds aloft.
Migratory birds almost always wait for a tailwind—they can boost speed, conserve energy, and increase survival during migration. Checking NEXRAD radar first thing in the morning provides a preview of what the day's birding might hold. Radar images can reveal large concentrations of migrating birds, giving birders a heads-up about potential fallouts or heavy migration activity. By checking radar, you can anticipate whether you'll encounter a significant movement of birds or a quieter day in the field.
Having said that, radar conditions don't always translate to uniform bird distribution across all locations. A night with heavy migration might show impressive radar returns, yet specific hotspots can remain surprisingly quiet. This has happened more times than I can recall. The reality is that birds concentrate in favorable habitats, and without local intelligence, you might miss the action entirely.
Here's a nice trail to bird ...
A scenic section of Military Ridge State Trail I cross on my way to work every morning. I'll typically find 20 to 30 species in just 20 minutes. This is where I found an Orange-crowned Warbler this morning, and my first-of-spring Red-headed Woodpecker and Brown Thrasher.
Part II: Vesper Sparrows
On the outskirts of Sauk City, I spent some time photographing Vesper Sparrows at a dead-end road near old tiger beetle haunt. While development has since claimed most of the beetle habitat, the sparrows endure (for now). Despite the hurdles of a stiff wind and cloud-filtered light, my digiscoping efforts were rewarded by the their persistent songs rising from the ground and trees.
Perhaps 3 or 4 singing males were present.
A nifty looking sparrow with an incredibly melodious song.
The wind rendered that do!
Part III: Stuff at Baxter's Hollow
A storm was closing in from the west, but we had just enough time to check Baxter's Hollow. As expected, the Louisiana Waterthrushes had returned. I heard two of them counter-singing along Otter Creek, though they remained at too great a distance to photograph. A nearby lightening strike sent us scrambling back to the car, then the sky unleashed its fury was we drove out of the woods.
Round-lobed Hepatica—there was a lot more this time.
Marsh Marigolds were open ...
Skunk Cabbage! The spathe is the colorful bract or leaf-like structure
that encloses the spadix (flower cluster) or inflorescence. It's
essentially a protective sheath that can be mistaken for a petal but is
botanically distinct.
The spadix, on the other hand, the actual flower cluster itself—a fleshy, spike-like structure covered in numerous tiny flowers. It sits within or emerges from the spathe. The spathe serves to protect the developing spadix and often acts as a visual attractant for pollinators. In some species like skunk cabbage, the spathe can even generate enough heat to melt through snow.
There's something comical about Wood frogs. It's one of the first amphibians to stir in spring, often emerging while snow still blankets the ground. They gather in temporary woodland pools to breed, their quack-like call echoing throughout the hollow.
All images © 2026 Mike McDowell
