Máistir Nádúraí: Creek Corridor Gold!

5.01.2018

Creek Corridor Gold!

Prothonotary Warbler

Just a quick update ...

We went from 2 or 3 warbler species per outing to a dozen or more overnight! Strong south winds rendered an odd mix of warblers running somewhat counter to what I consider a normal phenological ordering of arrivals. An April 30th Blackpoll Warbler? Today I saw my earliest-ever Bay-breasted Warbler. They're moving through quickly!

As I was driving to work after birding this morning, Ellen Hansen called me from the creek corridor to let me know she found a Prothonotary Warbler at the second bridge east of Park Street. I knew my birding crew had already walked past that spot, so I called Dottie to give her the heads-up. They all ran back to the middle bridge and got the bird! Fortunately, it was still there after work. It took a bit of searching, but my birding group was able to relocate the gorgeous Golden Swamp Warbler.

South winds!

Look!

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. While he is most prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations extend to other natural gems like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has graced numerous publications, including newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. Since 2005, Mike has been journaling his nature observations on his blog. He is the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest. Mike’s interests span insect macro-photography—focusing on tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, he has rekindled his passion for collecting Fender Stratocasters, with his prized possession being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. After a career in IT, Mike has spent the past 24 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

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