"Spring is the time of plans and projects."
― Leo Tolstoy
The Spring Equinox is finally here, and it feels like a hard-won victory over winter's last, desperate stand. After Monday's blizzard, it seemed the world would be frozen indefinitely, but the predicted swift melt has reclaimed the marshes and prairies, opening up the stage for the season's main event. But Wisconsinites know better — we're not done with March, and April can render wintry surprises as well.
So far I've had a pretty successful waterfowl year ― there are several nearby ponds I check on my way to and from work. They've had Wood Ducks, Northern Pintail, Canvasbacks, Redhead, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, a variety of geese, all the mergansers, scaup, Tundra and Trumper Swans, and more.
On the other hand, my passerine observations are a bit sparse so far, but I haven't given it much effort. For sparrows I have American Tree, White-crowned, White-throated, Fox, and Song. Naturally, I include other emberzids like Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, and Dark-eyed Junco. This weekend I won't be surprised if I find Swamp Sparrow, Field Sparrow, and perhaps even and early Chippie. No warblers yet for me, but there are Yellow-rumps around.
75° tomorrow! WTF?
Wood Duck © 2026 Mike McDowell