raptor watches at Forest Beach Mig. Preserve

This past week, we had one of the first good raptor days of the fall, at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve, in Ozau. Co.

On the NW winds:

Swainson's Hawk - Ph. by Arthur Drobniak, via Wikim. Commons

Swainson's Hawk (1 light morph adult)
Red-tailed Hawk 23
Turkey Vulture 15
Bald Eagle 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4
Cooper's Hawk 4
Northern Harrier 1
Merlin 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Kestrel 1

More such days will be possible, with the right weather conditions. Notice will be posted here!

more about Chimney Swifts

 

Nesting Chimney Swift: ph. USNPS, Wikim. Commons

Learn about Chimney Swifts this fall - go the website of the WI Chimney Swift Working Group, at http://www.wiswifts.org/videos-from-swift-night-out-events/ and see video of swifts at autumn roost locations.

Learn about Chimney Swift towers - replacements for capped chimneys: http://nc.audubon.org/news/build-your-own-chimney-swift-tower

In Wisconsin and other northern states, two things can help your tower to be more successful
a) insulation (Due to our frequently-cool spring weather, tower designs from southern states are often not sufficiently insulated. To offset this, add insulation in your tower design-and-build phase.)

b) use of playback recordings as an attractant (As with Purple Martins, starting a new colony/swift nesting site can be greatly aided by deploying a recording of swift vocalizations.)

Learn more at
WI Chimney Swift Working Group: http://www.wiswifts.org/

Facts about declining aerial insectivores:
https://wglbbo.org/aerial-insectivores

Join the Midwest Aerial Insectivore Discussion Group, on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1581381955435390/

news from BirdLife International

Learn about BirdLife International, their work, and news, at http://www.birdlife.org/