Latest news with #UW-MadisonDepartmentofHorticulture
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hummingbird migration map: See where hummingbirds have been spotted in Wisconsin
The migration of the world's tiniest feathered fliers is in full swing. As of May 1, ruby-throated hummingbird sightings in the U.S. have been reported from Key Largo at the southern tip of Florida to as far north as Hayward, Wisconsin, according to Hummingbird Central. A variety of hummingbirds have also been spotted along the West Coast, including Anna's Hummingbirds along the California coast and Rufus Hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest. Black chin Hummingbirds were sighted across Texas, while the Broad-tailed Hummingbird species was seen in Colorado. An interactive map Wisconsin eBird shows that the popular Ruby-throated hummingbird has been spotted in every county in the state. The map records daily sightings from amateur birders. A similar map on Hummingbird Central shows that the tiny bird, which begins its migration from its wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico, has taken up residence across the eastern half of the U.S. For many Wisconsin residents, spring hasn't arrived until the first Robin has been spotted. However, hummingbird aficionados are just dedicated. As the little birds begin making their way further north, following nectar sources such as flowers and feeders, sightings begin trickling in. According to reports on Hummingbird Central, the first sighting in Wisconsin was recorded on April 17 in Eagle River. One early birder in Kenosha spotted the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird on April 18 and noted, "Earliest ever for us. Glad I had feeders up!" A birder in Hayward County spotted a male hummingbird on April 30 and commented on the early arrival. Hummingbird sightings in Fond du Lac and Brown counties were reported on April 28, while the tiny birds were spotted at feeders along Lake Michigan from April 23 through April 30. Sightings in Stevens Point and Wausau were recorded on April 28 and April 30. Bird watchers in southeast Wisconsin reported 'on time' arrivals in Belgium Mequon, Brookfield, New Berlin and Wales. A Menomonee Falls birder reported their first sighting on the last day of April, exclaiming "So excited to finally see one!" You can follow Hummingbird Central's live map throughout the spring and summer, as well as report your own sightings here. More: Will April showers continue into May and stall fieldwork for farmers? What do forecasters say? More news: For some farm families, grieving the loss of a loved one comes with an added burden: a hefty tax bill The best way to encourage hummingbirds to your yard is to plant plenty of food resources for them. You should ideally grow a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with feeders to supplement when blooms are in short supply, according to the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture. The department also recommends staggering bloom times to make sure hummingbirds have a food source for the entire season, as well as providing a source of water and trees or tall shrubs for nesting and perching. Make sure to avoid using pesticides that kill small insects that hummingbirds regularly eat. Here are some of the best Midwestern plants to grow for hummingbirds, according to UW-Madison. There are many other plants that will also attract the birds, so find a longer list here. Cuphea, especially "David Verity" cuphea plants Cardinals Coral honeysuckle Beebalm Texas or scarlet sage Blue anise sage Amateur birders can report and track their daily bird sightings on the following sites: Wisconsin eBird: Allows you to report and track your daily sighting from your birding excursions. You can also see real-time bird sightings from other birders across the state. Wisconsin Society of Ornithology: Provides information to document rare birds and how to use eBird for seasonal reports. The Great Backyard Bird Count: A global project to record bird abundance and distribution. You can contribute by reporting your observations of Wisconsin birds. Report a rare bird: This information is used for species on Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List. Report a sick or dead bird by using the directory of wildlife rehabilitators or contacting your local DNR office. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Here's where hummingbirds have been sighted in Wisconsin this spring
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hummingbird migration map: when will hummingbirds arrive in Wisconsin for spring?
It's officially spring, which means the arrival of hummingbirds in Wisconsin isn't far off. Hummingbirds typically start arriving in Wisconsin in the beginning of May, though a few outlier birds may arrive in mid to late April. Like most bird species, male hummingbirds will migrate first, with female birds following a few weeks later. After a few warmer months in Wisconsin, hummingbirds will start migrating south again from August through April. Here's the latest on hummingbird migration to Wisconsin, including where you can report bird sightings around the state. As of March 31, ruby-throated hummingbird sightings in the U.S. have been reported across much of the southern U.S., ranging from Texas to North Carolina, according to Hummingbird Central. A variety of hummingbirds have also been spotted on the West Coast, including dozens of Allen's Hummingbird sightings in Washington and Oregon. No birds have been reported in the Midwest yet. You can follow Hummingbird Central's live map throughout the spring and summer, as well as report your own sightings here. The best way to encourage hummingbirds to your yard is to plant plenty of food resources for them. You should ideally grow a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with feeders to supplement when blooms are in short supply, according to the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture. The department also recommends staggering bloom times to make sure hummingbirds have a food source for the entire season, as well as providing a source of water and trees or tall shrubs for nesting and perching. Make sure to avoid using pesticides that kill small insects that hummingbirds regularly eat. Here are some of the best Midwestern plants to grow for hummingbirds, according to UW-Madison. There are many other plants that will also attract the birds, so find a longer list here. Cuphea, especially "David Verity" cuphea plants Cardinals Coral honeysuckle Beebalm Texas or scarlet sage Blue anise sage More: What plant zone is Wisconsin in? A look at the best flowers to plant in every part of the state Amateur birders can report and track their daily bird sighting on the following sites: Wisconsin eBird: Allows you to report and track your daily sighting from your birding excursions. You can also see real-time bird sightings from other birders across the state. Wisconsin Society of Ornithology: Provides information to document rare birds and how to use eBird for seasonal reports. The Great Backyard Bird Count: A global project to record bird abundance and distribution. You can contribute by reporting your observations of Wisconsin birds. Report a rare bird: This information is used for species on Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List. Report a sick or dead bird by using the directory of wildlife rehabilitators or contacting your local DNR office. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hummingbird migration map: when do hummingbirds migrate to Wisconsin?
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
When will hummingbirds migrate back to Wisconsin this year?
With just a few weeks until the first official day of spring, you might be wondering when you'll hear hummingbirds chirping around Wisconsin again. A few birds have already started to arrive in the state for the spring, such as robins and red-winged blackbirds, according to Anna Pidgeon, a professor of avian ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Though hummingbirds are a little further behind, there are a few steps you can take in the coming weeks to encourage them to your yard later in the spring. Here's when Wisconsinites will start seeing hummingbirds and the best ways to observe them: More: What bird signifies spring for you? Let us know in this survey Hummingbirds typically start arriving in Wisconsin in the beginning of May, though a few outlier birds may arrive a bit earlier, Pidgeon said. Like most birds species, male hummingbirds will migrate first, with female birds following a few weeks later. "We're just at the very early vanguard now," Pidgeon said of the spring migration. "But over time, you'll see more and more birds, and then there'll be some territorial disputes, so trying to claim or move others off of prime territory, and then females will show up sometime after that." After a few warmer months in Wisconsin, hummingbirds will start migrating south again from April through October. Though some hummingbirds spend the winter on Florida's southern cost, the majority of hummingbirds will migrate farther south to areas of Central America, such as the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Pidgeon said As of March 3, hummingbird sightings in the U.S. have been reported primarily in Florida, Louisiana, Texas and California, according to Hummingbird Central. No birds have been reported in the Midwest yet. You can follow Hummingbird Central's live map throughout the spring and summer, as well as report your own sightings here. The best way to encourage hummingbirds to your yard is to plant plenty of food resources for them, Pidgeon said. "Flowers that produce a lot of nectar and are native species that grow in Wisconsin, or used to grow in Wisconsin, are really best for habitat for hummingbirds and for all birds," she said. You should ideally grow a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with feeders to supplement when blooms are in short supply, according to the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture. The department also recommends staggering bloom times to make sure hummingbirds have a food source for the entire season, as well as providing a source of water and trees or tall shrubs for nesting and perching. Make sure to avoid using pesticides that kill small insects that hummingbirds regularly eat. Here are some of the best Midwestern plants to grow for hummingbirds, according to UW-Madison. There are many other plans that will also attract the birds, so find a longer list here. Cuphea, especially "David Verity" cuphea plants Cardinals Coral honeysuckle Beebalm Texas or scarlet sage Blue anise sage Wisconsin has more than 300 birding hotspots, including wildlife areas like the Horicon Marsh and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. To find a birding hotspot near you, click here to visit the Travel Wisconsin website. Amateur birders can report and track their daily bird sighting on the following sites: Wisconsin eBird: Allows you to report and track your daily sighting from your birding excursions. You can also see real-time bird sightings from other birders across the state. Wisconsin Society of Ornithology: Provides information to document rare birds and how to use eBird for seasonal reports. The Great Backyard Bird Count: A global project to record bird abundance and distribution. You can contribute by reporting your observations of Wisconsin birds. Report a rare bird: This information is used for species on Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List. Report a sick or dead bird by using the directory of wildlife rehabilitators or contacting your local DNR office. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hummingbird migration in Wisconsin 2025: When will the birds be back?
