Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for March 13, 2014

Snow Cat (Photo credit: clickclique)

Warm weather reduces snow cover in the south, deep snow persists in the north

Some very warm weather early in the week, reaching into the 50s statewide, has taken a toll on winter sports conditions, especially in the southern half of the state. The warm weather melted a lot of snow in a hurry leaving a muddy mess in far southern areas and water standing in many fields and yards. Many southern facing slopes in the south are now snow free, much to the delight of wildlife.

In the north, however, while snow settled some with the warm up, the deep snow persists. Snowmobile trails remain open and are still being reported as good to very good in many northern counties on the Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report. Most state park and forest properties are reporting that cross-country ski grooming is likely over for the season, unless the state receives another big snowfall. Trails in the south are generally in poor condition, and while trails in the north are snow-covered, they have been icy in the mornings and soft and slushy as temperatures warm throughout the day.

State wildlife officials continue to monitor the harsh winter's impact on deer and turkey. They continue to ask the public's help in reporting any dead deer or turkeys to local wildlife biologists. And responding to many hunters' concerns over turkey populations in the north, wildlife officials have announced that they will reduce the number of over-the-counter spring turkey permits available in some northern units.

Northern Wisconsin lakes are still solidly locked in ice, with 22 to 30 inches on most lakes with layers of slush on top, making travel very difficult. Lakes in southern Wisconsin have just begun to show signs of early break-up with some landings and shorelines having open water, especially near inlets and outlets. Wardens are cautioning people against driving any vehicles on river systems as they are also beginning to open up.

Ice fishing pressure has been pretty non-existent in the north, but this week's warm weather did trigger some good panfish action on southern and central Wisconsin lakes. The milder weather brought out more anglers last weekend on Green Bay, where anglers continue to fish though deep ice with success for whitefish and northern pike reported along the east and west shore. There is some more open water in southeastern Lake Michigan harbors, but most are still locked in ice and anglers continue to catch brown and rainbow trout through the ice.

Raccoon, skunk, muskrat, mink, and opossum activity has increased as temperatures are increasing and snow is receding. River otter sign along creeks and streams may be more evident this time of year as male otters increase their movements during the March to April breeding season. Fox and gray squirrels are feeding furiously on nuts and seeds that have remained buried all winter under snow and ice, and males are actively pursuing females.

The spring bird migration is off to a tempered start with arrival of small numbers of sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, and American robins in the south. Waterfowl rank among the earliest migrants and a good diversity of birds are now on the move. However, this winter's extensive ice cover continues to take a toll on many diving ducks as numerous dead birds are showing up along the Lake Michigan shoreline as ice recedes.

Related articles

• Wisconsin DNR is measuring winter's impact on deer and turkey (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Michigan Weekly Fishing Report (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Wisconsin DNR is measuring winter's impact on deer and turkey

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MADISON - As one of the harshest winters on record continues its icy grip on Wisconsin state wildlife officials are monitoring its effects on wildlife, particularly deer and turkey.

"We have received some reports of dead deer and turkey, especially in northern Wisconsin where snow is more than 30 inches deep in some areas," said Tom Hauge, director of wildlife management for the Department of Natural Resources.

While animals native to Wisconsin are equipped to handle snow and cold, too much for too long can overwhelm an individual animal's resources.

DNR biologists use a "winter severity index" to gauge winter stress levels. Points are assigned for each day with snow deeper than 18 inches and temperatures below zero. WSI measurements are recorded at 43 stations across the northern third of the state and in several east-central counties. Winter conditions are considered mild if a station accumulates less than 50 points, moderate between 51 and 80 points, severe between 81 and 100, and very severe if more than 100.

Many stations in northwestern counties have already reached "severe" on the index, said Mike Zeckmeister, DNR northern wildlife supervisor and more stations likely will record a severe winter index in coming weeks. The 2013-2014 Winter Severity Index [PDF] is available on the DNR website.

People asked to report any deer mortalities

DNR biologists are asking the public to report any observations of winter deer mortality. The reports can be submitted through the DNR website by searching for keywords "dead deer."

Concerned citizens can also search the DNR staff directory for local wildlife biologists and technicians to receive their reports. Additionally, DNR biologists are working in the field this time of year, monitoring deer and their habitats and talking to loggers, foresters, trappers and others who frequent the winter woods.

Sam Jonas, DNR wildlife biologist for Iron County surveyed a 4-mile stretch near the Wisconsin-Michigan border that runs through a wintering area and observed about 70 deer and 16 turkeys.

"The deer are browsing cedar, hemlock and other brush in area," Jonas said. "I am sure we do have some winter mortality in areas, however, the deer I have seen in this wintering area look like they are faring pretty well so far, including the fawns. Late March and April is historically when we see winter mortality so I will be doing a lot of snowshoeing into deer yards at that time to check on things."

Conditions generate questions about feeding deer

The harsh winter is generating questions from the public about feeding deer. Zeckmeister said it is a legitimate and compassionate inquiry but one without an easy answer.

"I understand people want to try to help deer through a hard winter, but feeding can do more harm than good," he said.

Feeding unmixed corn or hay can actually be harmful to deer in late winter. A commercialized pellet - or mixes containing small quantities of corn, plus alfalfa, oats and soybeans, as well as various vitamins and minerals - is the best choice. The food should be spread out to reduce fighting, kept away from roads or snowmobile trails to avoid collisions, and placed near areas sheltered from the wind.

Deer feeding is regulated under Wisconsin law and is prohibited in counties affected by chronic wasting disease. In all other counties, feeding is limited to a maximum of 2 gallons per site. Feeding sites must be placed within 50 yards of a dwelling or a business building open to the public and may not be placed within 100 yards of a roadway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or higher.

Interested individuals can search the DNR website for "baiting and feeding regulations."

Conditions to have impact on deer permit levels

"There is no question this winter will affect decisions concerning the deer season," said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist. "We are watching this very closely and will adjust the 2014 antlerless deer quotas in response. Based upon what we've seen to date, northern Wisconsin deer hunters can expect to see a lot of buck-only units this fall. The availability of antlerless permits will be extremely low or at zero across the north, depending on the area."

Severe winter also having impact on turkey flocks

"This has been a tough winter for many of our resident wildlife species, and turkeys are no exception," said Scott Walter, DNR upland wildlife ecologist. "Although turkeys are very capable of surviving brief periods of cold and snow, the longer those conditions last the more likely it is that we'll see mortalities, and we've already had verified reports of weather-related mortality in at least a few northern counties. Young birds are likely to be the hardest hit, as they don't have the fat reserves that allow adults to survive up to four weeks with minimal food."

The cold forces turkeys to either increase their food intake or burn more of their fat reserves to stay warm while deep or crusted snow makes it difficult to locate food on the ground. Powdery snow more than12 inches deep makes it difficult for turkeys to travel in search of food.

Permit levels can be safely maintained despite population shifts

As a result of poor production last spring and a severe winter, hunters might see fewer turkeys during the spring 2014 season.

"The levels of harvest that typify Wisconsin's spring and fall turkey seasons have little impact on population trends, however," Scott said. "Some hunters understandably have suggested reducing harvest during the upcoming spring and fall to help turkeys recover. Reducing permit levels, however, would greatly reduce hunter opportunity while doing little to help turkey populations."

Landowners interested in habitat enhancements to buffer turkeys against the effects of severe winter weather can receive grain seed for winter plots through the National Wild Turkey Federation Conservation Seed Program, which provides outdated corn as well as sorghum, highbush cranberry and flowering crab seedlings to federation members for reduced costs.

"These programs allow National Wild Turkey Federation members to make a significant contribution to wild turkey winter survival in the Upper Midwest," said Rick Horton, National Wild Turkey Federation Midwest Conservation Field Supervisor.

More information about Wisconsin's wild turkeys is on the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, keyword "turkey."

FOR MORE INFORMATION: on northern deer herd contact Mike Zeckmeister, DNR northern wildlife management supervisor, 715-635-4090; Tom Hauge, DNR wildlife management bureau director, 608-266-2193, or Sam Jonas, DNR wildlife biologist, 715-476-7843; on turkey contact Scott Walter, upland wildlife biologists at 608-267-7861

Heavy late-winter snow will challenge Upper Peninsula deer population

Snow Cat (Photo credit: clickclique)

Although early winter snow in was mild compared to the past few years, precipitation late in the season resulted in above-average snow depths that are continuing well into spring. These conditions are challenging deer in the region, and are expected to lead to lower survival and fawn recruitment rates than seen during the last few years.

Winter conditions are a significant factor for the U.P.’s deer herd. Mild winters, such as those experienced from 2010-2012, provide favorable conditions for over-winter survival and allow pregnant does to produce healthy fawns. Harsher winters with deep snows restrict movement and challenge energy reserves. Those conditions affect survival rates, particularly for deer living in harsher conditions, and put additional stress on pregnant does.

Due to the importance of winter conditions for Michigan’s deer population, weekly snow depth measurements are taken at various U.P. stations throughout the winter. This year, snow depths through January were below average, suggesting that winter may be mild once again. However, heavy precipitation in February and March left deep snows across the peninsula. Those conditions have extended well into April.

Biologists anticipate negative impacts to the deer herd when winter conditions persist longer than three months. Because of the heavy late-winter snowfall, U.P. deer are showing visible signs of winter fatigue, including thin body conditions and lethargic behavior. Biologists have already received reports of deer mortalities. Additional reports are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Population indices indicate that the deer population across the region experienced a low in 2009 following two consecutive harsh winters. The population has since been increasing. Although it is too early to determine the full impact of this year’s winter, biologists expect population growth will at least slow this year given the conditions.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for March 8, 2012

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Eagles, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans are still arriving while others are nesting. Ever increasing numbers of songs birds - including bluebirds and robins -- continue to migrate back into the Badger State as the days grower longer. An additional hour of daylight arrives when we set our clocks forward this weekend.

And a sure sign of spring is here with the arrival of turkey vuluntures.

Snow, with the exception of the far north, left almost as quickly as it came. Snowmobile trail groomers were busy on many northern counties, as snow starved riders headed north to Forest, Iron, Marinette, Oneida and Vilas counties to make up for lost snow time.

Trails listed on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). range from fair to good in many northern counties to poor or closed across most of the rest of the state.

From south to north, rivers and lakes continue to open up, but anglers are reporting mixed success. Sap is also starting to move through maple trees as the days warm and nights remain cool. Apple trees are beginning to bud in the southern region.

Deer season may still be more than seven months away, but it is on the minds of many and if you’d like to be heard please take part in one of the 35 public deer hunting forums. The forums began this week and will continue to March 29.

Related articles

• Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for February 23, 2012 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for March 1, 2012 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of December 1, 2011 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for February 16, 2012 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for March 1, 2012

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Snow blanketed much of northern Wisconsin this week ranging from eight inches along the St. Croix River in Interstate Park to 16 inches in Spooner and 18 inches in Rhinelander. The Leap Year snowfall brought renewed enthusiasm for outdoor enthusiasts, including snowmobilers and skiers. Snowmobile trail groomers were busy on many northern counties, including Burnett, Forest, Iron, Marinette, Oneida and Vilas.

Trails listed on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). range from excellent in many northern counties to poor in most central counties and closed in southern counties.

While snow fell in the north, rain fell across much of the rest of the state, which, combined with warm weather, washed away the little remaining snow and ice from southern lakes and rivers.

Ice remains solid in much of the north, but river systems are opening and snow could cover thin ice, so caution is urged in some areas of the north, along with the south. Some anglers, including Lake Winnebago in Outagamie County, were removing ice fishing houses before Sunday’s deadline.

Late season ice fishing success on northern lakes continued to be limited, with the action for all species erratic. Some fair action has been reported with walleyes, but only during the day and for short periods, usually dawn and dusk. Fishing for northern pike and perch has also been variable. Panfish action continues to be slow, with anglers really having move around and search for the active fish.

Anglers are reminded that the game fish season ends Sunday, but the early catch and release trout season opens on Saturday, with state fisheries biologists saying trout populations are very strong across the state and with the mild weather in the south this winter, fish in southern streams should be active and access should be excellent.

Rivers – including the Oconto and Wisconsin – continue to open up, along with bays and harbors. Fox Point in Brown County has open water and fishing boats are out jigging for walleye and anglers continue to report good success for whitefish off Bay Shore.

Migratory birds continue to take advantage of mild weather. Bluebirds and robins are increasingly being spotted, along with trumpeter, tundra swans and sandhill cranes. Bald eagles and other raptors are also are being seen in good numbers. A peregrine falcon was spotted this week in Madison. Snowy owls were headed north to their arctic summer home. Warm temperatures over the next week should bring another large influx of blackbirds, robins, killdeer, woodcock and other early migrants into southern Wisconsin.

A badger was “captured” on a trail camera near Cassville and there was a report of two timber rattlesnakes out basking on a 50 degree day south of Boscobel. Maple sap has started to flow in southern Wisconsin and the unusually warm weather and lack of snow cover in the south resulted in the skunk cabbage popping up last weekend in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report Summary for January 12, 2012

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Snow was falling across Wisconsin Thursday, after most DNR offices and staff submitted reports this week. DNR properties and county snowmobile coordinators and snowmobile clubs will evaluate conditions after the snow falls and determine if and when trails will be groomed and opened. Check the Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) and state parks current conditions pages for updates.

If enough snow arrives, it will be timely for the four candlelight skis scheduled for this weekend. People interested in attending should contact the parks directly to confirm if the events will be held and if there is enough snow for skiing.

Prior to the snow and cooler temperatures that arrived Wednesday, Wisconsin had continued to experience very unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures in the low 50s even triggering reports of insects out in some locations. The warm temperatures continued to create hazardous conditions on southern Wisconsin lakes. There were three fatalities over a three day period in the last week from people falling through thin ice. Ice anglers reported that lakes that had 4 to 6 inches of ice a week ago had thinned to 2 to 4 inches this week. Recreational safety specialists are cautioning that this week’s snow may create even more hazardous conditions. The new snow will insulate lakes from colder temperatures, slowing ice formation, and will make it more difficult to see thin areas. While many northern lakes now have a foot or more of ice, there are still lakes in southern Wisconsin with open water.

The nice weather of the last week brought out good numbers of ice anglers where there is good ice and even increasing number of anglers open water fishing from boats or shore. In the north, anglers were reporting action for walleye and northern pike was picking up with some nice sized fish being caught on tip-ups, but action slowing some for panfish.

Along Lake Michigan anglers have been fishing from boats for the trout that would usually be caught through the ice this time of year. Browns and steelhead were being caught all up and down the Milwaukee county coast line. One day this week there were as many as 40 boats out on the water enjoying the weather and the fishing. Open water boat anglers have been also been fishing the Mississippi River below lock and Dam 11, catching sauger on the Iowa side near the locks.

A mid-winter waterfowl survey along the Fox River in the Fox Cities found a mixed bag of waterfowl, including more than 1,500 mallards, 8,000 Canada geese, 1,900 goldeneyes and 800 mergansers, along with several hundred bald eagles. An annual mid-winter eagle survey the first week of January recorded 186 bald eagles along the Wisconsin River from Petenwell to the Mississippi River, which is close to the 20-year average for the survey. That’s good news for this weekend’s 25th anniversary of the Eagle Watching Days at Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. The event includes a live birds of prey show featuring hawks, eagles, owls and falcons, the release of a rehabilitated eagle, children’s events, and tours to observe eagles throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. A complete schedule of activities is available on the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council website www.ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org/eagledays (exit DNR)

More information on bald eagles, additional eagle watching events and places to view eagles. is available on a new feature page on the DNR website celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Wisconsin Endangered Species Act.

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Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for January 5, 2012

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Unseasonably mild weather is continuing, with much of the southern half of the state having no snow cover, and only far north central Wisconsin having enough snow for winter recreation. Most lakes across the state finally have some ice cover, but some of the larger lakes, like Mendota in Dane County and Lake Winnebago still have areas of open water.

Snowmobile trails are open in about a dozen northern counties, with conditions ranging from very good in Iron and Vilas counties, to good in Oneida, to only fair in Lincoln County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Very few state parks or forest have been able to groom cross-country ski trails, with the exception of the Northern Highland-American Legion and Flambeau River state forests and Copper Falls and Council Grounds state parks.

This weekend kicks off the candlelight ski and snowshoe hikes at Wisconsin state parks, forest and trails, but all six events scheduled this weekend are in southern or central areas without enough snow for skiing. As of Thursday, all events were going to be held as candlelight hikes, and with mild temperatures in the forecast for the weekend, conditions are looking excellent for winter hikes by candlelight. Hikes will be held at Blue Mound, Harrington Beach, Mirror Lake and Wildcat Mountain state parks, and the Chippewa Moraine Recreation area and Havenwoods State Forest.

Ice depths now range from 7 to 12 inches across much of northern Wisconsin, with less on flowages. Ice through central Wisconsin ranges 4 to 8 inches and southern lake range from open water to 4 to 6 inches. But with mild weather in the forecast, recreational safety specialists are urging extreme caution for anyone heading out on frozen waters. Some ice anglers have begun to take recreational vehicles and even some trucks on to frozen water, but wardens are recommending against it. One truck went through the ice this week. State law requires these vehicles to be removed right away, which is a very costly venture.

Early ice fishing reports have been mixed, with some good action for northern pike and panfish, but slower action for walleye. Ice has begun to form again on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, but not enough for travel. Strong winds in the last week have broken up much ice that forms. Anglers were still doing some open water fishing at Lake Michigan harbors and on the tributaries, with some action for brown and rainbow trout. Anglers were also open water fishing the Mississippi River, with little success for walleye and just some smaller sauger reported.

There were more reports of white-tail bucks shedding antlers this week. A reminder that the late archery, and Holiday and CWD management zone gun hunts run through this Sunday, Jan. 8. With mild weather, wardens report participation in the holiday and CWD hunts was up over the last week.

Recent waterfowl surveys have found unusually high numbers of waterfowl still being found in the state due to the mild weather and large amounts of open water. The surveys found good numbers of mallards, Canada geese, and various diving ducks like scaup, goldeneyes, ring-necked, and mergansers. They also still saw an occasional left-over wood duck, black duck, pintail or other puddle ducks not normally expected to be seen this time of the year. Other surveys found good numbers of eagles along the Mississippi River and about 300 eagles along the Fox River from Neenah to Wrightstown.

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Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 22, 2011

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Winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts have colder weather and snow on their holiday wish lists, as most of Wisconsin is free of snow, and many lakes and rivers in the southern half of the state are open or have only unsafe ice. While the astronomical winter began this week with the Winter Solstice on Wednesday, there has been no significant snowfall in the last week. This has left just far north central Wisconsin, mostly Iron, Vilas and Oneida counties, with any snow cover, and that ranges from just a couple to at most 5 to 6 inches.

Snowmobile trails are open in parts of those counties, but are generally in poor condition, and any trails that cross lakes still closed. No cross-country ski trails are being groomed, but some trails in those areas can be skied.

Colder night temperatures in the north has made some more ice, after last week’s near 50 degree weather had melted much ice. Ice depths in the north now range up to 7 to 10 inches, but there are still many areas that have thinner ice, especially near inlets, outlets and springs or other moving water. Ice is forming again on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but is unsafe for travel. Ice depths drop quickly through central Wisconsin, and many lakes in southern Wisconsin remain open or have only unsafe ice. Conservation wardens are urging people to use extreme caution and check ice depths often. There were reports of two deaths in the last week from people falling through weak ice.

Ice anglers venturing out in the north reported some good early action for northern pike and walleye, mostly on suckers and shiners. There was also some good action for bluegills and crappies. With the mild weather, some open water anglers have returned, with some very good brown trout action reported in the Milwaukee harbor on Lake Michigan. Walleye fishing has been good on Lakes Monona and Mendota in Dane County and musky anglers have been having some success on Lake Monona. Walleye fishing was also good in on the Wisconsin River below the Wisconsin Dells dam.

Deer hunters still have ample opportunity to get out and do some more hunting. The Holiday Hunt starts Saturday, Dec 24 and ends on Jan. 8 in the chronic wasting disease management zone in south central Wisconsin. It is the same regulations as the nine-day rifle season in November, with one buck plus unlimited earn-a-buck there after. The late season archery hunt also remains open through Jan. 8 and some archery hunters reported this week that deer seemed to have just finished a second rutting period and have been seen feeding heavily, even during daylight hours. Hunters also report that bucks have begun shedding antlers and sheds are being found.

With open water remaining along Lake Michigan and southern Wisconsin, many waterfowl are still being seen, including Canada geese, goldeneyes, mallards, scaup, common mergansers and even an occasional wood duck.

There will be no Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report between the Christmas and New Years holidays. The next Outdoor Report will be January 5, 2011. Should snow arrive before then, check the Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) for updates. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report

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Much of northern Wisconsin was blanketed by a moderate to heavy snowfall last weekend, but snow depths varied greatly. Southeastern Marinette County had no snow, while the northeastern portion of the county received 5 inches. The heaviest snowfall was in Iron County were a foot of snow was reported. Snow levels drop off rapidly through central Wisconsin, with only 3 inches in Wausau and no snow in Stevens Point.

The snow fell just as northern lakes were freezing over, with most lakes having only 1 to 3 inches of ice. This can create hazardous situations, as the snow insulates the lake from colder night temperatures and slows ice formation. Some ice anglers have been venturing out, but there were at least three reports of people and one report of a snowmobile falling through the ice this week. Anglers who do venture out should wear life jackets, carry a spud to check ice depths regularly, have a set of ice picks connected by rope worn outside their jackets that can be reached in case they do fall through the ice, and put cell phones in a water tight bags.

Those anglers venturing out were reporting some early action for bluegill, and limited action for walleye. Some open water anglers remain out on southern lakes, with good walleye and musky action reported in Dane County and some very good brown and rainbow trout action on Lake Michigan tributaries.

Some snowmobile clubs in areas that received enough snow have begun to groom trails, but only Iron County is reporting some snowmobile trails open at this time on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Snowmobilers should stay off trails that are closed even if they have been groomed, as clubs are working hard to build up a snow base and using them before they are open can hurt those efforts, and result in fines up to $250. A few parks have also begun to roll cross-country ski trails, but conditions are marginal and rock skis are recommended for anyone venturing out.

A four-day antlerless only gun deer hunt opens statewide today and runs through Sunday, Dec. 11. All hunters are reminded that blaze orange clothing requirements are in place whenever any gun deer season is open. The hunt in regular units is only open to hunters with a valid antlerless deer tag for the unit in which they are hunting. Regular unit antlerless tags are still available for many units at $12 each. In heard control units, hunters can use their unused herd control tag and purchase as many $2 antlerless tags as they wish. Snow cover in the north greatly improved hunting conditions for muzzleloader hunters during the season that ended Dec. 7, and should provide excellent conditions for the antlerless hunt.

The southern zone duck season closed last weekend, but late season hunters reported fairly good success with more diver ducks moving into the state with last week’s cold front. The exterior goose season closes in the northern zone Dec. 9 and in the southern zone Dec. 14. Very large numbers of geese continue to be reported in the marshes and farm fields of southern Wisconsin.

A few sandhill cranes have still been heard but most have now migrated south. Ice up on the backwaters of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rives has begun to move canvasback and swans farther south. And reports continue to come in from across Wisconsin of snowy owls being seen, with nearly 50 individuals reported, with possibly hundreds in the state. These periodic irruptions often coincide with crashes in lemming populations in the Arctic, which force the birds south to find food. Please observe owls from a distance and do not disturb these visitors, as some are already under stress from their sojourns south in search of prey.

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