Early Bird Migrants (FUN) - 24 March, 2024

The birding group braving the weather to spot the migrating birds

About fifteen intreped bird lovers including one very enthused kid braved a blustery wind and snow flurries to look for "Early Bird Migrants" with leaders Chuck Henrikson and Paul Noelder on the Sunday Match 24 Bird and Nature Adventure at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Popular bird guide Chuck Henrikson magically summoned two bugling Sandhill Cranes for a send off at the Picnic Point kiosk, a Bald Eagle floating effortlessly like a giant kite at treetop height straight overhead at the beach.

​An enthused kid helped use the scope to view a giant 'raft' of about two hundred cackling Coots, and several dozen beautiful black and white Buffleheads bobbing their somewhat comical mating dances.  A half dozen georgeous coloring-picture perfect Wood Ducks flew in to check out nesting areas at Picnic Point Marsh while the group enjoyed hot chocolate by the old Beach House.  Everyone shared stories about their love of the Preserve and one participant even had a Picnic Point arm tatoo honoring how special it is to him.  They were happy to learn about plans for the new Frautschi welcome education center and everyone expressed hope that the old historic Beach House can be preserved and restored  as a nature outpost shelter gathering spot.

Report by Steve Sellwood and Paul Noeldner. Photos by Paul Noeldner.