http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...ds-Warbler.jpg Three nests of the rare Kirtland's warbler have been discovered in the state, which wildlife authorities say shows recovery efforts for the endangered species are working.
"It's a historic moment not only for the conservation of species," said Sumner Matteson, an avian ecologist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, "but a historic moment in the history of ornithology."
About two weeks ago, a bird watcher in central Wisconsin reported seeing a nest, indicating that a breeding pair now calls the state home.
Since then, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said two more nests have been found.
The bird, one of the rarest members of the wood warbler family, typically makes its home in the northern part of lower Michigan, nesting in stands of young jack pines.
Officials say this marks the first time nests have been found outside Michigan since the 1940s, when nests were discovered in Ontario.
Females have been observed near the nests, which confirms the birds as a breeding species in the state, the Fish and Wildlife Service said.
Matteson said surveys were done as far back as 30 years ago until the 1980s and males were found in western and northwestern Wisconsin. But Matteson said there had not been any documented females until this year.
FULL STORY HERE: http://www.chippewa.com/articles/200.../d8pvak1o0.prt
