More nests of rare bird found in Wisconsin

[pk]

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

[AJE]

Wonderful successful comeback of the Kirtland warbler, thanks to conservation efforts. Patti gracis for the post.


This is why the bird is endangered

:arrow: Kirtland's warblers have been on the endangered species list since 1967. Their population hit a low of 201 males in 1971, dropping from 432 singing males in 1951.

But their numbers now are among the highest recorded, 1,486 males in 2006.






Scientists and bird lovers are celebrating a milestone in the recovery of a highly endangered songbird as an active Kirtland’s warbler nest was discovered on private property in Wisconsin, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today.

The tiny Kirtland’s warbler, whose distinctive mating call can be heard up to a quarter of a mile away, lives primarily in jack pine forests in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. However, the species has been seen in recent years in other areas, including Wisconsin, Ontario and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The nest was discovered by a birder who found the first Kirtland’s warblers in the area several weeks ago. Recognizing the significance of the discovery, this private citizen came forward and has been assisting the Fish and Wildlife Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in documenting the presence of Kirtland’s warblers in the state.

“This development is a testament to decades of cooperative conservation among the states of Michigan and Wisconsin, private landowners, and organizations such as the Audubon Society,” said Robyn Thorson, regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest Region. “This discovery proves that by working together, recovery and range expansion for an endangered bird are not only possible, but are happening as we speak.”

The nest was discovered on land in central Wisconsin owned by the Plum Creek Timber Company.



http://www.fws.gov/news/newsreleases...8BCA73382EB8EE