Jim Knickelbine Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve Birds of our Waters Jim Knickelbine Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve

Aldo Leopold (1948) “ A thing is right (good) when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong (bad) when it tends otherwise. “

People have changed the landscape Up to 85% of the Earth’s surface has been altered by people- we have had a tremendous impact on the environment.

People have changed the landscape Up to 85% of the Earth’s surface has been altered by people- we have had a tremendous impact on the environment. Ecosystems are constantly adjusting according to rapidly changing conditions.

Manitowoc County Bordered by one of the largest lakes in the world Manitowoc County has more than 50 lakes not including unnamed lakes and springs

Manitowoc County Lakes Provide much needed habitat for nesting and migrating birds of all types- waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, etc. Open water, emergent aquatic, and different shoreline wetland habitats each contribute important benefits to many types of wildlife.

Manitowoc County Lakes Shoreline Wetlands Emergent aquatic Cattail marsh Sedge meadow Springs Wet meadow or prairie

Bird populations About 1/3 of bird species are declining

Bird populations About 1/3 of bird species are declining About 1/3 of bird species are stable

Bird populations About 1/3 of bird species are declining About 1/3 of bird species are stable About 1/3 of bird species are increasing Some common species, while still common, are declining

Wisconsin is a critical place in the lives of many migratory birds.

Birds of our Waters Canada Goose (not Canadian) Giant Canada Goose Hudson Bay or Interior Lesser/cackling?

Giant Canada Goose Thought to be extinct by 1930’s Small population found in Minnesota in 1960’s Reintroduced to Great Plains and other sites Now 3 million Benefits from alterations that people have made to the land

Swans Tundra Trumpeter Mute

WI Breeding Ducks 29 species on State checklist Mallard Wood Duck Blue-winged teal others

Mallard

Wood Duck Population decimated by 1920’s Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

Blue-winged Teal

Winter Ducks

Mergansers

Loons

Loons in Wisconsin There are about 4,000 loons in Wisconsin, compared to about 3,000 in the year 2000. Prefer to nest on lakes with irregular shoreline, native vegetation, good water clarity, not too much human disturbance. Loons “imprint” on the lakes on which they were hatched, and return there to nest when adults. Most males within 7 miles, females within 15 miles.

Loons Young loons return to the region where they were hatched at age 3, but may not actually find an open nesting territory until age 6. Loons can live for 25 years in the wild. Lakes in Manitowoc County provide migratory stopover habitat, which can be crucial for loon survival.

Loons Loons begin migrating south in October, moving first over to Lake Michigan in stages, then to the south end of the Lake, then in November fly in 1-2 days from there to the Gulf of Mexico. Young loons migrate north their first spring, but along the Atlantic coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Then back to the gulf for winter.

Grebes

American White Pelican

Double-crested Cormorant

Herons

Rails

Shorebirds

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Northern Harrier

Peregrine Falcon

Gulls

More Gulls

Terns

Black Tern Declined 78% since 1960s

Belted Kingfisher

Flycatchers

Swallows

Wrens

Warblers

Little Brown Jobs (LBJ’s)

American Crow

Blackbirds

Sparrows (more LBJs)

Migrant visitors

Improving Backyard Habitat

Food, Water, Cover

Food Many native plants provide food for birds and other wildlife- from coneflowers to choke cherries to oaks. Don’t forget nectar plants for pollinators Milkweed for monarch butterflies Possibilities are endless depending on goals

Food Cont’d Native plants can provide not only fruit but also harbor insects eaten by wildlife Fewer insects on cultivars or non-natives Native plants are often easier to maintain Migratory birds seek insects (from water) in spring, and fruit in fall

Water As simple as a birdbath Sound of flowing water attracts wildlife Shallow, gradually sloping edges so animals don’t drown

Cover Shrubs/trees with dense foliage, some evergreens Select plants that deer don’t like, or be prepared to protect them

Putting it all together

Shoreline Habitat Enhancement

References How to Manage Your Land to Help Birds By Vicky Piaskowski- free online Birdscaping in the Midwest by Mariette Nowak National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat Program

Final Thoughts There are about 300 species of birds that can be seen in and around our lakes. The lakes and the land around them are inseparable, and both should be appreciated and sustainably cared for.

Questions? Thank you! Jim Knickelbine Director/Naturalist Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve 920-973-4007 nature@woodlanddunes.org Woodlanddunes.org