Alison Sazama

Results are in! After combining the Chirp Chasers team lists, we made our bird species goal for the year. 125 species! We also raised $2075 to go towards bird conservation! The Chirp Chasers and the birds thank each and every one of you for supporting us. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

On a whim yesterday morning, I headed to one of my favorite spots in Chippewa County to bird, even though I knew it might be more difficult due to the lush vegetation.  I was completely surprised to spot a random pair of Black Terns fluttering and swooping over a pond. I had witnessed these birds only once before in central Wisconsin a couple of years ago, otherwise I may not have recognized them. Typically Terns are big water birds, but this species breeds in our freshwater marshes.

I heard several Dickcissels singing in the field across from the pond and eventually was able to spot one singing from a fence post. One of the latest spring migrants to the area, they are a species in decline, therefore I was especially pleased to see them.  I was able to add these two birds to my list for 2026.

Our team has yet to tally our viewing total, but I personally spotted 118 species!  Not as many as some years but it’s especially gratifying to add two new species to my life list. As the Great Wisconsin Birdathon 2026 winds down (June 15th is the last day), I want to THANK YOU all again for your support while advocating for these beautiful creatures!

June 1, 2026

Two weeks left in the Birdathon and the Chirp Chasers are still hot on the trail! I am closing in on my species goal of 125. Only 9 more to go! I had some notable species for me this last couple of weeks.

A Blackpoll Warbler showed up in my backyard and was a first for me which is always exciting. Unexpectedly I happened upon two pair of Wilson's Phalaropes hanging out on a mud flat. These guys were new to me in the past couple of years so I was thrilled to see them again.

One of the other team members spoke about seeing Nighthawks one evening along the river so I headed out and spotted a very large flock. My son and I viewed an Orchard Oriole and a Blue-gray Knatcatcher over in Waupaca, two more to add to my list. It's always fun to have others join in.

The trees are so leafed out now it's much harder to zero in on the birds, but I still hope to reach my goal by the deadline. Stay tuned!

(May 15) the bird migration is in full swing, so much so that I'm having trouble writing this update as the Warblers are flocking outside my window and I keep getting distracted. A south wind likely ushered in this summer- like day and assisted in their arrival.

As team captain, here are just a few of my highlights from the team's Birdathon season thus far.

A never before seen bird for me, I spotted a Short-billed Dowitcher (who in the world thinks of these names) on a mud flat in the Lawin Sedge Meadow in Jim Falls. ! can add this one to my life list! Hanging out at the same time was a Spotted Sandpiper and a Solitary Sandpiper.

Up on the Chippewa River I spotted a flock of nine White Pelicans. Their flight patterns are precision, like jet fighters, yet graceful for such a large and ungainly bird! So amazing to watch.

Today with the flocks of Warblers coming through I just hit my 100 species mark! It's been a good year so far which is comforting to me and helps ease the anxiety that seems to dog us these days.

The birds are calling, more to follow!