Birding in Door County – Autumn: September, October, November

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012  |   Posted by :  marybeth

Fall: September, October and November

Migrating waterfowl and shorebirds peak during the early fall season – so head for bays with shallow waters and, if possible mudflats. A spotting scope is a valuable tool for scanning distant shores. Autumn birding season can be a challenge for even the seasoned birder.

In late summer or early fall birds molt – replacing worn feathers. For some birds, molting brings on not only a new set of feathers, but also a different set of colors and patterns. This makes identification a continuous learning process. The southerly migration is generally more relaxed for birds. If there's ample food and the weather permits, these fliers take their time flying back to their wintering grounds.

Flocks of Sandhill Cranes are regularly seen in the large, open fields. Look carefully for these reddish brown birds in recently plowed grain fields. Also, watch for Snow Geese, and Tundra Swans. Check the shorelines and interior lakes for an assortment ducks. If you have access to a bird feeder, a surprise or two can show up there. Pay close attention to Canada Geese flocks for the occasional tag along Snow Goose.

My fascination with birds and nature began at a very early age. At age 4 or 5, I had one of my first memories of birds. I can't recall exactly when, but I do recall exactly where. I remember standing at the edge of what we called the jungle watching waves of emerald feathers overhead – dense flocks of green colored parrots flying over unbelievably tall rainforest trees and into the Surinam sky. At eight, I proudly identified my first flock of 'wild canaries' (American Goldfinches) in my Green Bay backyard. These and many more formative experiences with nature fueled my life long hobby and profession with our natural world.

For the past 20 years, I've considered myself fortunate to claim Door County as my home. Door County is a haven for nature opportunities, one of which is with birds and watching birds. There are many reasons for this haven. The County's diversity of habitats with hundreds of miles of fresh water shoreline, dolomitic limestone bedrock and escarpment, deciduous and coniferous forests, upland woodlands and fields, lowland wetlands and estuaries, located half-way between the equator and north pole, land protection efforts and more, all contribute to the environmental conditions we have today. Simply put, a diversity of landscapes brings on a diversity of species, including birds.

Door County's recorded number of bird species exceeds one-third of the total species found in Canada and the U.S. combined. Over 100 of these are classified as rare, casual or accidental. These numbers are a tribute to the diversity and quality of habitats found here. For bird watchers, local and visiting, it's unmistakably a haven for all seasons of the year.

Birding is a year-round activity in Door County. The following is a very brief seasonal calendar for birding throughout the year. Consider the following a year long activity that could last a lifetime. When going through the calendar and when birding anytime, always keep in mind habitat – it's the key to understanding where certain species live and frequent.

High quality habitats are havens for wildlife like birds, but there is no guarantee that you'll see what you plan for. When birding Door County, and throughout most of the world, be ready for anything and expect the unexpected – its what makes birding a new experience each and every time!

Paul Regnier watches birds 12 months of the year in Door County and throughout the world. He can be reached at doorcountypaul@gmail.com For more information about birding in Door County and an expanded version of the calendar, visit doorcountynatureandtravel.com/dcbirding.