Counting Manitowoc County's birds is no tiny feat
January 7, 2001

How can such a large hawk sit in the smallest branches on the very top of trees we see in fields in winter? The unlikely answer is that the rough legged hawk has small feet. This species is nicknamed the "mouse hawk." We only see it in our area in winter. Red tailed hawks have larger feet and can be seen lower in the tree tops, where they can easily grip larger branches.

Rough legged Hawks were seen in all areas of Manitowoc County during this year's census. Our county is divided into four quarters, and birders-experts and beginners alike- count birds seen and heard in wooded areas, fields, back yards, wherever birds can be seen. Feeders are also counted.

Along with the winter mouse hawk, other species such as mallards, herring gulls, house sparrows, starlings and mourning doves were seen in all areas.

The southwest quarter was counted on a rainy December 16. Highlights included the sharp-shinned hawk, meadow lark and northern shrike.

The southeast area included the Manitowoc harbor and the lakeshore south to Cleveland. Birds of interest were the peregrine falcon, northern harrier, cooper's hawk and glaucous and greater black-backed gulls.

The northwest circle, despite deep snow, produced the short eared owl, brown thrasher and snow buntings.

the northeast part of the county had the mocking bird, Barrow's golden eye, snowy owl, gray partridge, red-winged blackbird and Lincoln's sparrow.

The total number of species was 66; above average for Manitowoc County in winter.

With the unusual birds and the more common ones such as the chickadee and downy woodpecker, this year's count was very interesting. the people doing the listing were treated to good exercise (try walking several miles in knee-deep snow), clean, white snow, mild weather and good birding.

Winter birding does not compare to the volume and color of spring and summer birds but makes up for that spectacle by producing unusual birds.

while most of us sit in our living rooms, content to watch the birds at our feeders, others travel from across the state to view certain birds in our lakeshore area. Would you travel to La Crosse to see a bald eagle?

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