Birds from southwestern US making rare stop in Wis

HORICON, Wis. — Some birds from the southwestern part of the United States are making a rare stop in Wisconsin this year.

Research scientist Ryan Brady, with the Department of Natural Resources, says the birds spotted recently include a Vermillion flycatcher in Rock County, a scissor-tailed flycatcher in Kewaunee County and a western tanager in Lincoln County. Also, an Inca dove was seen at Concordia College in Ozaukee County, the first time it has ever been spotted in Wisconsin.

DNR research technician Tom Prestby says such birds are called “vagrants” in ornithological circles and no one is sure why they’re stopping in Wisconsin.

He says it could be because of a jet stream or a drought in the Southwest could be causing more birds to disperse because of a lack of food.