Millions of birds migrate across the badger state

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It could be a birdwatcher's paradise for the next couple of weeks, as close to 30 million birds soar across our state.

If you are quiet long enough you can hear the unofficial call to spring, as millions of birds flock across Wisconsin on their migration up north.

Today, we are taking you to nature's classroom -- where some of life lessons are best learned from above.

"This volume of bird activity is really special," said Tom Finley, director of education at Schlitz Audobon Nature Center. "It's been some years since we've seen it.

Finley says the unpredictable weather across the country has shifted the migration patterns for a lot of birds.

"Storms that may be in the southern United States happens at exactly the right time that can disrupt patterns," he said.

With Milwaukee being along the lakefront, it puts us in the perfect position to see this great migration.

"All up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline from Milwaukee, all the way north towards Door County, birds will land near the lake," said Finley.

As for how long these birds will stick around, humans can only hope it will be a touch longer.

"From now until the end of the month, maybe into June, if we can keep this good weather up," said Finley.

But these birds aren't just giving us pretty sights and sounds. They are sending us a message.

"And these birds, while they don't maybe speak our language, they are certainly speaking to each other, and they are telling us where there is a good habitat, and where there is a healthy habitat that needs improvements," said Finley.

According to bird watchers, the best place to catch the birds are Grant Park and Sheridan Park.