Rare Wood Stork Sighted in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. — A rare wood stork has made an unexpected appearance in the wilds of Wisconsin, leaving many bird watchers and enthusiasts intrigued. The unusual sighting occurred in the Mud Lake Wildlife Area, located about 35 miles northeast of Madison.
The discovery was made by a hunter who was scouting for deer on Sunday. Upon seeing the stork, he took some photos and shared them with Jeff Bahls, President of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club and a wildlife technician for the state’s Department of Natural Resources. Bahls confirmed that the bird was indeed a wood stork, likely a juvenile, judging by its lighter-colored bill.
Bahls ventured into the wildlife area the next day to observe the bird himself, and a few other hikers also caught a glimpse of this unique creature. However, the stork has not been spotted since Tuesday morning, when it was last seen soaring northeast alongside a group of pelicans.
Wood storks, known for their impressive size, typically range from 35 to 45 inches tall, with wingspans reaching about 5 and a half feet. Unlike many other birds, they have scaly gray skin on their heads and necks, instead of feathers, and they produce only a hissing sound.
This particular bird is native to Gulf Coast states and parts of Central and South America. It is classified as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act and is notable for being the only stork species that breeds in the United States.
Bird experts like Bahls believe that climate change and habitat loss are pushing birds northward, particularly during late summer when young birds tend to explore new areas. The wood stork likely found itself off course and lost.
Interestingly, this sighting follows a recent event where bird watchers flocked to Green Bay in August to observe a roseate spoonbill, marking a significant birding moment as it was the first sighting of that species in Wisconsin since 1845.
As Bahls aptly noted, it’s always intriguing to see where these birds originate and where they ultimately land. This unusual time of year often brings in rare sightings of migratory birds, captivating the imagination of nature enthusiasts across the region.
