Soras and sofas in Wisconsin marshes reveal rare rail life
The writer describes sora rails common in Wisconsin wetlands yet rarely seen, and contrasts them with the elusive sofa birds. They explain soras' brief, high-pitched two note calls and short flight, while sofas hide in tall marsh grass, moving across clumps and lilies, feeding unseen as dawn and dusk chorus fills the marsh.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Soras
Soras and rails in Wisconsin marshes and migration notes
In Wisconsin marshes, soras gather by the dozens during high water releases while Virginia rails and other relatives appear in small numbers. Observers note alarm calls, fledglings, and occasional king rails. turkey vultures expand their range across the state, with nesting increasing. P.J. Luck and Mr. Robbins contribute observations and invite comments to The Country Today.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wisconsin
Mississippi River
Baraboo Hills
Kettle Moraine Forest
Canada
Robbins
Medford
United Church of Christ
Dorchester
Milwaukee Public Museum
Eau Claire
Fishing gear tax expansion nears in Congress
A bill to extend the Dingell Johnson Act tax to hooks lines and accessories gains support from Interior Secretary Watt and major conservation groups. If enacted Wisconsin could receive 2 to 3 million dollars yearly for fish management and water recreation. Bass anglers and groups like Trout Unlimited back the plan. opponents warn higher boat costs. Wisconsin last year got 1.13 million dollars from DJ funds and a state expansion committee led by Richard Harris of Oshkosh aims to press lawmakers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
United U.S. Interior
James Watt
Wisconsin
Jim Addis
DNR
Bureau of Fish Management
Richard Harris
Oshkosh
Fireflies Reveal Complex Mating Tricks in Florida Study
University of Florida entomologist James E. Lloyd describes fireflies as smart beetles of Lampyridae. He details visual Morse code mating signals, deceptive lures by Photuris females, and mimicry by male prey species. The study notes Photinus collustrans males average 7.2 nights to a mate, females emerge quickly, and research tools include a “firefly gun” to translate flashes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James E. Lloyd
University of Florida
National Geographic Society
Photuris
Dr. Lloyd
Florida
Lloyd
Also Mentioned on This Page
By Sam Robbins
Alvin Peterson
Onalaska
Horicon
Virginia Rail
Virginia
Crex Meadows
Polk County
P.J
Southeast Asia
Robbins Nest
Madison
The
Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society
Trout Unlimited
Salmon Unlimited
National Wildlife Federation
Izaak Walton League
U.S. Boating Industry Association
American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association
Interior
Watt
Reagan Administration
Dingell-John
Beneft
D-J
U.S
Jay Hair
Federation
Hair
Reagan
Benjamin Franklin
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Minnesota
Michigan
Washington
Oregon
Winona Man
Clyde Fort
Winona
Minn
Buffalo County
James Everson
Gainesville, Fla
Sigma Firefly Scientists Club
Sigma Chemical Co
St. Louis
Jerry Nester
Nester