A very rare visitor to the state, the Clark’s Nutcracker has been visiting a feeder in Oneida County. The normal range for the Clark’s Nutcracker is central MT, CO, WY, NM and west. To my understanding it has been around for well over 6-7 weeks now. The bird has been feeding off of fat on a deer carcass at a residence. Arriving at about 10:00 am, the bird made its first appearance about 10:35. That appearance was near the top of a deciduous tree about 30 feet up. After a couple minutes it dropped down to the carcass and continually feed on suet from in and about the carcass. Feeding was for about 2-3 minutes. After that it left the area. To my knowledge, the last know time this species was reported in the state of Wisconsin was about 45 years ago. A very big thank you goes out to homeowners for allowing visitors in to see this bird, and they were such wonderful hosts. Another big thank you goes to those who made this all happen with the communication with the homeowners to let visitors in the see the bird. It was a very exciting day getting this life bird on my Wisconsin life list. A great time it was! Images were taken on February 17, 2018.
Clark’s Nutcracker
Binomial name: Nucifraga columbiana
Category: Jays and Crows
Size: 12” long, 24” wing span
Weight: 4.6 oz
Cool facts: A bird that usually lives in places remote from human contact, near treeline on windy peaks. Surprisingly when around people they seem fearless. Their main diet is pine seeds, some fresh or otherwise stored. They also enjoy nuts, berries, insects, snails, voles, ground squirrels, chipmunks, toads, eggs and young of other birds, carrion.
Clark’s Nutcracker
