Shorebirds

White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc Wisconsin on May 21, 2016

I saw the report of the rare White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in the later afternoon. I had to make the run and try to see the extremely rare bird for the state. It was said today that this is the 2nd state record for this bird in Wisconsin and the previous record goes back to 1873. The normal range for this bird is throughout Eurasia. The White-winged Gull, was formally known as White-winged Black Tern. How nice to have this visitor stop in Wisconsin. When I arrived I just looked for the crowd out on a pier, that was the place I had to go to. The bird was present when I arrived and took to flight a few times. The Bonaparte’s Gulls present did not seem to like having it around. Lots of Terns and Gulls were present, with numbers well into the 100’s maybe a 1,000. A couple of Little Gulls were also present. Thanks to Charles S and Jeff H for finding this bird, id-ing the bird, and Tom S for getting the word out to others. It just might be a once in a life time to see this bird here in Wisconsin. It was a fun time with birding friends and meeting some new on a beautiful late May evening. These are distant images but the bird was always a long ways off. Images were taken on May 21, 2016.

White-winged Tern

Binomial name: Chlidonias leucopterus

Category: Gulls, Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 9.5” long, 23” wing span

Weight: 2.2 oz

Bonaparte’s Gull with the White-winged Tern, in front

White-winged Tern, in the middle with Caspian Terns

Bonaparte’s Gulls with the White-winged Tern, in front

White-winged Tern

Bonaparte’s Gull with the White-winged Tern, in front

White-winged Tern with a Bonaparte’s Gull

White-winged Tern on the shore

White-winged Tern, in the middle just after takeoff from the shore

Little Gull

Caspian Terns and Bonaparte’s Gulls at Grant Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 14, 2016

By admin | April 14, 2016 - 8:39 pm |April 15, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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One of my birding stops today was Grant Park in Milwaukee County. One of the highlights was a steady stream of Bonaparte’s Gulls heading south. Another highlight was a small flock of Caspian Terns on the beach. The first ones of the year are always so cool to see. The Caspian Terns were hanging out with Ring-billed Gulls and a couple of Bonaparte’s Gulls on the beach until some beach folks came along and then the terns flew south. Also flying by were a couple good size flocks of first of the year Double-crested Cormorants. A fun day out with lots of new birds for the year! Images were taken on April 14, 2016.

Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern, I see a band on this one…..I’ll have to look into that.

Caspian Terns

Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern

Caspian Terns hanging out with Ring-billed Gulls and a Bonaparte’s Gull

Caspian Terns

Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull, not sure what this was, was it picking off a bug?

Bonaparte’s Gulls all heading south today!

Bonaparte’s Gull hanging out in the water

Bonaparte’s Gull

Double-crested Cormorants

Double-crested Cormorant

Glaucous Gull Juvenile and other gulls on Milwaukee’s Lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 24, 2016

By admin | February 24, 2016 - 2:58 pm |February 26, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I birded the Milwaukee Lakefront this morning and the highlight was gulls. 1 Gluacous Gull juvenile at Bradford Beach. Other gulls were a Glaucous Gull adult and 2 Great Black-blacked Gulls adults near the petroleum pier on broken ice or on the pier itself. It was a cloudy day with stiff winds making it feel like a cold January day. Images were taken on February 24, 2016.

Glaucous Gull juvenile at Bradford Beach

Glaucous Gull

Binomial name: Larus hyperboreus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 27” long, 60” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Habitat: This large gulls breeding grounds are in the northern arctic. It spends its winters farther north than most gulls on coasts, lakes, urban areas, dumps and agricultural fields. Mostly breeds along shorelines of the seacoast, rivers and lakes, also refuse dumps. These gulls are usually not found inland.

Diet: It captures prey such as plovers, small ducks, ptarmigans, auks, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. It also scavenges dead fish, carrion, garbage and dead animal matter.

Nesting: The nest is a shallow bowl constructed of twigs, grasses, sedges, moss and sometimes feathers. The nest is located on cliff edges, grass slopes above cliffs, islands or ponds on the tundra. 3 eggs are usually laid brown in color with dark brown spots.

Glaucous Gull adult near the Petroleum Pier

Glaucous Gull juvenile, left and Herring Gull right

Glaucous Gull Juvenile with Herring Gull right

Trying to keep its balance with the high winds!

Trying to keep its balance with the high winds!

Glaucous Gull adult at Bradford Beach the next day 2/26/2016

Glaucous Gull adult at Bradford Beach 2/26/2016

Glaucous Gull adult at Bradford Beach on 2/26/2016

Great Black-backed Gull 2nd Cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on January 16, 2016

By admin | January 17, 2016 - 6:28 pm |January 17, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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The highlight this morning while birding some of Milwaukee’s lakefront was a Great Black-backed Gull 2nd cycle. A Great Black-backed adult was also in the area but remained far off shore just hanging out by itself. Images were taken on January 16, 2016 on a very cold, sunny morning with a steady breeze.

Hanging out with a Herring Gull left

Landing gear coming down!

Herring Gull right

Ring-billed Gulls

Slaty-backed Gull at the Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on January 7, 2016

By admin | January 7, 2016 - 1:52 pm |January 7, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I went out this morning to the Johnson Creek Landfill in hopes to see the Slaty-backed Gull that was reported by Tom W yesterday, nice find Tom and thanks for getting the word out! The exact location is a frozen pond on Waldmann Lane just west of the landfill. I had not been out there for about 3 weeks so I was due. I arrived around 9 am and looked the gulls over well on the ice. About an hour later Ted K showed up and we continued to look through all the gulls coming and going. After a while I spotted what I thought was the Slaty-backed Gull and we looked it over well, that it was. After about 30 minutes it took to the air and towards the landfill area. The images are rough, distant shots, this bird was at least 3/4 of the way across to frozen pond. Images show the “string of pearls” on the wings. Not a life bird as I got the one that was here on December 22, 2012. I fun couple of hours on a gloomy day. Other gulls to note that were present (3) Lesser Black-backed Gull and (2) Glaucous Gulls. Images were taken on January 7, 2016.

Slaty-backed Gull

Binomial name: Larus schistisagus

Category: Gulls, Tern. and Skimmers

Size: 25” long, 58” wing span

Weight: 3.0 lb

Note: An Asian gull that is considered a rare breeder on the west coast of Alaska and is a very rare visitor to North America.

Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin and the Ivory Gull in Duluth Minnesota on January 2, 2016

By admin | January 2, 2016 - 9:00 pm |February 26, 2016 Bird Categories, Caracaras and Falcons, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I made the run up to Superior Wisconsin and Duluth Minnesota along with Jenny, Rita and John. We arrived a few minutes before sun up. The 2 target birds for us for the day were the rare Gyrfalcon (currently in WI) and the very rare visiting Ivory Gull (currently in MN). It was an exciting day watching both species in action. The Gyrfalcon chased and Common Raven, then the Common Raven appeared to chase the Gyrfalcon. What a show it was! The Ivory Gull was there at sun up with many spectators, ate and on occasion, flew at some high speeds with Herring Gulls. Life birds for all of us on a cold morning and full sun, with low winds. A fun trip for the 4 of us and with friends and birders from around the state. Images were taken on January 2, 2016.

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven, images taken at about 1/4 mile from birds

Gyrfalcon

Binomial name: Falco rusticolus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 47” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Notes: Breeds in the Arctic, wintering in northern Canada south to the northern US.

Ivory Gull

Binomial name: Pagophila eburnea

Category: Gulls

Size: 17” long, 37” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lb

Notes: Typically spends it’s life in the high Arctic. The Ivory Gull nests are sometimes eaten by caribou.

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon

Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon, the chase ends!

Gyrfalcon cruising near a build roof top from a 1/4 mile away

Gyrfalcon

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at the Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 15, 2015

By admin | December 15, 2015 - 5:44 pm |January 1, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I birded some of the lakefront mid morning today in Milwaukee. My last stop was going to be South Shore Yacht Club. Only a few blocks away from there, I got a text from Jen A telling me of a beautiful Kumlein’s Iceland Gull was present on the docks. Thanks Jen! This gull may have 1st been found by John M early morning, nice find John! I stopped and we both got some nice views of this bird flying and watched it hanging out with some Ring-billed Gulls. I think this gull would be considered a 2nd winter gull. Also present was a Peregrine Falcon, but it was out far on a dock and only gave back views. I left for awhile and checked out the Petroleum Pier which had pretty much the same ducks that I have been seeing for the last 2 weeks. Lakeshore State Park still had the female Long-tailed Duck along with the ducks that it had been hanging with. Not much else to report. A fun hour or so out, always a treat to see a different gull on the lakefront! Images were taken on December 15, 2015.

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull

Binomial name: Larus glaucoides

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 54” wing span

Weight: 1.8 lb

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gull right

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull hanging out with Ring-billed Gulls, 6th from the left

Kumlien's Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gulls, 3 right

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gulls, 5 right

Take-off!

Great Black-backed Gulls at Bradford Beach on December 4, 2015

By admin | December 4, 2015 - 7:33 pm |December 5, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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One of the birding moments today was watching a couple of adult Great Black-backed Gulls at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. One of the birds was shy and only came in once, and a walker flushed it. The other had only one thing on it’s mind, eating, and that was part of a dead fish at waters edge. A couple of days ago, I could not even get on the beach, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls were present that day and when I set foot on the beach they headed out on to the water. Today, this food was a factor, I was within 100 feet of many gulls as were walkers and the one Great Black-backed Gull with in them never moved, it worked on the fish, but it did keep an eye on me the whole time too. Had a little confrontation with a couple of Herring Gulls but overall not much trouble. The Herring and Ring-billed Gulls that were around pretty much kept their distance and respected this gulls space. I noticed this gull took the dead fish and dragged it into the water numerous times and out, it appeared it was washing the dead fish as it ate it. One time it looked like it was going to cover the dead fish up with bills full of algae but that process did not go far. At the end, the Great Black-backed Gull had appeared to have filled up and took to the air, then sitting far out on the lake bathing. A couple of Herring Gulls took over the piece of fish. The only other highlight today was seeing 2 Hermit Thrushes at Grant Park in Milwaukee below a bluff. Other than that a slow day birding where I was, few ducks out on the lake for this time of year. Beautiful day out with mild temps and sun, low winds. Images were taken on December 4, 2015.

Great Black-backed Gull

Binomial name: Larus marinus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Description: The largest member of the gull family. White feathers with grayish-black backs and wings. The wings have white wingtips. Pink legs, strong yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.

Size: 25” – 31” long, 4’ 10” – 5’ 7” wingspan

Weight: 1.7 lbs. – 5.1 lbs.

Getting the dead fish back out of the water

The Great Black-backed Gull retrieves the dead fish it just put in the water, evidently for washing

A Herring Gull watching, would love to get some of that fish!

A Herring Gull watching, would love to get some of that fish!

Taking a drink

Dragging it back out of the water after possible washing

Got flushed by a jogger but is coming back in

Not wasting any time getting back to that fish with a Herring Gull on the left.

A little confrontation

Herring Gull left, Ring-billed Gull right

Gull is full, time to get out on the lake!

Wings down!

Great Black-backed Gulls at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 28, 2015

By admin | November 28, 2015 - 2:53 pm |November 28, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I hit Milwaukee’s lakefront early this morning and it was pretty quiet. The only highlight were 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, adults nonbreeding at Bradford Beach. They came and went but at one time 3 were on the beach within ~20 feet of each other. They mostly hung out in the water with walkers on the beach. Great Black-backed Gulls have always been skittish with me, you just will not be on the beach with them. Step a foot on the beach and they are gone! There was a little harassing from Herring Gulls but that was limited. Bruce showed up, Jym showed up later and he just had 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at the marina along with a Thayer’s Gull. We thought we had a Lesser Black-backed Gull early on but could not confirm it. Jen and John showed up too and we all watch the Great Black-backed Gulls while they hung around for the most part out in the lake. There was a stiff wind out of the north and it made for a very cold morning, but it was a fun time out birding with friends! Weather like this for almost the 1st of December, we will take it. Images were taken on November 28, 2015.

Great Black-backed Gull

Binomial name: Larus marinus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Description: The largest member of the gull family. White feathers with grayish-black backs and wings. The wings have white wingtips. Pink legs, strong yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.

Size: 25” – 31” long, 4’ 10” – 5’ 7” wingspan

Weight: 1.7 lbs. – 5.1 lbs.

Habitat: Rocky and sandy coastal shorelines, ponds, lakes, and marshes

Diet: 50% or more of their diet is often garbage or human refuse. They also eat fish, insects, crabs, smaller birds, chick eggs, and land animals such as rats.

Nesting: Both parents build several nests on or near stacks of rocks or fallen logs. The female chooses the best one, and it is lined with grass, seaweed, and other vegetation or garbage such as rope and pieces of plastic. The female will lay a clutch of 3 eggs and both parents incubate them for about 28 days. Both parents raise the hatchlings, take turns finding food. The breeding pair will reuse the same nesting site year after year.

Notes: Great Black-backed Gull feathers were used in clothing while feathers were fashionable in the late 1800’s. Once the trend ended, populations began to increase. This trend continues with the increase in refuse sites across North America and Europe.

Distant shot of 3 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach!

They all want some of the food, with a Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gulls

They all want some of the food, with a Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gulls

With a Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gulls

Under the wing

Back view

Just took a drink!

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan Wisconsin on November 12, 2015

By admin | November 12, 2015 - 3:23 pm |November 12, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I decided on the way into Milwaukee early morning being still dark with a light mist I would change plans and try for the Black-headed Gull that was reported yesterday by Daryl T in Sheboygan. When I arrived, it was just light. I stopped on the road near North Point and noticed a different gull near the waters edge. It was a Franklin’s Gull in nonbreeding plumage. A life bird for me that has avoided me well for the last few years. I have chased many reports the last couple of years, finally! The images are crude as it was just light, I shot from my parked car with the window down as a dog walker was a few feet away from the Franklin’s and moving towards it. After the bird flushed from the dog walker it flew just off shore for a minute and that was the end of that bird. I hung around for a couple of hours just in case it returned or the Black-headed Gull showed, neither happened. I stopped at Port Washington and a Great Black-backed Gull stood way out near the end of a dock. After I checked the area for other species south of that, returned, it appeared to be sleeping sound in the same place. I checked the Milwaukee Lakefront on the way back as I saw Steve L’s post of the Franklin’s Gulls moving south on the lake. I saw a flock of about 15 at the Lake Express Ferry, they were heading south. When I first saw the flock flying, it was quiet obvious it was a species I had not seen before as the way the flock moved. I also noticed a flock of about 20 Snow Buntings on the lakefront. A fun day out, weather was really not all that bad, it was not cold. Images were taken on November 12, 2015.

Franklin’s Gull

Binomial name: Larus pipixcan

Category: Gulls, Terns and Skimmers

Size: 14.5” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 10 oz

Franklin's Gull with 2 Ring-billed Gull and Herring Gull

Franklin’s Gull with 3 Ring-billed Gulls and Herring Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Franklin’s Gull with a preening Ring-billed Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Franklin’s Gull with a Ring-billed Gull being flushed

Franklin’s Gull

Great Black-backed Gull looking around at the Port Washington Marina

Great Black-backed Gull sound asleep at the Port Washington Marina

Partial flock of Franklin’s Gulls high up and moving south over the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee WI 11/12/15

Bonaparte’s Gull at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 1, 2015

By admin | October 1, 2015 - 6:25 pm |October 1, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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Birding Lakeshore State Park this morning produced an adult Bonaparte’s Gull, nonbreeding plumage. It was hanging out with about 20 Ring-billed Gulls. All the gulls were flushed with a fire department group coming in for some underwater diving practice. The Bonaparte’s Gull did not return to the area after it headed out over the water. I also had a distant views of 4 Horned Lark but a jogger unknowingly flush the bird and they headed up high and south. Plentiful were Dark-eyed Juncos, White-crowned Sparrows and Double-crested Cormorants. Partly cloudy, stiff winds and cold temps made for winter coat weather on the lakefront. Images were taken on October 1, 2015.

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult nonbreeding plumage

Bonaparte’s Gull

Binomial name: Larus philadelphia

Category: Gulls, Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 13.5” long, 33” wing span

Weight: 7.0 oz

Bonaparte’s Gull with Ring-billed Gulls

Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull preening

Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull with Ring-billed Gulls

Bonaparte’s Gull

Headed over the water, Bonaparte’s Gull

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For Reference Only

Bonaparte’s Gull in breeding plumage. Image taken at North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin on June 17, 2013

Forster’s Tern at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 28, 2015

By admin | September 28, 2015 - 3:57 pm |September 28, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I did some birding on the Milwaukee lakefront early this morning and some of the places hit were the Magic Hedge, Bradford and McKinley Beaches, Veterans and Lakeshore State Park, for the most part it was very slow. Yellow-rumped Warblers were at most locations. The highlight was a Forster’s Tern, juvenile at Bradford Beach on my 3rd stop there this morning. This little bird among many larger Ring-billed Gulls was present at waters edge. Birds change on the beach often with many walkers of all sorts. It moved around the beach and out of sight for periods of time too. It dived times for food and did catch some fish and often was harassed by Ring-billed Gulls on and off the beach. I saw many chases far out over the water. Sometimes the Ring-billed Gulls let it rest too. It was overcast with mild temps, light winds from the east while I was there this morning. Images were taken on September 28, 2015.

Forster’s Tern

Binomial name: Sterna forsteri

Category: Gulls Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 13” long, 31” wing span

Weight: 6.0 oz

Ring-billed Gull harassing

Size comparison image with Ring-billed Gull left, Forster’s Tern right

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Forster’s Tern with fish

Forster’s Tern with fish

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Forster’s Tern

Forster’s Tern making a dive for a fish

A ring-billed Gull right there after the Forster's Tern tries for food

A Ring-billed Gull right there after the Forster’s Tern tries for a fish

Before the dive for a fish

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull and Great Black-backed Gulls at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 8, 2015

By admin | February 8, 2015 - 7:13 pm |February 20, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I made a run down to South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee late morning. I had just saw the report by Jennifer A of the Kumlien’s Iceland Gull, 2nd cycle. This bird has been around the area but I had missed previous tries. I was down there yesterday and it was still froze up and almost bird less. Today it was open water south of the club and very birdie. Along with the Kumlien’s Iceland were two Great Black-backed Gulls, one adult and one 1st winter and 2 Glaucous Gulls. Thanks to Jennifer for the report. Images were taken on February 8, 2015.

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull

Binomial name: Larus glaucoides

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 54” wing span

Weight: 1.8 lb

Great Black-backed Gulls

Great Black-backed Gull, adult

Great Black-backed Gull, adult

Great Black-backed Gull, 1st winter

2 Glaucous Gulls

Glaucous Gull at Bradford Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront November 14, 2014

By admin | November 14, 2014 - 4:11 pm |February 12, 2015 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I birded a good portion of the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning. The second time I checked out Bradford Beach I spotted a very large gull with some Ring-billed Gulls, it was an adult Glaucous Gull. Not your everyday gull on the lakefront, but we do see a few during the winter months. I had hit that beach earlier in the morning and it was empty. These gulls are always moving around. Off the shorelines were some Bufflehead, Scaups, American Coots, Red-breasted Mergansers, Horned Grebes along with the usually Mallards. About 15 American Robins were eating berries off the trees just south of the entrance to Bradford Beach parking lot. Bruce joined me for some shooting of the Glaucous Gull. It was a cold morning, overcast with a stiff wind, sure felt like winter. Images were taken on November 14, 2014.

Glaucous Gull

Binomial name: Larus hyperboreus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 27” long, 60” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Diet: It captures prey such as plovers, small ducks, ptarmigans, auks, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. It also scavenges dead fish, carrion, garbage and dead animal matter.

Glaucous Gull with a Herring Gull behind and Ring-billed Gulls all around.

Glaucous Gull with a Herring Gull behind and mostly Ring-billed Gulls all around.

Glaucous Gull with the Ring-billed Gulls.

With fish below

Eating with fish below

Eating with fish below

Fish below

Eating the fish

Eating the fish

Glaucous Gull Milwaukee Lakefront December 4, 2012

Glaucous Gull North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin November 21, 2011

Glaucous Gull North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin November 21, 2011

Glaucous Gull at McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront October 9, 2014

By admin | October 9, 2014 - 8:02 pm |October 17, 2014 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I read the report of the Glaucous Gull at McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s lakefront yesterday. I headed down to the lakefront this morning with hopes it was still present. It was and it gave nice views. This bird is said to be a 2nd cycle, born in summer of 2013. This was not a life bird for me but I wanted to see this bird. It was feeding on and off while I was there on a dead fish and kept Herring Gulls away some of the time from its meal. A few of this gulls are found throughout the US during migration. It took to the water a few times too as some tourists came by to the beach area. A beautiful gull I will say! The Glaucous Gull made Ring-billed Gulls look small. Thanks to Rita W. for getting the report of this bird out as she found it. Thanks to Jym M for confirming and posting this bird too.

Glaucous Gull

Binomial name: Larus hyperboreus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 27” long, 60” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Diet: It captures prey such as plovers, small ducks, ptarmigans, auks, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. It also scavenges dead fish, carrion, garbage and dead animal matter.

Herring Gull front, Glaucous Gull back

Preening

Preening

Glaucous Gull front, Herring Gull back with Ring-billed Gulls background, front center and right side.

Glaucous Gull in the front with Ring-billed Gulls in the background.

Standing on its meal!

Standing on its meal!

Taking a bite!

Glaucous Gull with Ring-billed Gulls all around.

Taking a rest when I left the beach!

Bonaparte’s Gull North Point and Laughing Gull Port Washington June 10, 2014

By admin | June 11, 2014 - 5:29 pm |June 30, 2014 Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Bonaparte’s Gull

Binomial name: Larus philadelphia

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 13.5” long, 33” wing span

Weight: 7 oz.

Habitat: Typically breeds near bogs or on lakes in coniferous forests in western Canada and Alaska. The Bonaparte’s spend winters on lakes, marshes bays and beach areas on coasts.

Diet: Small fish, aquatic insects and large invertebrates

Nesting: The open cup nest usually found in a tree but sometimes on the ground. The nest is constructed of sticks, small branches, tree bark and lined with lichens and moss material. Clutch size is 1-4 eggs that are greenish with dark spots on blotches.

Cool facts: The Bonaparte’s Gull is the only gull that commonly nests in a tree. The only gull smaller than the Bonaparte’s is the Little Gull. Often catches flying insects on their wings during the breeding season.

Bonaparte’s Gull – adult

Laughing Gull – adult

Bonaparte’s Gull – 1st summer

Bonaparte’s Gull – adult

Bonaparte’s Gull – adult front right, Bonaparte’s Gull 1st summer back left

Bonaparte’s Gull – adult

Bonaparte’s Gull – in flight!

Bonaparte’s Gull – 1st summer

American White Pelicans – North Point Sheboygan

Caspian Tern

Little Gulls at North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin June 10, 2014

By admin | June 11, 2014 - 5:41 am |June 30, 2014 Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I decided to make a run up to North Point in Sheboygan Wisconsin to see what gulls were hanging out. There have been some nice gull species reported and I was not let down. Literally 1,000’s of them with 2 Little Gulls – 1st summer, being the highlight for the day as we know they are not very common. Other gull species, 100’s of Bonaparte’s, along with the common Herring and Ring-billed gulls. I witnessed a confrontation with the 2 Little Gulls which was very exciting. The early morning sunlight gave some beautiful color to these birds. Images were taken on June 10, 2014.

Little Gull

Binomial name: Larus minutus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 11” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 4.2 oz.

Habitat: Typically breeds in shallow freshwater marshes and wetlands. Natural range is Central Europe east to southern Siberia. It is common to winter in small numbers along the east coast of North America and on the Great Lakes.

Diet: Small fish, aquatic insects and invertebrates

Nesting: A nest is built among marsh vegetation lined with grass and leaves. 2-6 eggs are laid olive-brown in color with dark spots.

Cool facts: Smallest gull in the world that is often found hanging out with the Bonaparte’s Gull.

Little Gull in front, Bonaparte’s Gull behind.

Stretching

Takeoff!

Little Gull in front, Bonaparte’s Gull behind.

Little Gull left, Ring-billed Gull middle, Bonaparte’s Gull right.

Little Gull right, Bonaparte’s Gull left.

2 Little Gulls in confrontation.

Resolved!

Landing!

Stretching!

Going down!

Little Gull right-front, Bonaparte’s Gull left and in back.

Landing!

Takeoff!

Caspian Tern

By admin | April 26, 2014 - 7:09 pm |May 2, 2014 Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I birded the Milwaukee lakefront this morning for a short period of time. The highlight was Caspian Terns. There were a small amount present on Bradford Beach sitting with many Ring-billed Gulls. There were also a small group of them fishing for food over at McKinley Marina. 5 Black-crowned Night-Herons were on the east side of the Veterans Park Lagoon, and recent ducks that have been reported are still present. I observed many large flocks of Double-crested Cormorants flying north far out over the water, and some flocks very high up over the shoreline. Beautiful morning to be out with lots of sunshine, but the steady northeast winds made it almost feel like winter. Photographs were taken on April 26, 2014 on the lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Caspian Tern

Binomial name: Sterna caspia

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 21” long, 50” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Habitat: Main breeding habitats are large lakes, ocean coasts, river and barrier islands and marsh in salt water in the Northwestern US and scattered places though out Canada.

Diet: Mainly fish but have been known to also eat large insects and crayfish.

Nesting: They typically nest in colonies. The nest is nothing more than a shallow scrape on the ground made of shell parts, dried plant material and pebbles located in sand or gravel. The rim of the nest may also be topped off with sticks. 1-3 buff eggs are laid which both sexes incubate and they also both care for the young.

Cool Facts: Largest tern in the world. Caspian Terns winter in parts of the southern US and Mexico, some are permanent residents on the California coast. This species flies over the water searching for food. When they locate their food, they plunge straight down into the water to get it. Sometimes they remain under the water for seconds, looks as if they have disappeared. Then they just take flight right out from under the water, pretty amazing!

Fish in mouth!

Hunting for food.

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern – Racine North Beach April 30, 2013

Caspian Terns – Racine North Beach April 30, 2013

Caspian Tern with a Forster's Tern (right front) - Racine North Beach April 30, 2013

Caspian Terns with a Forster’s Tern (right front) – Racine North Beach April 30, 2013

Forster’s Tern – Horicon Marsh May 5, 2010

Great Black-backed Gull

By admin | December 1, 2013 - 10:20 am |December 1, 2013 Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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Great Black-backed Gull. Photographs taken at Wind Point and Shoop Park in Racine County, Wisconsin on November 30, 2013.

Great Black-backed Gull

Binomial name: Larus marinus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Description: The largest member of the gull family. White feathers with grayish-black backs and wings. The wings have white wingtips. Pink legs, strong yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.

Size: 25” – 31” long, 4’ 10” – 5’ 7” wingspan

Weight: 1.7 lbs. – 5.1 lbs.

Habitat: Rocky and sandy coastal shorelines, ponds, lakes, and marshes

Diet: 50% or more of their diet is often garbage or human refuse. They also eat fish, insects, crabs, smaller birds, chick eggs, and land animals such as rats.