I was surprised to find a Praying Mantis while looking through some wildflowers. It gave nice looks for enough time to get a couple of photos before letting it go. I can’t remember the last time I found one of these. It was a cloudy day some winds and temps around 78 degrees. Images were taken on August 28, 2024
The Praying Mantis…
I went on a hunt for Cicadas this morning an one of the places I heard they might be at is Lyons Wildlife Area in Walworth County. They were there, my first stop. I could hear the sounds of the Cicadas as I open my car door. It was an extreme sound just buzzing in my ears, it never stopped. In fact when one landed on my sleeve or shoulder, it sounded like it was screaming into my ear. It seems like there were millions of them everywhere you looked. Some on the grasses, they were on trees, some were flying around and some were climbing trees. There were old skins scattered around on the ground where I walked. An amazing event to witness. The last time Cicadas emerged in this area was in 2007. It was a pleasant morning with little wind, partly sunny skies and temps around 60. Images were taken on May 28, 2024.
The Cicada…
A Cicada skin…
I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2023. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2023. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Finishing up this year with adding 4 more birds to my Wisconsin life list now standing at 375. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!
Trumpeter Swan on the Bark River Trail in Waukesha Co 1-9-2023
Mute Swan on the Fox River at Frame Park in Waukesha Co 1-15-2023
Long-eared Owl in Milwaukee Co 1-16-2023
Long-eared Owl in Milwaukee Co 1-16-2023
Barred Owl in Milwaukee Co 1-18-2023
American Tree Sparrow in Waukesha Co 1-29-2023
Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Co 2-10-2023
Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Co 2-10-2023
Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Co 2-10-2023
Wood Duck at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Co 2-20-2023
Wood Duck at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Co 2-20-2023
The pair of Redhead Ducks, male L female R on the Fox River in Waukesha Co 2-20-2023
Redhead Duck, male on the Fox River in Waukesha Co 2-20-2023
Redhead Duck female on the Fox River in Waukesha Co 2-20-2023
Sandhill Crane finding things to eat in Waukesha County 2-28-2023
Sandhill Crane in Waukesha County 2-28-2023
Sandhill Crane in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha Co 3-1-2023
Sandhill Cranes painting in Delafield in Waukesha Co Wisconsin on 3-5-2023
Sandhill Cranes (2) painting themselves in Delafield in Waukesha Co Wisconsin on 3-5-2023
Sandhill Crane in Delafield Waukesha C poking in the mud, they find things to eat 3-5-2023
Killdeer at the Milwaukee Lakefront, a cloacal kiss 3-8-2023
Killdeer at the Milwaukee Lakefront 3-8-2023
Great Horned Owl, owlet on the nest waiting in Waukesha Co 3-20-2023
Great Horned owlet in Milwaukee Co 3-21-2023
Great Horned owlets in Milwaukee Co 3-21-2023
Great Blue Heron at the nest in Waukesha Co 3-24-2023
Great Blue Heron on the nest in Waukesha Co 3-24-2023
Eastern Screech Owl gray morph, precious, this owl in Milwaukee Co 3-27-2023
Eastern Screech Owl gray morph, blends in so well in Milwaukee Co 3-27-2023
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette Co 3-31-23
Horned Grebe at the Fox River in Waukesha 4-5-2023
Northern Mockingbird, looking and listening for something to eat at Grant Park Milwaukee Co 4-18-2023
Northern Mockingbird at Grant Park Milwaukee Co 4-18-2023
Northern Mockingbird with a tasty worm at Grant Park Milwaukee Co 4-18-2023
Ross’s Goose at Veterans Park in Milwaukee Co 4-20-2023
Ross’s Goose at Veterans Park in Milwaukee Co 4-20-2023
Bonaparte’s Gull at Grant Park in Milwaukee Co 4-25-2023
Flame-colored Tanager at Sheridan Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-30-2023
Flame-colored Tanager at Sheridan Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin, hopping around in Sumac just below the bluff eating gnats 4-30-23
Willets at South Shore Park in Bayview in Milwaukee Co 4-30-2023
Willet getting something here to eat at South Shore Park in Bayview in Milwaukee Co 4-30-2023
Willet at South Shore Park in Bayview in Milwaukee Co 4-30-2023
Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee Co 5-7-2023
Black-and-white Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee Co 5-7-2023
Black-throated Green Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee Co 5-12-2023
White-crowned Sparrow in Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Tree Swallow Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Downy Woodpecker, female Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Ruby-throated Hummingbird getting nectar at an apple tree Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Eastern Towhee, male Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Yellow-rumped Warbler Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Chipping Sparrow Marquette Co 5-10-2023
White-throated Sparrow Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Downy Woodpecker, male Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Baltimore Oriole, male in Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Baltimore Oriole, male singing in Marquette Co 5-10-2023
House Wren singing in Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Brown Thrasher in Marquette Co 5-10-2023
Northern Cardinal, male in Marquette Co 5-10-2023
The Scarlet Tanager, male singing at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Co 5-13-2023
Scarlet Tanager male at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Co 5-13-2023
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, male in Marquette Co 5-18-2023
Indigo Bunting, male in Marquette Co 5-19-2023
Baltimore Oriole, immature male in Milwaukee Co 5-19-2023
Red-winged Blackbird, male calling at the Fox River in Waukesha 5-20-2023
Sandhill Crane Colt in Waukesha Co 5-20-2023
Baltimore Oriole, female in Marquette Co 5-21-2023
Bobolink calling and waiting for a female at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha Co 5-22-23
Bobolink, calling and waiting for a male at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha Co 5-22-23
Ruddy Duck at the Fox River in Waukesha 5-22-2023
Ruddy Turnstone looking for bugs at Bender Park in Milwaukee Co 5-22-2023
Ruddy Turnstone, male at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 5-25-2023
One of the 4 Ruddy Turnstones, male at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 5-25-2023
One of the Dunlins, in breeding plumage at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 5-29-2023
Dunlin, nonbreediing adult plumage at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 5-29-2023
A Semipalmated Plover, at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 5-29-2023
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female in Milwaukee Co 6-5-2023
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female in Milwaukee Co 6-5-2023
Limpkin at Case Eagle Park in Racine Co 7-21-2023
Limpkin, going down for something here at Case Eagle Park in Racine Co 7-21-2023
Limpkin calling at Case Eagle Park in Racine Co 7-21-2023
Roseate Spoonbill hanging out with a Great Egret and Great Blue Heron at Ken Euers Wetland in Brown Co 7-29-2023
Lesser Yellowlegs, looking for something to eat at Mill Pond in South Milwaukee 8-12-2023
Lesser Yellowlegs, going for something to eat at Mill Pond in South Milwaukee 8-12-2023
Lesser Yellowlegs, preening at Mill Pond in South Milwaukee 8-12-2023
American Flamingos, 2 adults and 1 juvenile at South Beach at Port Washington in Ozaukee Co 9-22-2023
The 5 of them, American Flamingos at South Beach at Port Washington in Ozaukee Co 9-22-2023
American Flamingo adult at South Beach at Port Washington in Ozaukee Co 9-22-2023
Black-crowned Night Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Co 9-22-2023
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee Co 10-9-2023
Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee Co 10-9-2023
Wood Duck, female with a crabapple in Milwaukee Co 10-9-2023
Wood Duck, male with a crabapple in Milwaukee Co 10-9-2023
Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Co 10-20-2023
Snow Bunting at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 11-2-2023
Snow Bunting at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Co 11-2-2023
Long-tailed Duck at South Milwaukee Yacht Club in Milwaukee Co 11-4-2023
Long-tailed Duck at South Milwaukee Yacht Club in Milwaukee Co 11-4-2023
Hooded Merganser at the Fox River in Waukesha 11-10-2023
Red-tailed Hawk, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Co in 11-13-2023
White-breasted Nuthatch in Marquette Co 11-16-2023
Red-winged Blackbird at Lakeshore State Park 11-16-2023
Red Crossbill, male in Marquette Co 11-18-2023
Red Crossbills, males in Marquette Co 11-18-2023
Iceland Gull 2nd cycle on the Fox River at Frame Park in Waukesha 11-20-2023
Ancient Murrelet at George Pinney County Park in Door Co 11-21-2023
Ancient Murrelet at George Pinney County Park in Door Co 11-21-2023
Great Horned Owl resting in a White Pine in Waukesha Co 11-25-2023
Eastern Screech Owl, grey morph in Milwaukee Co 11-27-2023
House Finch, male enjoying a crab apple at the Fox River in Waukesha 12-14-2023
House Finch, female enjoying a crab apple at the Fox River in Waukesha 12-14-2023
American White Pelican on the rocks at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Co 12-16-2023
American White Pelican at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Co 12-16-2023
Barred Owl seen on a walk in Marquette Co 12-27-2023
Barred Owl in Milwaukee Co 12-29-2023
I have tried to capture some of the recent beauty of some spring blooming native wildflowers. Wildflower images have been taken in the yard here in Waukesha or Marquette County. The spring started out with some rains but things have dried up some come May and now the start of June. I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that some wildflowers will have minimal blooms unless moisture shows up soon.
Large-flowered Trillium, Trillium grandiflorum Waukesha County
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis Waukesha County
Prairie Trillium, Trillium recurvatum Waukesha County
Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum Waukesha County
Wild Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis Waukesha County
Jacob’s Ladder, Polemonium reptans Waukesha County
Pussytoes, Antennaria neglecta Marquette County
Foamflower, Tiarella cordifolia Waukesha County
Fringed Puccoon, Lithospermum incisum Waukesha County
Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum Waukesha County
Golden Ragwort, Packera aurea Waukesha County
Yellow Star Grass, Hypoxis hirsuta Waukesha County
Bradbury’s Bee Balm, Monarda bradburiana Waukesha County, native range eastern US
Blue-eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium campestre Marquette County
Blue-eyed Grass, White Wild, Sisyrinchium campestre alba Marquette County
Hoary Puccoon, Lithospermum canescens Marquette County
Cream Wild Indigo, Baptisia bracteata
Carolina Puccoon, Lithospermum caroliniense Marquette County
Yellow Pimpernel, Taenidia integerrima Waukesha County
Wild Blue Indigo, Baptisia austrlis Waukesha County, native range southern midwest, not Wisconsin
Wild Sweet William, Phlox maculata Waukesha County, native range states around Wisconsin and to the east coast but not Wisconsin
Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis Waukesha County
Wild Iris, Blue Flag, Iris virginica Waukesha County
Prairie Phlox, Phlox pilosa Marquette County
A small collection of some bird photos I captured in Marquette County the last few days leading up to May 10, 2023. Normal birds that can be expected for that area. The highlight was walking by an apple tree and seeing a Ruby-throated Hummingbird getting some nectar. 1st of the year on that species. Other birds that I had either seen or heard that I did not get photos of were Whip-poor-will, Great Crested Flycatcher, Bluebirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Hairy Woodpecker and Eastern Phoebe. Some clouds and some sun with mild temps in the 60’s-70’s.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird getting nectar at an apple tree…
Baltimore Oriole, male singing…
Yellow-rumped Warbler, male…
White-crowned Sparrow…
Brown Thrasher…
Downy Woodpecker, male…
Baltimore Oriole, male…
White-throated Sparrow…
Eastern Towhee, male…
Tree Swallow…
Downy Woodpecker, female…
Chipping Sparrow…
House Wren singing…
Red-headed Woodpecker…
White-crowned Sparrow…
Northern Cardinal, male…
I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2022. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2022. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Finishing up this year with adding 7 more birds to my Wisconsin life list now standing at 371. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!
Purple Sandpiper at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County January 1, 2022
Purple Sandpiper at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County January 1, 2022
Common Redpoll at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 3, 2022
Common Redpoll eating Alder cone seeds at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 3, 2022
Common Redpoll with a Alder cone seed at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 3, 2022
Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee January 4, 2022
Green-winged Teal, male at the Fox River in Waukesha January 9, 2022
Green-winged Teal, male at the Fox River in Waukesha January 9, 2022
Green-winged Teal with a Mallard, female at the Fox River in Waukesha January 9, 2022
Purple Sandpiper, one of two at this location, McKinley Marina Milwaukee County January 17, 2022
Purple Sandpiper, one of two at this location, McKinley Marina Milwaukee County January 17, 2022
Eastern Screech Owl, red and gray morph in Milwaukee County January 21, 2022
White-winged Crossbill, female at Stute Springs in Waukesha County January 25, 2022
White-winged Crossbill, male at Stute Springs in Waukesha County January 25, 2022
Long-eared Owl, a new location, this location is not where other Long-eared Owls have been photographed, reported, or roosting in the state January 31, 2022
Pileated Woodpecker, male at Minooka Park in Waukesha County February 8, 2022
Pileated Woodpecker, female at Minooka Park in Waukesha County February 8, 2022
Ross’s Goose at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County February 19, 2022
Ross’s Goose at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County February 19, 2022
Barred Owl in Milwaukee County February 21, 2022
Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County on February 25, 2022
Barred Owl in Milwaukee County February 26, 2022
Horned Lark at Oconomowoc in Waukesha County February 27, 2022
Horned Lark at Oconomowoc in Waukesha County February 27, 2022
The pair of Sandhill Cranes in Waukesha County March 5, 2022
Sandhill Crane preening in Waukesha County March 5, 2022
Common Goldeneye, male stretching at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
Lesser Scaup, male at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
Redhead, male at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
Redhead, female at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
Ring-necked Ducks, males at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
Common Goldeneye, male 1st winter at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
American Coot at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022
Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022
Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022
Yellow-throated Warbler, this rarity at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County April 21, 2022
Loggerhead Shrike, it was a rainy day, Milwaukee County April 22, 2022
Summer Tanager, immature male eating gnats at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Summer Tanager, immature male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Summer Tanager, immature male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Black-throated Green, male atWarnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Yellow Warbler, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Palm Warbler, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Tennessee, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Yellow-rumped, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Nashville, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Black and White, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Hooded Warbler, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male at Shoop Park Racine April 27, 2022
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with a Stink Bug Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male at Shoop Park Racine April 27, 2022
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male at Shoop Park Racine April 27, 2022
Ash-throated Flycatcher, this rarity at Wind Point Racine April 27, 2022
Willet at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on April 29, 2022
Willet at McKinley Beach, something in the bill, Milwaukee County on April 29, 2022
Willets at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on April 29, 2022
Say’s Phoebe at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee County May 2, 2022
Blackburnian Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Blackpoll Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Bay-breasted Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Canada Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Magnolia Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Prothonotary Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Magnolia Warbler, singing male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
American Redstart, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Wilson’s Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Philadelphia Vireo at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Mourning Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Common Yellowthroat, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Chestnut-sided Warbler, female at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Chestnut-sided Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022
Connecticut Warbler, male at Lake Park Milwaukee County May 13, 2022
Fulvous Whistling Duck at Hog Island Dane County May 16, 2022
Fulvous Whistling Duck at Hog Island Dane County May 16, 2022
Lark Bunting, male at Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee County May 23, 2022
Bobolink, male at Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County May 31, 2022
Bobolink, female at Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County May 31, 2022
Cassin’s Kingbird, this rare bird in the rain in Marathon County June 6, 2022
Black-headed Gull, this rare bird at the South Side Municipal Beach in Sheboygan June 13, 2022
Brown Booby, super rare bird on the Black River in La Crosse August 11, 2022
Black-crowned Night-Heron, adult at Humboldt Park Milwaukee County August 16, 2022
Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile at Humboldt Park Milwaukee County August 16, 2022
Green Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County August 30, 2022
The Common Nighthawk at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 16, 2022
Great Egret at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington August 26, 2022
Great Egret at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington August 26, 2022
Great Egrets at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington August 26, 2022
Osprey at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 28, 2022
Great Blue Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County September 9, 2022
Great Blue Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County September 9, 2022
Great Blue Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County September 9, 2022
Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 27, 2022
American White Pelican, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 27, 2022
American White Pelican, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 27, 2022
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County October 4, 2022
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County October 4, 2022
Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County October 4, 2022
Hooded Merganser in Milwaukee County November 14, 2022
Eastern Screech Owl, red morph in Milwaukee County November 16, 2022
Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin November 21, 2022
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County December 12, 2022
Great Horned Owls in Waukesha County December 22, 2022
Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club Milwaukee Wisconsin December 29, 2022
Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club Milwaukee County December 29, 2022
Barred Owl Milwaukee County December 30, 2022
While out birding I came across a beautiful Hooded Merganser that was a juvenile female. It gave nice views for a few minutes before moving off. It was a partly cloudy day with low winds but temperature were around 37 degrees, sorta chilly. Images were taken on November 14, 2022.
The Hooded Merganser…
Down for a drink…
Some preening…
More preening…
In coming…
Nice looking duck…
Just a little shaking off…
I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2021. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2021. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!
Great Horned Owl in Waukesha County January 1, 2021
Spotted Towhee, male at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County January 8, 2021
American Pipit at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County January 9, 2021
Spotted Towhee at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County January 13, 2021
Eastern Screech Owl in Milwaukee County January 14, 2021
Barred Owl in Milwaukee County January 17, 2021
The Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin on January 20, 2021
The Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin on January 20, 2021
Sandhill Cranes in Waukesha County February 7, 2021
Sandhill Crane in Waukesha County February 7, 2021
Mute Swan on the Fox River in Waukesha County February 27, 2021
Mute Swan on the Fox River in Waukesha County February 27, 2021
Red-winged Blackbird in Waukesha County February 27, 2021
Eastern Screech Owl from a distance in Milwaukee County on March 5, 2021
Eastern Screech Owl in Milwaukee County on March 5, 2021
Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Grant Park in Milwaukee County March 4, 2021
Ring-necked Duck, male at the Fox River in Waukesha March 11, 2021
Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County March 23, 2021
Ruddy Duck, female at the Fox River in Waukesha County March 24, 2021
Sandhill Crane calling in Waukesha County March 28, 2021
Killdeer in Milwaukee County April 6, 2021
Red-winged Blackbird, female at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County April 13, 2021
The Green Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County April 20, 2021
The Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 20, 2021
Great Egret at Humboldt Park in Milwaukee County on April 25, 2021
Great Egret at Humboldt Park in Milwaukee County on April 25, 2021
Hooded Warbler resting at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on April 24, 2021
American Avocet at North Beach in Racine April 28, 2021
American Avocet at North Beach in Racine April 28, 2021
American Avocet at North Beach in Racine April 28, 2021
Willet at North Beach in Racine April 28, 2021
Willets at North Beach in Racine April 28, 2021
American Avocets at North Beach in Racine April 28, 2021
Baltimore Oriole at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County May 3, 2021
American Avocets at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County May 5, 2021
Blue-winged Warbler at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County May 6, 2021
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County May 8, 2021
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County May 8, 2021
Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Milwaukee County May 9, 2021
Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 9, 2021
Great Horned Owl in Waukesha County May 9, 2021
Yellow-rumped Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County May 9, 2021
Sanderling at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County on May 10, 2021
Sanderling getting something to eat at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County on May 10, 2021
Short-billed Dowitchers at Grant Park in Milwaukee County May 13, 2021
Short-billed Dowitcher at Grant Park in Milwaukee County May 13, 2021
Wild Turkey eggs in Marquette County May 15, 2021
Blue Jay in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Eastern Towhee, male in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Northern Cardinal, male in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Baltimore Oriole, male in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, male in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Indigo Bunting, male in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, female in Marquette County on May 15, 2021
Snowy Egret at Lincoln Park in Milwaukee County May 17, 2021
Snowy Egret preening at Lincoln Park in Milwaukee County May 17, 2021
Black-throated Gray Warbler at Lake Park in Milwaukee County May 19, 2021
Dunlin giving nice looks at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County June 4, 2021
Dunlin shaking off at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County June 4, 2021
Great Blue Heron with a Goldfish at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County June 4, 2021
Bobolink, male at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County June 7, 2021
Bobolink, male in it’s grassland habitat, hanging on with the wind blowing at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County June 7, 2021
Wood Duck, female with duckling at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County June 19, 2021
The Red-headed Woodpecker showing its best in Marquette County on June 22, 2021
Great Blue Heron in Sawyer County on July 2, 2021
Snowy Plover walking on the algae at South Metro in Milwaukee County on July 22, 2021
Snowy Plover giving nice looks at South Metro in Milwaukee County on July 22, 2021
Eastern Towhee, juvenile in Marquette County August 2, 2021
Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 24, 2021
Great Blue Heron with a Bullhead at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 24, 2021
Great Blue Heron with a sunfish at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 24, 2021
Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County September 3, 2021
Black-bellied Plover at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 6, 2021
Black-bellied Plover at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 6, 2021
Wood Duck, juvenile female in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2021
Wood Duck, juvenile female in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2021
Pied-billed Grebe on the Fox River in Waukesha County September 15, 2021
Great Blue Heron watching for food at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County September 16, 2021
Black-crowned Night Heron at Lakeshore State Park September 19, 2021
Black-crowned Night Heron at Lakeshore State Park September 19, 2021
Cedar Waxwing in Waukesha County on October 18, 2021
Snow Bunting McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County November 3, 2021
Snow Bunting with a seed in the bill at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County November 3, 2021
Red-headed Woodpecker, juvenile in Marquette County November 6, 2021
Hooded Merganser in Waukesha County on November 7, 2021
This Hooded Merganser talking to another duck in Waukesha County on November 7, 2021.
The hood blowing in the wind on this Hooded Merganser in Waukesha County on November 7, 2021
American Kestrel at the Milwaukee Lakefront November 23, 2021
Snowy Owl, this female sits on a rock at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on November 24, 2021
Snowy Owl takes to the sky at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County November 24, 2021
Snowy Owl sits on a pier near Discovery World in Milwaukee County November 24, 2021
Downy Woodpecker, male in Marquette County December 9, 2021
Long-eared Owl perched pretty 5 feet off the ground in Wisconsin on December 23, 2021
Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin on December 23, 2021
Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin on December 23, 2021
I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2020. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2020. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!
Snowy Owl in Milwaukee County January 4, 2020
Snowy Owl in Milwaukee County January 4, 2020
Cedar Waxwing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County January 21, 2020
Cedar Waxwing eating berries at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County January 21, 2020
Harris’s Sparrow, male at the Mequon Nature Preserve in Ozaukee County January 21, 2020
Hooded Merganser, male at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 30, 2020
Hooded Merganser, male at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 30, 2020
Downy Woodpecker in Waukesha County January 31, 2020
Eastern Screech Owl, gray morph in Milwaukee County January 30, 2020
Redhead, male on the Fox River Waukesha County February 10, 2020
Long-eared Owl in Milwaukee County February 4, 2020
Eastern Screech Owl, red morph catching some sunshine in the yard Waukesha County February 27, 2020
Doing a chore in the yard the Eastern Screech Owl watches me, Waukesha County February 27, 2020
Doing a chore in the yard the Eastern Screech Owl watches me, Waukesha County February 27, 2020
Sandhill Cranes on the Bark River in Waukesha County March 4, 2020
Trumpeter Swans the pair, at Frame Park in Waukesha March 4, 2020
Northern Shrike, some blood on the bill at the County Grounds Milwaukee County March 17, 2020…
Northern Harrier in the South Kettle Moraine Waukesha County March 21, 2020
Hooded Merganser, male, at the Fox River in Waukesha March 22, 2020
Long-eared Owl in Southeastern Wisconsin April 2, 2020
Long-eared Owl in Southeastern Wisconsin April 2, 2020
A Killdeer preening in Milwaukee County April 5, 2020
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County April 5, 2020
Golden-crowned Sparrow, this rare bird in Calumet County April 7, 2020
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 9, 2020
Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 9, 2020
Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County April 9, 2020
The rare Tufted Duck, male at Fresh Air Park in Winnebago County April 16, 2020
A Great Horned Owl owlet, this one on the nest, the other close by in Oconomowoc Waukesha County April 18, 2020
Osprey flyover at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County April 20, 2020
Great Horned Owl just hanging out in Waukesha County April 21, 2020
Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County April 22, 2020
Indigo Bunting, male in Waukesha County May 4, 2020
Black-throated Gray Warbler in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County May 6, 2020
Eastern Towhee, male in Marquette County May 5, 2020
Eastern Towhee, female in Marquette County May 5, 2020
Black-throated Blue, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 13, 2020
Black-throated Green, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 13, 2020
Mourning Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 13, 2020
Cape May Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 13, 2020
Prothonotary Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 16, 2020
Canada Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 16, 2020
Blackburnian Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 16, 2020
Bay-breasted Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 16, 2020
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County May 15, 2020
Mountain Bluebird, female in Taylor County May 15, 2020
Western Tanager, male in Waukesha County May 21, 2020
Sandhill Crane just passed a grub worm to the colt Waukesha County May 24, 2020
Sandhill Crane colt stretching those wings Waukesha County May 24, 2020
Black-bellied Whistling Duck, male at Washinton Park Milwaukee County May 27, 2020
Black-bellied Whistling Duck, male at Washinton Park Milwaukee County May 27, 2020
Barred Owl in Milwaukee County June 1, 2020
Barred Owl owlet Milwaukee County June 1, 2020
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo Milwaukee County June 7, 2020
Sandhill Crane rolling over the eggs on the nest Milwaukee County June 7, 2020
Sandhill Crane sitting on the nest Milwaukee County June 7, 2020
Alder Flycatcher in the South Kettle Moraine Waukesha County June 8, 2020
Bobolink, male at Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County June 16, 2020
Bobolink, female with food in the bill, looks like a Daddy Long Legs at Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County June 16, 2020
Common Loon stretching in Sawyer County July 4, 2020
Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County July 4, 2020
Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County July 8, 2020
Eastern Bluebird, female in the yard in Waukesha County July 8, 2020
Sandhill Crane in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County July 19,2020
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County July 20, 2020
Great Egret shaken off in Burlington in Racine County July 21, 2020
Great Egret with something to eat in Burlington in Racine County July 21, 2020
Mexican Violetear Hummingbird in Crawford County August 2, 2020
Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County August 4, 2020
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee County August 23, 2020
Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County August 26, 2020
American Golden Plover at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County August 28, 2020
Green Heron at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County August 28, 2020
Green Heron at Lakeshore State Park with a nice Rock Bass Milwaukee County August 28, 2020
Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Boerner Botanical Gardens August 28, 2020
Semipalmated Plover at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County September 9, 2020
Sanderling at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County September 9, 2020
Great Egret, hunting for something to eat at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County September 9, 2020
Great Egret, with a catch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County September 9, 2020
Sora with a worm to eat at Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee County September 9, 2020
Nelson’s Sharpe-tailed Sparrow at Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee County September 23, 2020
Least Sandpiper at Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee County September 29, 2020
Northern Waterthrush at Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee County September 29, 2020
Harris’s Sparrow at Lake Park in Milwaukee County October 2, 2020
Pine Siskin getting things to eat in Milwaukee County October 9, 2020
Peregrine Falcon at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 11, 2020
Horned Lark at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 11, 2020
California Gull coughing up a large pellet at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County October 20, 2020
Snow Bunting at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County October 25, 2020
Dunlin getting back up on the rock after a little slip at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 26, 2020
White-rumped Sandpiper at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 30, 2020
Sanderling at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 31, 2020
Dunlins at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 31, 2020
Tufted Titmouse in Marquette County November 2, 2020
The Long-eared Owl in Southeast Wisconsin on November 11, 2020
Sandhill Crane in Oconomowoc in Waukesha County November 14, 2020
Sandhill Crane adult with juvenile in Oconomowoc in Waukesha County November 14, 2020
Sanderling posing pretty at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County November 19, 2020
Evening Grosbeak at Grant Park in Milwaukee County December 1, 2020
Common Redpoll at Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee County December 8, 2020
The Snowy Owl fluffing up those feathers at the Lake Express in Milwaukee County December 13, 2020
Bullock’s Oriole, young male in Door County on December 15, 2020
Bullock’s Oriole in Door County on December 15, 2020
The Allen’s Hummingbird at a distance in Green County on December 18, 2020
The Harlequin Duck, 1st year male at Port Washington in Ozaukee County December 28, 2020
The Harlequin Ducks habitat of fast moving water and rocks, this was close to that at Port Washington in Ozaukee County December 28, 2020
Long-tailed Duck, male at Port Washington in Ozaukee County on December 28, 2020
Long-tailed Duck at take off at Port Washington in Ozaukee County on December 28, 2020
One of my birding stops today produced a surprise Great Egret. Greenfield Park was one stop on the way home, just in case. I guess today was that day. The bird was off an island feeding when I arrived. On a couple of occasions it fed along a shore until pedestrians came along on bike or foot not realizing the bird was there and the bird flushed. Still one Green Heron present, just saw it fly by when I was there. It was a beautiful day with some sun, a nice breeze, actually had a sweatshirt today. Images were taken on September 15, 2020.
Great Egret moving through the water very slow, hunting for something to eat…
A fish!
In flight after a biker came by…
Getting a fish!
Another fish…
New catch…
I think this is the kill….squish!
Almost down…
A little bite!
Fish in the throat going down…
On one of my birding stops today I was stunned when I looked down and saw a 4 foot plus long Northern Water Snake. I counted 5 different ones, they all were very big at 4 feet plus in length. It was actually pretty cool to see them. They sit very still and wait for a frog or fish to come by for something to eat, I think that is what was going on when I saw them. They eat other things too. Even though this species is not venomous, they are considered an aggressive species and will bite if handled. No major birds to report. The snakes were very exciting, it made my day. The morning started out very pleasant with a nice breeze from the northwest. It was sun and clouds mixed. Images were taken on July 10, 2020.
The Northern Water Snake laying there very still…
The Northern Water Snake just sitting motionless probably waiting for something to come by to eat…
I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2019. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2019. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!
Hooded Merganser, male Fox River Waukesha County January 1, 2019
Hooded Merganser, male Fox River Waukesha County January 1, 2019
American Robin in Milwaukee County January 10, 2019
Northern Saw-whet Owl in Wisconsin January 12, 2019
Northern Saw-whet Owl in Wisconsin January 12, 2019
Northern Saw-whet Owl in Wisconsin January 12, 2019
Northern Saw-whet Owl in Wisconsin January 12, 2019
Great Horned Owls in Milwaukee County January 20, 2019
Dark-eyed Junco Lake Park Milwaukee County January 26, 2019
Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin February 6, 2019
Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin February 6, 2019
Great Horned Owl, female tucked away on the nest in Milwaukee County February 14, 2019
Blue Jay in Marquette County February 16, 2019
Herring Gull with breakfast on the Fox River in Waukesha County February 20, 2019
Eastern Screech Owl, red morph soaking up some sun in Milwaukee County February 21, 2019
Eastern Screech Owl, red morph in Milwaukee County February 21, 2019
Cooper’s Hawk at the Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee County February 22, 2019
American Tree Sparrow in Milwaukee County February 24, 2019
Distant shot of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow eating weed seeds (Center right) in Lafayette County February 25, 2019
Lapland Longspur in Lafayette County February 25, 2019
Great Tit at Indian Mound Park in Sheboygan March 3, 2019
Bald Eagle, juvenile on the Fox River in Waukesha County March 3, 2019
Townsend’s Solitaire at Port Washington in Ozaukee County March 8, 2019
Townsend’s Solitaire turns on a dime in search of insects at Port Washington in Ozaukee County March 8, 2019
Barred Owl, male resting in Milwaukee County March 11, 2019
Mute Swan at the Fox River in Waukesha County March 11, 2019
Mute Swan being shy at the Fox River in Waukesha County March 11, 2019
Red-breasted Merganser, male Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Greater Scaup, female Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Common Goldeneye, male Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Common Goldeneye, male Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Greater Scaup, male Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Greater Scaup, female Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Common Goldeneye, female Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County March 17, 2019
Red-breasted Merganser, female at the Fox River Waukesha County March 19, 2019
Red-breasted Merganser, female with a bullhead at the Fox River Waukesha County March 19, 2019
Killdeer at the Lake Express in Milwaukee County March 22, 2019
Redhead on the Fox River in Waukesha County March 22, 2019
Red-winged Blackbird at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County March 22, 2019
Red-winged Blackbird at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County March 24, 2019
Red-breasted Merganser, male at Lakeshore State Park March 24, 2019
Mourning Dove carrying nesting material to the nest in Waukesha County March 25, 2019
Common Loon coming in for a landing on the Fox River in Waukesha County March 29, 2019
Common Loon taking off on the Fox River in Waukesha County March 29, 2019
American Robin leucistic at the Schultz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee County April 1, 2019
American Robin leucistic at the Schultz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee County April 1, 2019
Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon at Grant Park in Milwaukee County April 3, 2019
Golden-crowned Kinglets at Veterans and Lake Park in Milwaukee County April 5, 2019
Golden-crowned Kinglets at Veterans and Lake Park in Milwaukee County April 5, 2019
Yellow-rumped Warbler going for a gnat at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County April 9, 2019
Yellow-rumped Warbler at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County April 9, 2019
Winter Wren at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County April 9, 2019
Winter Wren, just how they stand at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County April 9, 2019
Eastern Towhee, male at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center April 12, 2019
Eastern Towhee, male at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center April 12, 2019
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female at Lake Park in Milwaukee County April 12, 2019
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, female-left, male-right at Lake Park in Milwaukee County April 12, 2019
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male at Lake Park in Milwaukee County April 12, 2019
Eastern Towhee, female at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center April 15, 2019
Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Count April 15, 2019
Bonaparte’s Gull with something in the bill at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County April 15, 2019
Wild Turkey at Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee County April 19, 2019
Red-bellied Woodpecker, male at Lake Park in Milwaukee County April 19, 2019
Brown Thrasher at Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee County April 25, 2019
Northern Shoveler at the Fox River in Waukesha County April 25, 2019
Say….Ahh….Northern Shoveler at the Fox River in Waukesha County April 25, 2019
Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Palm Warbler, male singing at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Yellow-rumped Warbler male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
American Avocet at Lakeshore State Park May 1, 2019
American Avocets with a few Willets at Lakeshore State Park May 1, 2019
American Avocets returning to the beach area at Lakeshore State Park May 1, 2019
Willet left and Marbled Godwit right at Lakeshore State Park May 1, 2019
Willets in coming at Lakeshore State Park May 1, 2019
Willets with a Marbled Godwit in the middle at Lakeshore State Park May 1, 2019
Cape May Warbler, male at Whitnall Park Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Cape May Warbler, male at Whitnall Park Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Whitnall Park Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Chestnut-sided Warbler, female at Whitnall Park Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
Common Yellowthroat, male at Whitnall Park Milwaukee County May 6, 2019
White-eyed Vireo at Lake Park Milwaukee County May 9, 2019
Black-and-white Warbler at Wehr Nature Center May 11, 2019
Pine Warbler, male in the yard in Waukesha County May 12, 2019
Hooded Warbler, male at Lake Park in Milwaukee County May 13, 2019
Hooded Warbler, male at Lake Park in Milwaukee County May 13, 2019
Summer Tanager, female at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 13, 2019
Summer Tanager, female squishing a bee at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 13, 2019
Yellow-throated Warbler at the Fox River Parkway Waukesha County May 15, 2019
Scarlet Tanager, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Common Yellowthroat, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Blackpoll Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Mourning Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
American Redstart, male singing at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Canada Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Magnolia Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Black-throated Green Warbler at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee Count May 16, 2019
Blackburnian Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Bay-breasted Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Wilson’s Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 16, 2019
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at Lake Park in Milwaukee County May 17, 2019
Prothonotary Warbler, female at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County May 19, 2019
Painted Bunting in Douglas County May 21, 2019
Painted Bunting in Douglas County May 21, 2019
Painted Bunting in Douglas County May 21, 2019
Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County May 28, 2019
Canada Geese, goslings at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County May 28, 2019
Green Herons on the nest with an egg in Milwaukee County May 29, 2019
Green Heron on the nest with an egg in Milwaukee County May 29, 2019
Sanderling with something in the bill at Sheboygan May 31, 2019
Ruddy Turnstone, a male finding things to eat at Sheboygan May 31, 2019
Fight for the “Rock”, American White Pelicans at Sheboygan May 31, 2019
American White Pelican at Sheboygan May 31, 2019
American White Pelican at Sheboygan May 31, 2019
Eastern Kingbird at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County June 3, 2019
Great Crested Flycatcher with nesting material on a Screech Owl house in the yard Waukesha County June 6, 2019
Great Crested Flycatcher in the yard Waukesha County June 6, 2019
Great Crested Flycatcher bringing in nesting material in the yard in Waukesha County June 6, 2019
Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County June 10, 2019
Sandhill Crane with a colt watching the adult probe for food in Waukesha County June 12, 2019
Sandhill Crane with a colt getting a grub from the adult in Waukesha County June 12, 2019
Sandhill Crane colt grabbing a worm the adult pulled from the ground in Waukesha County June 12, 2019
Sandhill Crane colt in Waukesha County on June 12, 2019
Common Merganser, male at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee June 20, 2019
Indigo Bunting, male eating Spiderwort seeds in the yard June 21, 2019
Great Horned Owl owlet found on an island while fishing, must be looking in the direction of the “Mom” in Sawyer County June 28, 2019
Great Horned Owl owlet found on an island while fishing in Sawyer County June 28, 2019
Great Horned Owl owlets found on an island while fishing in Sawyer County June 28, 2019
Common Loon with chick eating a minnow the adult just brought up in Sawyer County June 31, 2019
Common Loon with chick in Sawyer County June 31, 2019
Common Loon chick in Sawyer County June 31, 2019
Common Loon stretching in Sawyer County June 31, 2019
Red-winged Blackbird chick at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County July 3, 2019
Ospreys, juvenile in Ozaukee County July 14, 2019
Bobolink, male at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County July 8, 2019
Killdeer chick at the Milwaukee lakefront August 3, 2019
Osprey with a catch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 17, 2019
Mississippi Kite in Wisconsin August 16, 2019
Mississippi Kite in Wisconsin August 16, 2019
Mississippi Kite in Wisconsin August 16, 2019
Mississippi Kite in Wisconsin August 16, 2019
Green Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 18, 2019
Broad-winged Hawk, juvenile in Forest County August 19, 2019
Double-crested Cormorants, juveniles seen while Sailbirding on the Milwaukee lakefront August 21, 2019
Caspian Terns, juveniles while Sailbirding in Milwaukee County on August 21, 2019
Red Knot, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 3, 2019
Red Knot, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 3, 2019
Red Knot, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 3, 2019
Sanderling finding things to eat at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County September 3, 2019
Sanderling at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County September 3, 2019
Sanderling with something in the bill at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County September 3, 2019
Sora, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 5, 2019
Sora, juvenile with food in the bill at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 5, 2019
Sora, juvenile slithering through the leaves of a wildflower at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 5, 2019
Spotted Sandpiper at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2019
Spotted Sandpiper at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2019
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County August 9, 2019
Semipalmated Plover at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County September 10, 2019
Sanderling with food in the bill at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County September 10, 2019
Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 20, 2019
Chukar in Racine County September 27, 2019
Chukar looking for seeds in Racine County September 26, 2019
Marsh Wren at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County September 27, 2019
Snow Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County September 30, 2019
Snow Goose with a Canada Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County September 30, 2019
Pied-billed Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County October 1, 2019
American Pipit at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County November 1, 2019
Horned Lark one of two present at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County November 1, 2019
Horned Lark at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County November 1, 2019
Cedar Waxwing at Port Washington in Ozaukee County November 13, 2019
Hooded Merganser, male in Waukesha County November 20, 2019
Hooded Merganser, male in Waukesha County November 20, 2019
Ruddy Duck, female at the Fox River in Waukesha County November 22, 2019
Snowy Owl in Milwaukee County lakefront December 2, 2019
Snowy Owl at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County December 3, 2019
Snowy Owl at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County December 3, 2019
Red-tailed Hawk during the Christmas Bird Count at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County December15, 2019
Townsend’s Solitaire at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee County December 16, 2019
Nothing goes to waste! Amazing what will show up on a trail cam if White-tailed Deer insides are left in a field after dressing the animal. A friend offered me insides from a deer that he just shot with a bow. I said why not. I set the insides in a field with a trail cam close by. I checked on it a few days later, some nice video was captured of some beautiful birds. I feel some great video to educate anyone that does not realize what goes on when we are not around, nature takes care of a lot of things. Some of the insides were frozen at times by the looks of things.
A list of videos of the different birds species below at each link:
Bald Eagle Adult video #1: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMn1ZOIREoIj4T2is2s8jhLCXIyLsoy9HeJR8bisUuP3ioMyseYscRI_Y_cz24z5Q/photo/AF1QipOZbuKBLwaOjKs6mgWvUoOQoRnynfFJg6gF0kxM?key=NXg0aWtLWUhVZUM3bGxZTWZVR2VJa1BTQ1ozQ3pB
Bald Eagle Adult video #2: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPrN8rnuUkO01OvobJo9b6TtwwavO8yI0P4xcihmmZigWF1WHcRfTi8OFQRa2RQeQ?key=cERadW96Q09HeTI3RkJqX1F6SjVoUmgycVp6eDRB
Bald Eagle 3rd year video #1: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPBrmYLwu6b6hQsMJXv-k_OnvLvfm9L5mikStYZWQ4Fu9dxPx2UQZmtTA8UgOIJJw/photo/AF1QipPgL7UHhRzbre33rcti0ffpBwTOccZ4oCUQrG9a?key=QU5nbGxmcGhmU1hwNDVKT1BKSEtmVDdqRV9KUTdn
Bald Eagle 3rd year video #2 https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP-Gd382w7ql9oJmmKj6TC3NXWkOCEN9Ozsq9AeEmI2sTehab4wOXj7HyAgi4F8Ew/photo/AF1QipMK-uST1zrhR2LWN1pnqs–G0Ih3n5kKmE2xL4O?key=YjVJWkVIVHp5VTJrdGtmRTZ6bGJWcGZKNS1Tc2R3
Rough-legged Hawk video #1: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO_k8lEDVqS-KJz51L6Q3rkXJQXDPTrPdOmOJy64X8HkR_r9J4LJZUpbRrIM-MCdA/photo/AF1QipOdSsX0BE2LWyZ-t-5jbO-5GwSu2m_W1tznTqmc?key=Rkl0MWo3TnhfX05tN3VYMmVXeHBTczREcnZFOTZB
Rough-legged Hawk video #2:https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMQgmA7CEYovhe_-9Jq56WWxOLhRnnBQsImcQQ2-p4_wVhu3R41mpEDMTzvIJ-uuw/photo/AF1QipNts1poIOTCU6xMB6mnGnXEP5BJiBAmgAzZDEJc?key=R01oSVRXb3ZYa21BRHFzS3dsX3JIdXY4Y0pOb05B
American Crows video #1: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPCXQ7-tfgakyeZnSkr9jel1aqrD1cTngZDumIk9OsNW4IZLmwmiojeyba0g3Xrrg/photo/AF1QipNtsaqrAn5DgDO0vLCurh5fIBpe2NpZjR7z_jfN?key=X1JEZkJGc0lWbnBTVkVnVnFQSWQ5dHROVW9INGRB
American Crows video #2: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNpHS9hFCLbkveWHDKfWuvh84-H1hMEE5ZQyO1wT2FzoifCpH-y1wlu4eYXz_Qh_g/photo/AF1QipPLdnrqGazVzc6feUtGMJKe8y3-YCQa1qT9eFmO?key=eXVTMF95djFnX1Q1akh2Uk00WU5fS05vcDJMR2lB
Downy Woodpecker stand up to a Blue Jay video #1: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO26SpHLhncDQjcpSaavk7NALukkPGxPymlIkepEZ_fXl_OffzJMDpj5b-qmuHqqA/photo/AF1QipPq70_fd0j5A1ESjerwTxtQbFbLNnmfyaCGSRsk?key=WU1LTDlaR2xOSWVnMkU3a0dScGRWaGc4MlVfQmhB
A tour of fall colors on a road trip at the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in Michigan’s UP provided some of the most stunning fall colors ever witnessed. It was only a one day tour for a few hours on a day I would have called PEAK season for colors. Images were taken on October 7, 2019.
“Lake of the Clouds” at Porcupine Mountains Wildness State Park
Lake of the Clouds
Lake Superior in a distance…
Looking east…
En route, just a roadside pond…
En route, pond with a stream…
Lake of the Clouds
After a tip from a friend about a Mississippi Kite here in Wisconsin, I decided to check it out. I arrived early and found this male bird perched in a dead tree in the area it might be found. I watched it for awhile as it repeatedly went for large flying insects and dragonflies or it perched. It preened a lot and when it was not preening it just remained perched looking for something to eat. Once I saw it fly and could see why it got the name “kite”. The bird was trying to get something on the side of a leafed out deciduous tree and it was flying like a kite would look, both top of the wings facing me, make like small radius’s in a figure-eight. Pretty cool to see! Obviously a life bird. Sorry, I can not share this location. The early morning started out cloudy but soon gave way to some sunshine. Images were taken on August 16, 2019.
The Mississippi Kite is found perched in a tree after looking sometime for it…
The Mississippi leaves the perch and does some flying around in the area, always looking for things to eat…
Always searching for food…
Must have excellent vision as it went for an insect about 500 feet away from the perch at the bottom of tree…
Cruising low in search of things to eat…
Close by overhead…
Returning to the perch, it flies over me…
After some time the Mississippi Kite returns to the area…soaring low, always looking for something to eat…
Searching…
Searching…
Off a ways in search of…
A pass over me…
Soaring around the area…
Here the bird appears to be onto something that I could not see.
Another opportunity came up for me to get on a Sailbirding adventure at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center and I did not pass it up. It was a beautiful day, low winds to start with mostly sunny skies. Sailor Carl Eisenberg lead the group with excellent birders Jennifer Ambrose and Lorri Howski, along with myself. We headed out and had a heck of a great time! 10 species of birds seen along with breakwall. I don’t have numbers on each species but there were large numbers of Double-crested Cormorants and Caspian Terns along with gulls. Species seen were Sanderlings, Great Blue Heron, Least Sandpiper, Double crested Cormorants, Caspian Terns, Herring Gulls, Spotted Sandpiper and Ring-billed Gulls were some.
NOTE: The purpose of this sailbirding trip today was to document bird species on a portion of the breakwaters (breakwall to some). This portion of the breakwall has been changed by the Army Corps of Engineering by strategically adding smaller rocks to the giant ones along the breakwall structure. The Army Corps has collaborated with UWM with hopes to create breakwall habitat for a variety of living creatures including birds.
On the way out to do some awesome Sailbirding!
Double-crested Cormorants, juveniles
Caspian Terns, juveniles with lighter color heads…
A Great Blue Heron flying around way out…
Least Sandpiper
Sanderling on the breakwall…
Least Sandpiper…
Caspian Terns juveniles…the stretch…
Caspian Tern juvenile
Double-crested Cormorant, juvenile
Herring Gull
Sanderling
Sanderling
Herring Gull, juvenile
Double -crested Cormorant just up from fishing…
The sailor Carl Eisenberg, it was smooth sailing as they say!
Jennifer taking a break after counting all those birds!
Lorri still in search of that rare bird!
Jim just looking for something different!
The skyline…
The Sailbirding group today!
It was an exciting morning birding with friends to help raise money for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. The team I was part of was Jen’s Warbler Warriors. Teammates Jennifer Rutten – captain, with Carl Eisenberg, Carl Swartz, Marilyn Bontly, Helen Bolgrien, Karen Johnson, Jack Coulter, Amanda, Norma Zehner and myself. 44 species found, not bad for a June day at a city park! Nice $$ raised for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon! It was a beautiful morning out looking for our feather friends, with full sun, little wind and mild temps. Images were taken on June 5, 2019.
Downy Woodpecker male feeding young…
Eastern Bluebird, male
House Wren working on nest building…
High up Great-crested Flycatcher…
Part of the team in search of…
In search of birds…
Before the walk…
A little pep talk…
Some of the teammates at the start…
Give this Wisconsin bird quiz at try! It may be easy or it may be difficult. I have gotten requests for more quizzes and quizzes of this type. There are 50 images making that 25 matches. To try this quiz, I suggest a paper and pencil. Write down e.g. images #1 and #14 seem to be a match or have something in common, etc. When you are finished check with the answers below. If you come across something that appears to be incorrect, please let me know. This quiz is the first of it’s kind so feed back is appreciated if possible. Thank you
Answers are below the images, have fun!
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Sparrow ID Quiz ~ test yourself on these beautiful birds that can be found sometime during the year here in Wisconsin! With the other bird ID Quizzes going over well, and many requests for a Sparrow ID quiz, I have put one together. All images were taken by me and photographed here in Wisconsin. Answers are below last photo at the bottom of the page. There is a chance you may see some color variation in sparrows considering sex, age or time of year. There are books, FB groups, phone apps, classes to learn more. There are also presentations to help in learning bird ID, look for details at your local nature center. Special Note: I have complied a list of 18 species, there are 20 images, as I have an image of both the male and female House Sparrow. This quiz may not be as easy as the other quizzes! See how well you do, have fun too!
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19
#20
#1 – White-crowned Sparrow
#2 – Fox Sparrow
#3 – Savannah Sparrow
#4 – Field Sparrow
#5 – American Tree Sparrow
#6 – House Sparrow – Male
#7 – Song Sparrow
#8 – Henslow’s Sparrow – Retzer Nature Center
#9 – Lincoln’s Sparrow
#10 – Chipping Sparrow
#11 – Le Conte’s Sparrow – Magic Hedge
#12 – Lark Sparrow – Lake Park
#13 – Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow – Magic Hedge
#14 – White-throated Sparrow
#15 – Harris’s Sparrow – Retzer Nature Center
#16 – Vesper Sparrow – Marquette County
#17 – Clay-colored Sparrow
#18 – House Sparrow – Female
#19 – Grasshopper Sparrow – Magic Hedge
#20 – Swamp Sparrow
Ducks, Grebes, and Geese ID Quiz ~ test yourself on these beautiful birds that can be found sometime during the year here in Wisconsin! There are 52 images, see how well you do. Answers are below the last photo at the bottom of the page. There is a chance you may see some color variation in ducks, grebes, or geese considering sex, age or time of year. There are books, FB groups, phone apps, classes to lean more. There are also presentations to help in learning bird ID, look for details at your local nature center. Please let me know if you see an error, thank you. Special Note: I have compiled a list of 52 images of ducks, grebes, and geese. I am missing a few of the images for various reasons, sorry. This quiz may not be as easy as the warbler or shorebird quiz! Don’t look for these ducks in the quiz as they are missing: Northern Pintail fm, Barrow’s Goldeneye fm.
# 1
# 2
# 3 Narrow black nail, and not the wide black on the tip of the bill tells you it is a?
# 4
# 5
# 6 Narrow black nail, and not the wide black on the tip of the bill tells you it is a?
# 7
# 8
# 9
# 10
# 11
# 12
# 13
# 14
# 15
# 16 left —— # 17 right
# 18
# 19 female —– # 20 male
# 21
# 22
# 23
#24
# 25
# 26 – assuming this is a female, what species?
# 27
# 28
# 29
# 30
# 31 A rare vistor
# 32
# 33
# 34
# 35
# 36
# 37
# 38
#39
#40
#41
#42
# 43
# 44
# 45
# 46 White tip on the bill means it is a…
# 47
# 48
# 49
# 50
# 51
# 52
#1 – Mallard – male
#2 – Northern Shoveler – male
#3 –Lesser Scaup – male
#4 – Canvasback – female
#5 – Redhead – male
#6 – Lesser Scaup – female
# 7 – Bufflehead – male
#8 – Wood Duck – female
#9 – Long-tailed Duck – male
#10 – Canvasback – male
#11 – Redhead – female
#12 – Northern Shoveler – female
#13 – Ring-necked Duck – female
#14 – Bufflehead – female
#15 – Ring-necked Duck – male
#16 – Eurasian Wigeon – male
#17 – American Wigeon – male
#18 – Harlequin Duck – male
#19 – Gadwall – female
#20 – Gadwall – male
#21 – Blue-winged Teal – female
#22 – Blue-winged Teal – male
#23 – Greater Scaup – male
#24 – Common Merganser – female
#25 – Common Goldeneye – female
#26 – Hooded Merganser – female
#27 –Ruddy Duck – female
#28 – Red-breasted Merganser – male
#29 – Greater Scaup – female
#30 – Wood Duck – male
#31 – Cinnamon Teal – male
#32 – Green-winged Teal – female
#33 – Hooded Merganser – male
#34 – Green-winged Teal – male
#35 – Common Goldeneye – male
#36 – Barrow’s Goldeneye – male
#37 – Ruddy Duck – male
#38 – Long-tailed Duck – female
#39 – Mallard – female
#40 – American Black Duck, male
#41 – Red-breasted Merganser, female
#42 – Common Merganser, male
#43 – Pied-billed Grebe
#44 – Western Grebe
#45 – Eared Grebe
#46 – Horned Grebe
#47 – Red-necked Grebe
#48 – Snow Goose
#49 – Canada Goose
#50 – Greater White-fronted Goose
#51 – Ross’s Goose
#52 – Cackling Goose
