Mega Rarity! Door County has produced another unbelievable bird, a White Wagtail! A bird that’s normal range is Asia, Europe and some of Africa. There have been a few other sightings in the US but spread out over very many years. 1st state record for Wisconsin! The bird was seen yesterday but I felt with time running out in the day with light I decided to make the run this morning. Leaving the house at 3:30 am I arrived in darkness, but I don’t want to be late. I was the first out to the area where the bird was seen yesterday. Just as it was getting light after 15 minutes I spotted the bird bopping around finding things to eat I assume. I called a couple other birders that had arrived and 3 three of us watched it in and out of the rocky ground. Birders arrived as many as at least 20 had great views of the bird for about an 1 1/2 hours before it came down the beach area shoreline where I was as I was headed out. For me Wisconsin life bird #382. A very big thank you goes out to Candy and Rush Evans, super great birders in Sturgeon Bay as they found this awesome bird at the park and got the word out for others to see it. It was a cloudy day with some light fog, mild temps around 36 degrees and light winds that picked up at times. Images are so-so with the cloudy day conditions and the distance of the bird from all of us. Images were taken on December 29, 2024.
The White Wagtail at the beach area…
Typical to see the White Wagtail on rocks with the tail bobbing…
Nice back view…
It did get a few things to eat as it moved down the beach shoreline…
Great shots, Jim! I’m glad to see your diligence is rewarded once again.
Getting there that early paid off. As always, great photos. While in Germany for 6 years with Military, this Wagtail was common and beautiful.
Aww so cute. But why here so early? I hope it finds a mate or flock again. Or is it just so advanced it is more in leaf of seasonal change?
Nice looks Jim. I wanted to go but didn’t.
Awesome and rewarding I’m sure. Way to go!🖐
Gorgeous shots,Jim!
Awesome. Your efforts definitely paid off. Hats off to you and thanks for sharing.
Wow photos!
What a beautiful bird!
What a great find!!