I made the first trip up to Horicon Marsh this spring early morning today. I was there at sun up and it was a beautiful morning. I stopped on Hwy 49 and there was nothing special going on that I could see. I hit the auto tour next a couple of times and it provided some nice views of American White Pelicans, Great Egrets and a few Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Mixed in with the yellowlegs was a beautiful male Wilson’s Phalarope. Other than that common ducks that have been reported, Sandhill Cranes, Double-crested Cormorants, etc. I hit Dike Road and it was pretty quiet, all I could come up with was a Great Blue Heron for something special. Nice morning to be out with 38 degrees to start with sun, but after a couple of hours the clouds rolled in and I headed south. Images were taken in the early morning sun on April 30, 2015.
Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope
Binomial name: Phalaropus tricolor
Category: Sandpipers and Phalaropes and Allies
Size: 9.25” long, 17” wing span
Weight: 2.1 oz
Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope
American White Pelican
American White Pelican preening
American White Pelicans
American White Pelican
American White Pelicans
American White Pelicans
American White Pelican
American White Pelican
American White Pelican
American White Pelicans resting
American White Pelican
Great Egret
Great Egrets
Great Egrets
Great Egrets
Great Egret preening
Great Egret
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane
Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Totally brill, once again! Jim, these are sweet! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Thank you Jim. Greg and I were there yesterday and did not see the phalarope but probably didn’t know what we were looking at. Your photos are so appreciated. I do hope to meet you at the wso convention this year.
Janet Flynn
Nice pictures
Thanks for sharing, Jim. We took a drive Sunday to Horicon and the White Pelicans put on a spectacular display/show for us.
Not sure what makes these images so breathtaking, Jim. That delicate little Phalarope even creates a beautiful reflection in the water that holds her. What a contrast to the American Pelicans w/stocky bodies..but then they become graceful and elegant when airborne. I feel like I’m right there – at the marsh – early morning. I would have missed it all if not for your trip, camera, and generosity!
Great series of photos Jim…Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.
awesome egret pictures, Jim – beautiful light, beautifully caught. Nice work! And thanx for sharing your time and talents.