Wisconsin has so much to offer with native wildflowers blooming spring through fall, I thought I would share a few. Most were taken in the yard here in Waukesha County and some were also taken in some local parks.
I saw a report of a rare Black-headed Gull found at Sheboygan’s North Point late evening. I got up early and headed to Sheboygan and was there at sun up. After doing some searching at different locations and coming up empty I got a message that there were a lot … Continue reading
The Cassin’s Kingbird, so very rare to the state of Wisconsin, in fact the 1st state record seen on June 6. This birds normal range is southwestern US. At 2:15 AM, John D, Greg and I made the run up to Marathon County with hopes to see the bird on … Continue reading
It was that time of the year and I thought I would check to see if the Bobolinks are back at Retzer Nature Center. They were giving nice views from a distance. Males were chasing around some females. These are interesting birds to follow as they move to different spots, … Continue reading
Birding some of the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning a stop at the Lake Express was well worth it. A Lark Bunting, male had just been seen by Jym M. but was not currently being seen. What a great bird and find! I thought I would hang around to see … Continue reading
There have been a few birding surprises this spring and they have not stopped showing up yet. In Dane County a Fulvous Whistling-Duck was found and the word got out. We were up north when I saw the post in wisbird, but only a little over an hour drive I … Continue reading
While I was at Wehr Nature Center this morning checking out warblers I heard there was a reported Connecticut Warbler, male at Lake Park in Milwaukee. I made the run over to Lake Park and the warbler was found in the Locust Ravine. The bird was eating gnats from what … Continue reading
A stop at Wehr Nature Center and a brief stop at the Fox River in Waukesha produced some great warbler action today. Some of the species seen were Yellow, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Bay Breasted, Blackpoll, Golden-winged, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned, Northern Parula, Mourning, Canada, and Wilson’s along with Yellow throated … Continue reading
While out birding I heard of a report of the rare for this area, a Say’s Phoebe at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee County. The normal range for this species is western Dakota’s and west. I was only a few minutes so I made the run over there mid morning. … Continue reading
I stopped by McKinley Beach and it was a nice surprise to see 24 Willets. They were spread out all over the beach finding things to eat. No pedestrians or dogs were around so they were just doing their thing. Some looked very tired as they were probably were just … Continue reading
There was a report of a Ash-throated Flycatcher at Wind Point in Racine and I needed this species for my Wisconsin life list. When I arrived at the lighthouse I found other birders and they said I just missed it! They then said it just flew down the hedge along … Continue reading
It was a fun time photographing this rare bird, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Being in Racine, this male is far from its normal range, Nebraska and south. It has been visiting the area of Shoop Park Golf Course beach area there. This bird put on a great show and I found … Continue reading
Warnimont Park was the hot spot today if you ask me. Hooded, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, Yellow, Nashville, Black and White, Tennessee, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, and Orange-crowned were some. It was a cloudy day with a good breeze, cold. Images were taken on April 26, 2022.
A stop at Warnimont Park in Milwaukee provided nice views of a Summer Tanager, an immature male. This bird is out of it’s normal range which is mid Illinois and south. We do get a couple in the state every year. The Summer Tanager fed on gnats along the bluff … Continue reading
I heard the report of a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes in Milwaukee County. These birds are out of their normal range which is west of the Mississippi River. I needed this bird on my Wisconsin life list so I went for it in the early morning. After about 3 hours … Continue reading
It was nice to see this rare visitor to the area, a Yellow-throated Warbler giving excellent views at Greenfield Park. The normal range for this warbler species is south of Wisconsin. We typically get them in far southwest Wisconsin. The warbler put on a great show at a wood-chip pile … Continue reading
I had the opportunity to photograph some Wood Ducks and did not pass it up. These beautiful ducks gave nice views on a gorgeous sunny day but with the wind it almost felt like winter. Images were taken on April 14, 2022.
This time of year Garter Snakes can be found coming out of hibernation and enjoying some of the mild temperatures of spring. They are a little sluggish or dormant but some are starting to come alive. I found some today on a walk and took some photos of them. I … Continue reading
A birding stop at the Fox River in Waukesha early am produced nice views of Ring-necked, Lesser Scaup, Redhead and Common Goldeneye ducks. Also present was 1 American Coot and a lot of Mallards. The main river had a thin layer of ice so these ducks were closer to the … Continue reading
Birding about Waukesha County I came across a couple of Sandhill Cranes off the highway. They must have come in the last day or two. They moved around and seemed to find some food in a few spots where maybe frost was not in the ground. It was nice seeing … Continue reading
