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Window to Wildlife features the photography of Jim Edlhuber. A lifelong native of Wisconsin, Jim has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He considers himself an avid photographer and is always trying to capture nature and wildlife through his lens. He is in several photography clubs and has won numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has focused mostly on birding photography and finds it to be the most challenging.

Bat roost construction information in Waukesha Wisconsin on April 3, 2017

I have had some requests for information on the construction of the bat roost we have on the front of our garage in Waukesha County. The fake door in the images has an outer covering of sheet aluminum, which just covers the roost itself. There is no entry into the garage. There are 3 chambers open top and bottom in the roost. Inside the 3 vertical chambers is about 8″ x 3/4″ x 54″ long. The outside of this roost is about 42″ x 54″. This roost hangs on the front of the garage. The inside of the roost there is no vinyl siding, it is all cedar. The bat roost was built on the ground and then hung up. This roost faces west and gets all afternoon sun. Bats come in and out from both ends, there is no rhyme or reason to where they are coming out next. I used rough sawn cedar boards for this, and the bats just cling to the face of these boards. They can leave the roost 2-3 or 4 at a time, just amazing. There are a few trees in the front yard. If you are standing on the driveway near the roost which happens once in awhile, the bats just come out and fly around you or over you. If you have parked cars on the driveway, they just come out and go over them, no collisions. The bats have been using this roost every year for probably 15-20 years. Numbers change every year. On the average in summer it has 25 bats in it during the day. When it really gets warm out, 70’s and 80’s it really fills up. When it gets extremely hot, they don’t hang out in the roost, it gets too hot. A typical evening at dusk the roost empties out. They usually empty the place out within 5-10 minutes. Bats are everywhere in the yard flying around catching insects probably mosquito’s. Bats seem to return to the roost at different times. If I am out very early in the morning I notice bats are returning to the roost. I only once found a bat on the ground under the roost, picked it up and let it rest awhile. After a few minutes I picked it up, held out my hand and it flew off. If a mess accumulates under the roost I just hose off the driveway right under the roost. I check the roost everyday and April 2 was the first of the year bats. When weather is cold, they may not leave the roost for a week or two.

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Bat leaving the roost at dusk…

1 chamber looking up inside the roost

1 chamber looking up inside the roost. You can see light at the top where it is open. It appears here I also used a piece of rough sawn cedar plywood.

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2 of the 3 chambers looking up

A bat leaving...

A bat leaving…

Another view of a chamber

The bat, a dark spot area about 1/3 of the way up inside on the right side out of focus. Another view of a chamber looking up. Image taken 4-3-2017

Bat coming out...

Bat coming out, this image taken in 2011…

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Brant at Goose Pond in Dane County Wisconsin on March 31, 2017

I arrived at Goose Pond in Dane County 6:35 am as daylight was becoming real. As I pulled up behind Aaron H on the shoulder, he was waving his arm to show the Brant was taking flight off the west pond. He had nice views moments earlier. The bird flew over us and landed on the east end of the east pond. It was windy, light mist and gloomy but after a few minutes Aaron relocated the bird and Kyle showed up and we all had distant views. I managed a doc shot below. After about 15 minutes, we could not relocate the bird. I was there yesterday and tried for this bird but failed. It was in the area fields some where for most of the day, but birders reported it came back late yesterday. With that said, I felt be there at sun up today for  best luck and it worked. Thanks to Tom E who found this rare bird on Arlene’s photo the other day. Nice to get this life bird on my list!

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Brant

Binomial name: Branta bernicla

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 25” long, 42” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Note: Normal ranges for this bird are the east and west coast of the US

Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha Wisconsin on March 25, 2017

Doing some birding on a rainy day I found a Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha. This is not the same bird that was found the other day in Waukesha on March 22. This bird has a lot more white. I found the bird just south of the baseball field at Frame Park in the city of Waukesha. The exact location was a empty city lot just south of the baseball field on Whiterock Ave. It feed for a couple of minutes as I observed it from the street.  Amazing to see two Leucistic American Robins in Waukesha over a 4 day period. Another species seen today, FOY was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Frame Park during the rain. Images were taken on March 25, 2017.

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What is Leucism?  Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds.  This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers.  Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills.  However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.

What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white.  However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal.  Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes.  They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet.  Albinism is extremely rare in birds.

Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons.  They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators.  If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation.  Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers.  Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather.  Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.

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That is not a worm!

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That is not a worm!

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Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha Wisconsin on March 22, 2017

It was nice to see this spring bird, a Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha today. It was on the south side of Waukesha near soccer fields. There were about 20 American Robins present in the area and all were actively feeding. Interestingly they would hold their head still near the ground and listen for worms, etc moving. Once they heard the sound of food they would poke the ground and usually come up with something. I was out birding and around noon in Waukesha area and I got a text from Dan W that he had the bird currently within views with Janet S. Just as I arrived the bird flew out of the area and we could not relocate the bird. After about 20 minutes I relocated the bird near a building lawn. The bird was first found by Jason S yesterday at the same location. A big thank you to both of them for getting the word out and the text today. I saw the report late yesterday afternoon and thought, I doubt an American Robin would spend the night here and be seen the next day, I was wrong.  Images were taken on March 22, 2017.

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What is Leucism?  Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds.  This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers.  Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills.  However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.

What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white.  However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal.  Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes.  They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet.  Albinism is extremely rare in birds.

Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons.  They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators.  If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation.  Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers.  Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather.  Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.

Listening for movement a possible worm

Listening for movement, a possible worm

The catch, a worm!

The catch, a worm!

Listening for movement a possible worm

Listening for movement, a possible worm

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Another catch or maybe a miss?

Looks like maybe a miss?

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Back view...

Another view…

Backview...

Backview…

Listening for movement a possible worm

Listening for movement, a possible worm

Listening for movement a possible worm

Listening for movement, a possible worm…

Horned Grebe at Grant Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on March 21, 2017

One of my last stops birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee today I spotted at Horned Grebe. This adult bird in non-breeding plumage did more resting than diving for food early afternoon while I was there. The rest of the lakefront was pretty quiet. Lakeshore State Park had about 100 winter ducks still hanging around. Images were taken on March 21, 2017.

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Horned Grebe

Binomial name: Podiceps auritus

Category: Grebes

Size: 14” long, 18” wing span

Weight: 1 lb.

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Preening…

Resting but always watching...

Resting but always watching…

On the move...

On the move…

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Red-breasted Mergansers at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on March 16, 2017

A quick walk through Lakeshore State Park provided a couple nice views of the few ducks present there. They were Red-breasted Mergansers. Most ducks have moved north with spring around the corner but there are always a few that linger. A full sun day with temps finally above freezing, low winds made for a nice morning for a stroll through the park. Images were taken on March 16, 2017.

Red-breasted Merganser, female just after preening on the shore

Red-breasted Merganser, female just after preening on the shore

Red-breasted Merganser

Binomial name: Mergus serrator

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 23” long, 30” wing span

Weight: 2.3 lb

Red-breasted Merganser, male just cruising on by

Red-breasted Merganser, male just cruising on by…

Barrow’s Goldeneye at North Point Park in Sheboygan Wisconsin on March 15, 2017

I made the run up to North Point Park in Sheboygan this morning with hopes to see the male Barrow’s Goldeneye. I was not disappointed.  The Barrow’s Goldeneye rode the large waves coming in like the other ducks present. It dove often for food and sometimes it was hard to relocate with the large waves. This is not a life bird as I photographed one at the exact location back on January 7, 2011. As I have searched high and low through rafts of Common Goldeneye on the Milwaukee lakefront year after year, to see one again is a special treat. From Sheboygan I stopped at Port Washington for a couple of minutes and got a distant shot of 4- Red-throated Loons just east of the harbor entrance feeding on occasion. Thanks to Dan B for finding this uncommon bird for the area and for getting the word out for others to see it. It was about 20 degrees with full sun when I arrived at 9:00 am with steady winds off the lake. It was a bitter cold viewing period. Images were taken on March 15, 2017.

Common Goldeneye on both sides with the Barrow's Goldeneye in the middle

Common Goldeneye, males on both sides with the Barrow’s Goldeneye, male in the middle, also the brown duck being a Common Goldeneye, female

Barrow’s Goldeneye

Binomial name: Bucephala islanddica

Category: Duck, Geese, and Swans

Size: 18” long, 28” wing span

Weight: 2.1 lb.

Range: The normal winter range for this duck species is the east and west coasts of the US and Canada. The breeding range in general, is inland along with west coast of Canada well into Alaska south into Wyoming.

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right, Bufflehead male to the left

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male in the middle with a Common Goldeneye, female on the right, Bufflehead males behind, Bufflehead female way back

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Barrow’s Goldeneye with some displaying action

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right with a Common Goldeneye, female following, Bufflehead female on the left

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male in the middle with a Bufflehead, male in front

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Barrow’s Goldeneye in the middle

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Barrow’s Goldeneye on the right with many Common Goldeneye, females around on the left

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Barrow’s Goldeneye, male, just being there on the right

3- Red-throated Loons, non breeding plumage

4- Red-throated Loons, nonbreeding plumage, distant shot at Port Washington

Barred and Long-eared Owls in the falling snow in Wisconsin on March 13, 2017

With a day of falling snow, it was be a great day to check out a few owls. I checked out a few spots with a little luck. The Barred Owl was hunkered down when found, it never moved. The Long-eared Owls sat tight as well. With the snow falling on and off during the day, it made for a winter wonderland atmosphere out in the woods. Images were taken on March 13, 2017

The Barred Owl blends right in, how exciting!

The Barred Owl blends right in, how exciting!

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Barred nest hole...

Barred Owl nest hole…

Long-eard Owl with snow...

Long-eard Owl with snow…

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The Long-eared Owl is hidden pretty well....

The Long-eared Owl is hidden pretty well….

Killdeer in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 10, 2017

I came across some Killdeer today drinking water out of a half frozen puddle in Milwaukee County. Temperatures remained below freezing all day but the Killdeer still found some open water. Watching them in a short grass field they also appeared to find food today, a good thing! A cold and windy day today with some sun, the high for the day was 26 degrees. Images were taken on March 10, 2017.

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White-winged Scoter at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on March 10, 2017

A brief birding stop this morning at Lakeshore State Park provided nice views of a White-winged Scoter. The female duck was hanging out with Greater Scaup and feeding on mussels in the lagoon. I took a few shots from a distance. As usual with hundreds of duck eyes watching you, they tend to stay away from the shore when you are around. It was a nice way to start the day out birding. Very cold out this morning with full sun but the wind made it feel like January. Images were taken on March 10, 2017.

White-winged Scoter, female with a mussel in the mouth

White-winged Scoter, female with a mussel in the mouth

White-winged Scoter

Binomial name: Melanitta fusca

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 21” long, 34” wing span

Weight: 3.7 lb

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A stretch!

A stretch!

A stretch!

A stretch!

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With a mussel

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Just cruising along

Red-shouldered Hawk in Marquette County Wisconsin on March 5, 2017

While driving on a back road in Marquette County with my son this morning we spotted a stunning Red-shouldered Hawk sitting on a branch in a wooded parcel about 50 feet off the road. I pulled over and took a couple shots. After about 30 seconds it flew about 50 feet down the road but remained in the woods. The colors on this bird when the wings went up and it flew were incredible! It landed in a heavily branched tree and we left the area. By far the closest I have ever been to this species, my lucky day! Images were taken on March 5, 2017.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Binomial name: Buteo lineatus

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 17” long, 40” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lb

Cool facts: These hawks of the forests hunt prey from mice to frogs and snakes often near rivers and swamps. Considered a secretive bird for this area.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red Fox in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 3, 2017

On a birding run today in Milwaukee County I stumbled across a Red Fox hunting. The Red Fox tried to make a catch here but it’s snack got away. It remained in the hunting mode but then moved out of sight. Always makes for a fun day seeing one of these mammals out doing it’s thing!

Before the catch, that got away!

Before the catch…

It got away!

It got away!

Pursuing another catch!

Pursuing another catch!

Listening and looking

Looking and listening

Maybe it got away

Maybe it got away

Just looking at the photographer

Just looking at the photographer

Look at that beautiful coat!

A beautiful coat!

Greater White-fronted Goose at Veterans Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 27, 2017

Birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning I came across the Greater White-fronted Goose that was reported yesterday in with a flock of Canada Geese. It would be nice to photograph this beautiful goose in the water but you have to take what you can get. It seemed very comfortable grazing with about 30 Canada Geese near the lagoon. It did a small amount of resting and preening while I watched. It was a clear sky this morning with temps around 30, the wind off the lake made it feel like January. Images were taken on February 27, 2017.

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Greater White-fronted Goose

Binomial name: Anser albifrons

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 28” long, 53” wing span

Weight: 4.8 lb

Range: We typically see more of these geese west of Lake Michigan as their migration route north is mainly more west of Wisconsin, Texas through the dakota’s to northern Canada and Alaska. Always a treat to see one on the lakefront in Milwaukee.

With a Canada Goose

With a Canada Goose

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Taking a break

Taking a break

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Grazing with some Canada Geese

Grazing with some Canada Geese

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The foot

The foot

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Sandhill Cranes in the snow in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin on February 25, 2017

While birding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County the highlight was a pair of Sandhill Cranes in the snow. They looked cold as temperatures were around 20 degrees. I noticed too a good part of the time I observed them they stood on 1 leg. Maybe they don’t particularly care for standing in the snow. Some preening was done but very little. Before I left the area one stuck it’s head under the wing and rested, but left an eye open. A cloudy day with a few flurries on and off with a steady breeze from the northwest bringing in that cold air. Images were taken on February 25, 2017.

The pair...

The pair…the painted ones…

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One resting with the eye open...

One resting with the eye open…

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A few snowflakes…

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Cleaning the snow out of the toes..

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

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Barred Owls in Wisconsin on February 23, 2017

The highlight out birding today was setting my binoculars on a couple of Barred Owls. They did a little flying around on their own and surprisingly one could not be relocated as they just blend in. Image is one of the two seen. Image was taken on February 23, 2017

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Barred Owl

Binomial name: Strix varia

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 21” long, 42” wing span

Weight: 1.6 lb

Sandhill Cranes painting themselves in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin on February 22, 2017

I saw a first today in the Southern Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County. Sandhill Cranes painting themselves by preening mud into their feathers. They are known to do this to change their colors to blend in more with their surroundings. It was said by a friend of mine that iron oxide in the mud is a form of dye, they also said they turn gray again after they molt before migrating in the fall, makes perfect sense. Totally amazing to watch so I had to share some of this excitement with others. Images were taken on February 22, 2017.

The pair, preening and painting themselves with mud to change their colors

The pair, preening and painting themselves with mud to change their colors

Getting the mud...

Getting the mud……look at the paint

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Getting the mud

Getting the mud

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening….when doing their backs and even in other places, their large bill is rolling back and forth, in and out…at a pretty good speed

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening away…

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Painting and preening

Getting more mud...

Getting more mud…

The pair

The pair

Look at the paint!

Look at the paint!

Painting and preening away...

Painting and preening away…

In the beginning

Look at that paint job!

Killdeer in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin on February 22, 2017

Doing some birding in Waukesha County today I came across 3 Killdeer. They appeared to be finding something to eat in the short grasses. They also did some calling and that is what got my attention to start with. Their visit was short lived after one spent a couple minutes at some water, they left the area and I did not see them around after that. Must be just be moving on through. Images were taken on February 22, 2017.

On the move!

On the move!

Killdeer

Binomial name: Charadrius vociferus

Category: Lapwings and Plovers

Size: 10.5” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 3.3 oz

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Sandhill Cranes in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 19, 2017

I made a quick run out to the South Kettle Moraine this morning and the highlight was a Sandhill Crane off the road. I saw another Sandhill Crane out in a field nearby, there are a few coming in with the warm weather. Another bird to note was a Snow Goose flying high up in a V shape formation of Canada Geese flock heading north. Unseasonably mild temps around 60 degrees with mostly sunny skies. Images were taken on February 19, 2017.

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Sandhill Crane

Binomial name: Grus canadensid

Category: Cranes

Size: 46” long, 77” wing span

Weight: 10.6 lb

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