admin, Author at Window to Wildlife - Photography by Jim Edlhuber

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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.

Virginia Rail at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County Wisconsin on May 28, 2016

By admin | May 30, 2016 - 9:28 pm |May 30, 2016 Bird Categories

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On a birding walk with the Benjamin Goss Bird Club at the Vernon Marsh a pair of Virginia Rails were found. They were hanging out near a nest area. We did not hang around long but I did take a couple of quick images to share. They remained in the grasses near waters edge. A fun time with some great birders. Images were taken on May 28, 2016.

Virginia Rail

Binomial name: Rallus limicola

Category: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Size: 9.5” long, 13” wing span

Weight: 3 oz

Virginia Rail

Virginia Rail, preening

Kirtland’s Warbler in Adams County Wisconsin on May 27, 2016

By admin | May 27, 2016 - 11:27 am |June 13, 2016 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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I decided to do some searching for a Kirtland’s Warbler in Adams County Wisconsin on May 27, 2016. I had some luck along side a road where a male was singing away. No calls were used in obtaining these images and the images were taken from the road in an area where habitat looked good for this species to breed. Distant images were taken on May 27, 2016.

Kirtland’s Warbler

Binomial name: Dendroica kirtlandii

Category: Wood Warblers

Size: 5.75” long, 8.75” wing span

Weight: .48 oz

Cool facts: Through effort this bird is recovering well from once low numbers. This species requires large tracks of land for breeding with sizes comprising of 160 acres or more. Habitat they prefer is dense young jack pine.

Red Fox kits in Waukesha County Wisconsin on May 26, 2016

By admin | May 26, 2016 - 6:13 am |May 26, 2016 Animals, Red Fox

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During the last month or so in our yard in Waukesha County, the Red Fox kits have come and gone. The family of at least 4 kits, 2 adults have been seen very little. We have only gotten glimpses of them a few times, but those times have been so exciting. I have put together a few images to share of their last appearance that was a few days ago. Will they return, who knows.

Red Fox kits with Red Fox, adult, female

White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc Wisconsin on May 21, 2016

By admin | May 21, 2016 - 11:16 pm |May 24, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I saw the report of the rare White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in the later afternoon. I had to make the run and try to see the extremely rare bird for the state. It was said today that this is the 2nd state record for this bird in Wisconsin and the previous record goes back to 1873. The normal range for this bird is throughout Eurasia. The White-winged Gull, was formally known as White-winged Black Tern. How nice to have this visitor stop in Wisconsin. When I arrived I just looked for the crowd out on a pier, that was the place I had to go to. The bird was present when I arrived and took to flight a few times. The Bonaparte’s Gulls present did not seem to like having it around. Lots of Terns and Gulls were present, with numbers well into the 100’s maybe a 1,000. A couple of Little Gulls were also present. Thanks to Charles S and Jeff H for finding this bird, id-ing the bird, and Tom S for getting the word out to others. It just might be a once in a life time to see this bird here in Wisconsin. It was a fun time with birding friends and meeting some new on a beautiful late May evening. These are distant images but the bird was always a long ways off. Images were taken on May 21, 2016.

White-winged Tern

Binomial name: Chlidonias leucopterus

Category: Gulls, Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 9.5” long, 23” wing span

Weight: 2.2 oz

Bonaparte’s Gull with the White-winged Tern, in front

White-winged Tern, in the middle with Caspian Terns

Bonaparte’s Gulls with the White-winged Tern, in front

White-winged Tern

Bonaparte’s Gull with the White-winged Tern, in front

White-winged Tern with a Bonaparte’s Gull

White-winged Tern on the shore

White-winged Tern, in the middle just after takeoff from the shore

Little Gull

Little Blue Heron at Lake Maria in Green Lake County Wisconsin on May 20, 2016

By admin | May 20, 2016 - 6:54 pm |May 21, 2016 Bird Categories, Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

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I was birding in the Kettle Moraine South in Waukesha County this morning when the birding wheels stopped. I saw the note on the Little Blue Heron at Lake Maria in Green Lake County. I looked at distance to Lake Maria and thought why not. The normal range for this visiting bird is more the southern US. Upon arriving at the boat landing at Maria Lake, it only took me a minute to see the Little Blue Heron a long ways down the shore to the north. It was hard to see in the grasses, but I knew that the bluish bird could only be the Little Blue Heron. It continued north until it was surrounded by 4 Canada Geese and then 2 adult Sandhill Cranes later did not seem to happy to have it around either. The Canada Geese appeared to threaten it, but all backed off right away and left that area. It looked like Canada Geese nests were everywhere but empty and the Sandhill Cranes appeared to be tending to little ones behind the tall grasses. The bird moved back a little to the south in and out of the grasses. Perched once off shore for about 45 minutes. I could not see it perched but figured, it was doing that and did not see it fly away. It went back towards shore and I saw some blue go up into a tree, figured it was once again going to perch. After about 30 minutes, it flew out of the woods, made a 90 degree turn to the south and flew right in front of the boat landing. That was the last I saw of the bird. I hung around for about 20 minutes. A few other birders came and went but it was quiet there. The Little Blue Heron was found this morning by Jeff B and Wendy S got the word out for others to see. A big thank you to them and what a fun time it was! I hope it hangs around for awhile for others to see. Some of these images are distant but felt they were part of the story. Images were taken on May 20, 2016.

Little Blue Heron

Binomial name: Egretta caerulea

Category: Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

Size: 24” long, 40” wing span

Weight: 12 oz

Looking for food

Looking for food

The Little Blue Heron is far down the shore to the north

Looking for food but the Sandhill Cranes are watching too

Canada Geese are moving in, the Little Blue Heron moves out

Time to move to a new spot

Canada Geese have surrounded the Little Blue Heron

Canada Goose makes a statement and the Little Blue Heron does not move

The Canada Geese move out of the area, the Little Blue Heron (in the middle of image) stays put for the short term

Time to move to a different area again, moving slowly to the south along the shore

Looking for food once again

Looking for food, but here comes another Canada Goose, off the Little Blue Heron goes!

Lets try this place for looking for some food

Under a tree limb the Little Blue Heron is looking for food

Little Blue Heron looking for food

Little Blue Heron looking for food but on its way to perch

Off the perch it goes and heading to the south off shore near the boat landing

Heading south

And still heading south as it passes by me…….

Great Blue Herons with young in Southern Wisconsin on May 19, 2016

By admin | May 19, 2016 - 8:17 pm |May 19, 2016 Bird Categories, Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

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I checked out a Great Blue Heron rookery in southern Wisconsin today to see what was going on. Lots of young and getting to have some size to them too. Some adults came with sticks for ongoing nest maintenance. Other adults came to the nest and regurgitated food in to the nest for the young to eat. Always amazing when I sit back and watch all these things happen. A beautiful sunny day with low winds and mild temps. Images were taken on May 19, 2016.

Great Blue Heron

Binomial name: Ardea herodias

Category: Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

Size: 46” long, 72” wing span

Weight: 5.3 lb

The nest has on going maintenance

Adult preening, with young

Killdeer Chicks with Adults in Wisconsin on May 18, 2016

By admin | May 19, 2016 - 9:36 am |May 19, 2016 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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I came across some Killdeer chicks this morning with the adults near by. These are hardly chicks anymore as they are growing fast.

Chick

Killdeer

Binomial name: Charadrius vociferus

Category: Lapwings and Plovers

Size: 10.5” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 3.3 oz

Chick

Chick

Chick, getting a bug

Adult

Chick, just had a bug

Adult

Chick with the itch

Chick getting a bug

Chick, the call

Chick

Common Nighthawk in Marquette County Wisconsin on May 15, 2016

By admin | May 15, 2016 - 4:42 pm |May 15, 2016 Bird Categories, Goatsuckers

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On a hike today I accidentally flushed a Common Nighthawk. It perched on a log nearby and posed nicely. What a nice surprise to find. I did not flush the bird so I do not have any flight shots. I’m sure now thinking about it their is probably a nest in the area. Images were taken on May 15, 2016.

Common Nighthawk

Binomial name: Chordeiles minor

Category: Goatsuckers

Size: 9.5” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 2.2 oz

Cool facts: These birds are typically seen diving in loop patterns in early mornings or evenings. They forage over open areas near woods and over wetlands for insects. This birds breeding grounds are from the entire US into northern Canada and they migrate to South America in the winter months.

Warblers at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 14, 2016

By admin | May 14, 2016 - 7:12 pm |May 14, 2016 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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Whitnall Park this morning was up and down with warbler species. Pockets of them, as probably the same as pockets of bugs present. No large numbers but things were hoping at times. Species I seen today were Yellow, Magnolia, American Redstarts, Wilson’s, Canada, Yellow-rumped, Common Yellowthroat, Black and White, Nashville, Blackburnian, Palm and Chestnut-sided. It was a cold cloudy day, with low 40’s, steady winds with light sleet at times. Felt like winter! Images were taken on May 14, 2016.

Canada Warbler, male

Canada Warbler, male, getting a bug

Canada Warbler, male looking for the bug

Canada Warbler, male, looking for the bug

Black and White Warbler, male

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female, calling

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female

Chestnut-sided Warbler, male

American Redstart, male

American Redstart, male, with a bug

American Redstart, female

Common Yellowthroat, male

Yellow Warbler, male

Red Fox kits in Waukesha County Wisconsin on May 14, 2016

By admin | May 14, 2016 - 3:15 pm |June 5, 2016 Animals, Red Fox

Warblers and more at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 13, 2016

By admin | May 13, 2016 - 6:10 pm |May 28, 2018 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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This morning I decided to take a run to Whitnall Park in Milwaukee to see if anything was going on with warblers. Warblers had some nice species (14), but in low numbers on each. Warbler species I saw were Prothonotary, Wilson’s, Magnolia, American Redstart, Black and White, Yellow-rumped, Nashville, Northern Parula, Golden-winged, Chestnut-sided, Yellow, Palm, Canada, Common Yellowthroat and Black-throated Blue. Prothonotary was the highlight and Magnolia’s were the most popular. I heard Baltimore Orioles singing all day long. Also present was a Philadelphia Vireo along with common species we are seeing this time of year. Started out mostly sunny, mild temps turning to more clouds in the afternoon. Trees in some places there are leafed out full creating more shade and more places for the birds to be harder to see. It was a challenge today. It was a fun day out with birders and photographers. Images were taken on May 13, 2016.

Prothonotary Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Magnolia Warbler Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Nashville Warbler

Baltimore Oriole what appears to be putting the first string around the possible start of a nest

Baltimore Oriole what appears to be starting the construction of a new nest, see the fine white string?

Philadelphia Vireo

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Black-capped Chickadee getting a bug out of a bloom

Great Horned Owl Owlet in Wisconsin on May 9, 2016

By admin | May 9, 2016 - 1:44 pm |May 10, 2016 Bird Categories, Typical Owls

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Great Horned Owl owlet in Wisconsin on May 9, 2016

Great Horned Owls

Binomial name: Bubo virginianus

Category: Owls

Size: 22” long, 44” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Barred Owl Owlets in Wisconsin on May 9, 2016

By admin | May 9, 2016 - 1:22 pm |May 10, 2016 Bird Categories, Typical Owls

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Barred Owl Owlets in Wisconsin on May 9, 2016 2 of 3-4 owlets photographed

Barred Owl

Binomial name: Strix varia

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 21” long, 42” wing span

Weight: 1.6 lb

Climbing a tree

Warblers and a Green Heron at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 5, 2016

By admin | May 5, 2016 - 7:32 pm |May 28, 2018 Bird Categories, Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

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I stopped at Whitnall Park for a routine birding stop to see if there was any warbler action. There was one period mid-morning where there was some good warbler action, but it did not last long. Some Black-throated Green Warblers, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 1 Blackburnian Warbler were the warbler highlights. Some of the other warbler species present were Yellow-rumped, Palm, Black and White and Yellow. A Green Heron, FOY, gave a very brief appearance. It was a pleasant day with low winds, mild temps and sunny skies. Just a few images to share taken on May 5, 2016.

Green Heron

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Canada Geese Goslings at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 2, 2016

By admin | May 3, 2016 - 7:17 pm |May 3, 2016 Bird Categories, Ducks, Geese, and Swans

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Birding some of the lakefront in Milwaukee I came across these cute little Canada Geese goslings. They were at South Shore Yacht Club along with their parents. I just had to share these cuties! Images were taken on May 2, 2016.

Canada Goose

Binomial name: Branta canadensis

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 25-45” long, 43”-60 wing span

Weight: 3.5-9.8 lb

Willets at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 29, 2016

By admin | April 29, 2016 - 7:08 pm |April 29, 2016 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I birded the lakefront in Milwaukee from mid-morning till later afternoon and the highlight were Willets at South Shore Yacht Club. There were 4 Willets and they were feeding just south of the beach area for awhile and then they moved onto a pier to rest. There were a few dog walkers and do not think they will hang around long there. There were 100’s of Bonaparte’s Gulls south of the boat landing there and a few hanging around the beach area. I saw the first Black-crowned Night-Heron of the spring at Veteran’s Park near the lagoon. One Semipalmated Sandpiper and a few Caspian Terns at McKinley Marina and that was about it. I walked what I thought was a good part of Lake Park, not one warbler. Only one Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a few Blue-gray Gnatcatchers to report there. The day ended with some Willets so that made my day. Images were taken on April 29, 2016.

Willet

Binomial name: Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 15” long, 26” wing span

Weight: 8 oz

Willets

Willet

Willet eyeing up it’s next bite

Willet going for what it eats

Willet

Willet

Willets

Food in the bill

Willet

Willet

Willet

Willet

Willet

Willet

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult going for what it eats

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult

Bonaparte’s Gull, immature

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult going for what it eats

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher seeing what it wants to eat at Lake Park

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher going for what it wants at Lake Park

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park

Caspian Terns at McKinley Marina

Summer Tanager at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 28, 2016

By admin | April 28, 2016 - 2:23 pm |April 28, 2016 Bird Categories, Piranga Tanagers and Allies

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I had to check out the visiting Summer Tanager mid-morning that was being reported at the Wehr Nature Center. I’m glad I did because the bird put on a great show. The male Summer Tanager ate many bees while I was present along with a few other birders and photographers. It was usually on the lookout for bees while sitting in a tree or at times hung around the beehive present there waiting for bees to come in or out of the hive. It even grabbed a few bees right out of the hole in the hive while I was there. The bird is more of a southern species which the normal range is north to southern Illinois but we do see a couple every year here in Wisconsin. Stunning and colorful bird even on a gray gloomy day! Thanks to Carol for getting the word out. Images were taken on April 28, 2016.

Summer Tanager

Binomial name: Piranga rubra

Category: Piranga Tanagers and Allies

Size: 7.75” long, 12” wing span

Weight: 1 oz

Grabbing a bee!

Got the bee!

Just waiting for a bee…

Back view

Smith’s Longspur at Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County Wisconsin on April 25, 2016

By admin | April 25, 2016 - 4:03 pm |April 25, 2016 Bird Categories, Longspurs and Snow Buntings

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Bill Grossmeyer and I made the trip out to Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County this morning with hopes to see Smith’s Longspurs that have been reported recently by Steve T and others, thanks all. We both knew this was like looking for a needle in a haystack. After about 3 hours of a lot of walking, up and down corn rows Bill with his keen vision spotted a female, then a male. It was an exciting moment. A little stressful when a birder standing next to you can see a life bird, and you cannot. That is how good the Smith’s Longspurs blend in with the surrounding area. Life birds for both of us and a great time too. Images were taken on April 25, 2016.

Smith’s Longspur, male

Smith’s Longspur

Binomial name: Calcarius pictus

Category: Longspurs

Size: 6.25” long, 11.25” wing span

Weight: .91 oz

Smith’s Longspur, male

Smith’s Longspur, male

Smith’s Longspur, male

Smith’s Longspur, male in a fly by

Upland Sandpiper at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 24, 2016

By admin | April 24, 2016 - 1:02 pm |April 24, 2016 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I birded some of the beaches in Milwaukee early morning with not much going on. I ran into Rita F in the parking lot of the Magic Hedge and asked what she was after. She mentioned Mark K’s post of the Upland Sandpiper being there. I was not aware of it as Mark posted after I left the house. We located the bird in a couple minutes but it was very skittish and when it saw us, it pretty much flew north onto the water treatment property. I got a couple of distant quick doc shots with poor lighting, that is the way it goes. It remained there until we left and was out of sight when we left. A life bird for me and a big thank you to Mark K for finding the bird and getting the word out for others to see. Hopefully it will hang around a while. Other birds to note on the lakefront, 1 Purple Martin checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park, 2 Caspian Terns and a couple of Ruddy Ducks were also present there. A cloudy gloomy day with a few light drizzles at times and still cold out there! Images were taken on April 24, 2016.

Upland Sandpiper

Binomial name: Bartramia longicuda

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 12” long, 26” wing span

Weight: 6 oz

Upland Sandpiper

Upland Sandpiper with roof of treatment plant in background

Purple Martin checking out the house

Purple Martin checking out the house

Purple Martin checking out the house, bird appears to be banded

Great Blue Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 23, 2016

By admin | April 23, 2016 - 8:06 pm |April 24, 2016 Bird Categories, Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

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I birded some of the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning and for the most part, very quiet. One Caspian Tern at McKinley Marina and 500 + Bonaparte’s Gulls at Grant Park were the highlights that I could find along the lake. The lakefront was very cold with a stiff north wind, a few times the sun felt great. Stopped at Whitnall and just a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers were present, along with typical birds we see and birds that have been reported recently. I crossed paths with Bruce and we headed up to Greenfield Park for a last stop. There was a Great Blue Heron, a 1st year, a bird born last summer, putting on a great show, catching fish, preening and do what Great Blue Herons do. It was nice to wind down the morning with a little excitement with the heron. Images were taken on April 23, 2016.