The highlight this morning while birding some of Milwaukee’s lakefront was a Great Black-backed Gull 2nd cycle. A Great Black-backed adult was also in the area but remained far off shore just hanging out by itself. Images were taken on January 16, 2016 on a very cold, sunny morning with a steady breeze.
Hanging out with a Herring Gull left
Landing gear coming down!
Herring Gull right
Ring-billed Gulls
I birded some of Milwaukee’s lakefront this morning to see what was around. Highlight at the lakefront was a immature Great Black-backed Gull and an adult that spent the time out in the water. The fun was just starting as I started heading home a received a text from Ryan S that Common Redpolls were near Frame Park in Waukesha. When I arrived, Ryan was just going to try to relocate them as they had flown off. After a 1/4 mile walk we relocated them along the river feeding on the cones on some Alder trees. What a show they put on with nice views. It was about a flock of 15-25, some came and went but the majority of them hung around for while. For the most part they continually pulled seeds from the cones and ate them. I had been down to the river 3 times this week looking for the Redpolls with no luck so this really made my day and the others that had been looking for them. A big thank you to Ryan for the text message this morning. Later Derek and Bruce showed up and also enjoyed the show. Images of the Common Redpolls eating seeds or gathering them were taken on January 16, 2016.
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Binomial name: Carduelis flammea
Category: Redpolls
Size: 5.25” long, 9” wing span
Weight: .46 oz
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
It’s all about food! Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone
Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed
Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone
While out birding across the state of Wisconsin I come across many other great subjects to photograph other than birds. Some of those subjects can be butterflies, wildflowers, mammals or even something just out of the ordinary that gets the “Wow” factor when seen. Images were taken in 2015.
Rock Lake Icehenge on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin on 2-5-15
Rock Lake Icehenge on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin on 2-5-15
Rock Lake Icehenge on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin on 2-5-15
Rock Lake Icehenge on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin on 2-5-15
Rock Lake Icehenge on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin on 2-5-15
Rock Lake Icehenge on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin on 2-5-15
Large White Flowered Trillium, Trillium grandiflorum spring 2015
Prairie Smoke, Geum triflorum spring 2015
Wild Blue Phlox, Phlox divaricata spring 2015
Wild Cloumbine, Aquilegia canadensis spring 2015
Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis spring 2015
Wild Lupine, Lupinus perennis spring 2015
White-tailed Deer, doe in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15
Red Fox kits in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kits in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kits in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kits in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kit in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kit in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kit with the big yawn in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Red Fox kit with the big yawn in Milwaukee County Wisconsin 7-26-15
Black-eyed Susan, Rudbecki hirta 7-15-15
Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum 7-15-15
Pale Purple Coneflower, Echinacea pallida 7-15-15
Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata 7-15-15
Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata 7-15-15
Purple Prairie Clover, Petalostem purpureum 7-15-15
Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca 7-15-15
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 7-24-15
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 7-15-15
Monarch on Purple Coneflower 7-15-15
Monarch on Purple Coneflower 7-15-15
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Purpletop Vervain 7-15-15
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Purple Coneflower 7-15-15
Red Fox in Milwaukee County 7-30-15
Red Fox in Milwaukee County 7-30-15
Red Fox in Milwaukee County 7-30-15
American Mink, just out of water in Waukesha Wisconsin 8-18-15
American Mink in Waukesha Wisconsin 8-18-15
American Mink in Waukesha Wisconsin 8-18-15
American Mink in Waukesha Wisconsin 8-18-15
American Elk in Wisconsin on September 24, 2015
American Elk in Wisconsin on September 24, 2015
American Elk in Wisconsin on September 24, 2015
Coyote hunting in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
Coyote, the jump in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
Coyote, hunting in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
Coyote eating the vole in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
Coyote eating the vole in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
Coyote is finished with the vole in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
Coyote heads out in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on 11-25-15
The End!
To see my Wisconsin Birding 2015 Year in Review, click here.
To see my Wisconsin Birding 2014 Year in Review, click here.
I went out this morning to the Johnson Creek Landfill in hopes to see the Slaty-backed Gull that was reported by Tom W yesterday, nice find Tom and thanks for getting the word out! The exact location is a frozen pond on Waldmann Lane just west of the landfill. I had not been out there for about 3 weeks so I was due. I arrived around 9 am and looked the gulls over well on the ice. About an hour later Ted K showed up and we continued to look through all the gulls coming and going. After a while I spotted what I thought was the Slaty-backed Gull and we looked it over well, that it was. After about 30 minutes it took to the air and towards the landfill area. The images are rough, distant shots, this bird was at least 3/4 of the way across to frozen pond. Images show the “string of pearls” on the wings. Not a life bird as I got the one that was here on December 22, 2012. I fun couple of hours on a gloomy day. Other gulls to note that were present (3) Lesser Black-backed Gull and (2) Glaucous Gulls. Images were taken on January 7, 2016.
Binomial name: Larus schistisagus
Category: Gulls, Tern. and Skimmers
Size: 25” long, 58” wing span
Weight: 3.0 lb
Note: An Asian gull that is considered a rare breeder on the west coast of Alaska and is a very rare visitor to North America.
I made the run up to Superior Wisconsin and Duluth Minnesota along with Jenny, Rita and John. We arrived a few minutes before sun up. The 2 target birds for us for the day were the rare Gyrfalcon (currently in WI) and the very rare visiting Ivory Gull (currently in MN). It was an exciting day watching both species in action. The Gyrfalcon chased and Common Raven, then the Common Raven appeared to chase the Gyrfalcon. What a show it was! The Ivory Gull was there at sun up with many spectators, ate and on occasion, flew at some high speeds with Herring Gulls. Life birds for all of us on a cold morning and full sun, with low winds. A fun trip for the 4 of us and with friends and birders from around the state. Images were taken on January 2, 2016.
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven, images taken at about 1/4 mile from birds
Binomial name: Falco rusticolus
Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Size: 22” long, 47” wing span
Weight: 3.1 lb
Notes: Breeds in the Arctic, wintering in northern Canada south to the northern US.
Ivory Gull
Binomial name: Pagophila eburnea
Category: Gulls
Size: 17” long, 37” wing span
Weight: 1.4 lb
Notes: Typically spends it’s life in the high Arctic. The Ivory Gull nests are sometimes eaten by caribou.
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven
Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven
Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon
Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon
Gyrfalcon, the chase ends!
Gyrfalcon cruising near a build roof top from a 1/4 mile away
Gyrfalcon
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull with Herring Gull
Ivory Gull with Herring Gull
Ivory Gull with Herring Gull
Ivory Gull with Herring Gull
Ivory Gull with Herring Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
Ivory Gull
I have put together a collection of Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2015. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2015. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!
Snowy Owl coming in for a landing at the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee 1-4-15
Snowy Owl hunting at the Horicon Marsh on 1-14-15
Snowy Owl hunting from a perch at the Horicon Marsh on Hwy 49 1-14-15
Snowy Owl doing the yawn near the Horicon Marsh on 1-16-15
Northern Goshawk at sunrise at a pheasant farm in Fond du Lac County just north of Horicon Marsh 1-22-15
Common Eider at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15. A very rare bird for this region
Common Eider at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Common Eider at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Common Eider stretching at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Northern Pintail at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Northern Pintail at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Northern Pintail at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Common Eider and Northern Pintail at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15
Kumlein’s Iceland Gull 2nd cycle at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 2-8-15
Leucistic Greater Scaup on the Milwaukee River near Milwaukee’s lakefront on 2-15-15
White-winged Scoter, male adult at the Milwaukee River mouth on 2-24-15
White-winged Scoter, male adult with a mussel at the Milwaukee River mouth on 2-24-15
Red-throated Loon at Coal Park in Port Washington Wisconsin on 2-26-15
Red-throated Loon at Coal Park in Port Washington Wisconsin on 2-26-15
Red-throated Loon at Coal Park in Port Washington Wisconsin on 2-26-15
Wood Duck, male hanging out on the Pewaukee River in Waukesha County on 3-7-15
Wood Duck, male hanging out on the Pewaukee River in Waukesha County on 3-7-15
Wood Duck, male hanging out on the Pewaukee River in Waukesha County on 3-7-15
Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch in Ashland Wisconsin on 3-15-15. Very rare bird for this region found at a private residence
Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch in Ashland Wisconsin on 3-15-15
Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch at a feeder with a Pine Siskin 3-15-15
Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch in Ashland Wisconsin at a feeder 3-15-15
Ring-necked Duck male, on the Fox River in Waukesha County 3-19-15
Ring-necked Ducks, male-l, female-r on the Fox River in Waukesha County 3-19-15
Band-tailed Pigeon near Cuba City in Grant County Wisconsin. Found at a private residence, a very rare bird for this region 3-26-15
Band-tailed Pigeon near Cuba City in Grant County Wisconsin on 3-26-15
Band-tailed Pigeon near Cuba City in Grant County Wisconsin on 3-26-15
Winter Wren forging in a ravine at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-4-15
Winter Wren in a ravine with a seed at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15
Hermit Thrush at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15
Red-bellied Woodpecker at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15
Eurasian Wigeon, male at the Schoenberg Marsh in the early morning sun in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15, a very rare bird for this region
American Wigeon, male front, Eurasian Wigeon, male back at the Schoenberg Marsh in early morning sun in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15
American Wigeon, male front, Eurasian Wigeon, male back at the Schoenberg Marsh in early morning sun in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15
Tundra Swans at the Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15
Prairie Warbler at the “Magic Hedge” near the Linwood Water Treatment Facility on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-15-15
Prairie Warbler at the “Magic Hedge” near the Linwood Water Treatment Facility on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-15-15
Prairie Warbler at the “Magic Hedge” near the Linwood Water Treatment Facility on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-15-15
Great Horned Owl owlets in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15
Great Horned Owl owlet in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15
Great Horned Owl owlets in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15
Great Horned Owl adult about 100 feet from the owlets in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15
Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-26-15
Wilson’s Phalarope, male at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
Wilson’s Phalarope
Sandhill Crane at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
American White Pelicans at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
American White Pelican at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
American White Pelican at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
American White Pelicans at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
Great Egrets at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15
Yellow-rumped Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-4-15
Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15
Magnolia Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15
Black-throated Green Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15
Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15
Blackburnian Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-8-15
Wilson’s Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-8-15
American Redstart, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-8-15
Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
Prothonotary Warbler, male with a bug at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
Bay-breasted Warbler male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
Canada Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
Black-and-White Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
Black-throated Blue Warbler, female at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15
House Wren, adult feeding young, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-21-15
House Wren, adult feeding young, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-21-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Red Bee Balm, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 7-15-15
Common Loon with a resting chick in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15
Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15
Common Loon, adult stretching in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15
Common Loon with a chick in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15
American Bald Eagle, adult in Sawyer County Wisconsin 6-24-15
Purple Martin, adult at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 7-11-15
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake in Waukesha County Wisconsin on 7-28-15
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-24-15
Red-tailed Hawk with frog in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-24-15
Red-tailed Hawk with a chipmunk in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-24-15
Red-tailed Hawk eying its prey at Frame Park in Waukesha Wisconsin on 8-2-15
Rufous Hummingbird, male found at a residence in Mayville Wisconsin on 8-6-15
Rufous Hummingbird, male in Mayville Wisconsin on 8-6-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15
Marbled Godwit at CTH “V” pond in Dane County Wisconsin 8-11-15
Marbled Godwit at CTH “V” pond in Dane County Wisconsin 8-11-15
Semipalmated Plover at Myers Park in Racine County Wisconsin 8-13-15
Semipalmated Sandpiper at Myers Park in Racine County Wisconsin 8-13-15
Least Sandpiper at Grant Park in South Milwaukee Wisconsin 8-21-15
Sandhill Crane adult with juvenile feeding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 8-26-15
Sandhill Crane, juvenile feeding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 8-26-15
Sandhill Crane adult with juvenile feeding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 8-26-15
Green Heron, adult waiting for a catch at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Green Heron adult setting a bee out for bait, doing some fishing of its own at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Green Heron adult making the catch! At Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Pied-billed Grebe, adult at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Pied-billed Grebe, adult, the yawn at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile eating a crayfish at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Black-crowned Night Heron, adult at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Scarlet Sage, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-30-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Scarlet Sage, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-30-15
Green Heron, juvenile with a bull frog at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15
American White Pelican at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15
American White Pelican at take off at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15!
Great Egret coming in for a landing at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15
Green Heron, juvenile with a small fish at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15
Great Egret with a catch at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Bottle Gentian, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-5-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Bottle Gentian, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-5-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Bottle Gentian, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-5-15
Common Nighthawk at the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-7-15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird on a zinnia, a yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin on 9-11-15
Sanderling at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15
Least Sandpiper at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15
Semipalmated Plover on the move at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15
Semipalmated Plover at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15
Sanderling at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15
Blue Morph Snow Goose with a feather after preening at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15
Sandhill Cranes in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on 9-23-15
Sandhill Crane taking a drink in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on 9-23-15
Sandhill Crane in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on 9-23-15
Lincoln’s Sparrow at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-26-15
Eastern Phoebe, juvenile calling for an adult in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-25-15
Forster’s Tern, adult at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-28-15
White-crowned Sparrow, male at McKinley Marina in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-30-15
Bonaparte’s Gull at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-1-15
Black-bellied Plover, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-8-15
Black-bellied Plover, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-8-15
Blue Jay in Marquette County Wisconsin on 10-6-15
Chipping Sparrow in Marquette County Wisconsin on 10-6-15
Cedar Waxwing eating cedar berries, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin on 10-9-15
Lincoln’s Sparrow at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 10-14-15
Black-capped Chickadee still finding some sunflower seeds off a plant at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 10-14-15
White-crowned Sparrow, juvenile at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 10-14-15
Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-15-15
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-25-15. A very rare bird for the region
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-25-15
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with a grasshopper at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-25-15
Western Kingbird looking for some insects at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on 11-3-15. A rare bird for the area
Western Kingbird at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on 11-3-15
Western Kingbird looking for some insects at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on 11-3-15
Red-headed Woodpecker with a piece of acorn after splitting one up in the top of this dead oak tree in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15
Red-headed Woodpecker hiding a piece of acorn in a tree crevasse in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15
Dark-eyed Junco bathing in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15
Black-capped Chickadee bathing in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15
Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan Wisconsin on 11-12-15
Anna’s Hummingbird, female at a private residence in Waterloo, Jefferson County Wisconsin on 11-15-15. A rare bird for this area.
Anna’s Hummingbird, female in Waterloo, Jefferson County Wisconsin on 11-15-15
Anna’s Hummingbird, female in flight in Waterloo, Jefferson County Wisconsin on 11-15-15
American Kestrel in flight at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 11-20-15
Fox Sparrow in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-21-15
Northern Cardinal, male at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 11-23-15
Lewis’s Woodpecker in Trempealeau County Wisconsin on 11-24-15. A very rare bird for the region. An amazing bird, amazing family that shared it too. I would guess with out a doubt the most viewed bird in the state of Wisconsin for 2015. The Lewis’s Woodpecker as I write this post has been viewed in the farm yard where it was found for over a month now.
Lewis’s Woodpecker in Trempealeau County Wisconsin on 11-24-15
Lewis’s Woodpecker in Trempealeau County Wisconsin on 11-24-15
Great Black-backed Gull at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 11-28-15
Long-tailed Duck, male at Manitowoc Wisconsin on 12-8-15
Long-tailed Duck, male at Manitowoc Wisconsin on 12-8-15
Long-tailed Duck, male at Manitowoc Wisconsin on 12-8-15
Long-tailed Duck, female at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-10-15
Long-tailed Duck, female stretching at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-10-15
Long-tailed Duck, female just cruising along at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-10-15
Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-30-15
Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-30-15
Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-30-15
Link to Wisconsin Birding Year in Review 2014:
http://www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2014/
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On a gloomy day with some on and off snow flurries the highlight on Milwaukee’s lakefront today was finding a Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry. It sat on a container the time I was there. Bruce joined me and enjoyed the views too. We had been together earlier at Bradford Beach watching 4 nice Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach but were in the water more than out. The Snowy Owl seemed to be in the hunting mode but never went for anything. It did some preening and resting but that was about it. I think it is a male but have not really studied it yet. A nice way to end the year with seeing the 1st Snowy Owl of the season. 2 hunting Northern Harriers and a American Kestrel also made themselves present at the Lake Express. Images were taken on December 30, 2015.
Binomial name: Bubo scandiacus
Category: Typical Owls
Description: Adult males are mostly white with a few dark feather tips. Adult females and juveniles are white with dark scalloping on chest, back, wings, and tail. Yellow eyes, black beak, and feathery feet.
Size: 20”- 28” long, 49” – 59” wingspan
Weight: 3.5 lb. – 6.6 lb.
Habitat: Wide open, treeless spaces such as shorelines, lakes, open fields, and agricultural sites.
Diet: Small mammals such as rodents, lemmings, voles, mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other birds such as shorebirds, songbirds, ducks, geese, and pheasants.
Nesting: The female builds a nest on a mound with good visibility. She scrapes away the top layer of soil and, over several days, presses her body into the ground to make a depression. She will lay a clutch of 3 to 11 eggs and incubate them for about 5 weeks. Both parents will defend the nest and care for the hatchlings which are born pure white. The same nest may be used year after year.
Notes: Snowy owls are considered the heaviest owl in North America, weighing about a pound more than its closest contender, the Great Horned Owl. A snowy owl was featured in the Harry Potter series when Harry received his pet, Hedwig. It is also the official bird of Quebec.
I birded some of the lakefront mid morning today in Milwaukee. My last stop was going to be South Shore Yacht Club. Only a few blocks away from there, I got a text from Jen A telling me of a beautiful Kumlein’s Iceland Gull was present on the docks. Thanks Jen! This gull may have 1st been found by John M early morning, nice find John! I stopped and we both got some nice views of this bird flying and watched it hanging out with some Ring-billed Gulls. I think this gull would be considered a 2nd winter gull. Also present was a Peregrine Falcon, but it was out far on a dock and only gave back views. I left for awhile and checked out the Petroleum Pier which had pretty much the same ducks that I have been seeing for the last 2 weeks. Lakeshore State Park still had the female Long-tailed Duck along with the ducks that it had been hanging with. Not much else to report. A fun hour or so out, always a treat to see a different gull on the lakefront! Images were taken on December 15, 2015.
Binomial name: Larus glaucoides
Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Size: 22” long, 54” wing span
Weight: 1.8 lb
Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gull right
Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gull right
Kumlien’s Iceland Gull hanging out with Ring-billed Gulls, 6th from the left
Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gulls, 5 right
Take-off!
Take-off!
I hit the lakefront in Milwaukee early this morning. I stopped at the beaches and marinas and not much was happening. I stopped at Lakeshore State Park and did a walk through and stumbled across 3 Snow Bunting that hung around for about 1 second. I checked the pond area and it had a few Greater Scaups and in them was the female Long-tailed Duck that Todd had reported yesterday. I watched it for awhile and they were all actively feeding most of the time I was present. The Long-tailed Duck being smaller still got very pushy around the scaups. I watched something interesting happen and I captured it some what on camera. The ducks where all hanging out a scattered group and the Long-tailed Duck takes off, does a 180 for about 200 feet, bolts like a bullet, then settles down. The scaups follow it but at a slower pace. Only thing I could figure out is that a very large fish had went for the duck. I saw nothing above that could have startled that poor duck! Most ducks I have seen in one place so far this season. 2 Pied-billed Grebes and Double-crested Cormorants were also present at the park. A fun day out, wind was cool, mostly cloudy I would say. The winds were picking up when I left. Images were taken on December 10, 2015.
Long-tailed Duck, female
Binomial name: Clangula hyemalis
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 16.5” long, 28” wing span
Weight: 1.6 lb
Cool Fact: This duck was once known as Oldsquaw
Long-tailed Duck, female, thinking about making the dive!
Long-tailed Duck, female, still thinking about making the dive!
Long-tailed Duck, female, making the dive
Long-tailed Duck, female, making the dive
Long-tailed Duck, female, done!
Pied-billed Grebe
Greater Scaup, female adult
Greater Scaup, male adult
Long-tailed Duck, female, stretching
Long-tailed Duck, female, stretching
Long-tailed Duck, female, stretching
Long-tailed Duck, female, stretching
Long-tailed Duck, female
Long-tailed Duck, female
Long-tailed Duck, female
Greater Scaup, male adult
Greater Scaup, female adult
Long-tailed Duck, female just hanging out with the scaups
Long-tailed Duck, female was thinking about stretching but did not
Something startles the Long-tailed Duck!
Duck does 180! Long-tailed Duck is startled and takes off like a bullet!
The Long-tailed Duck is on the move doing 180!
The Long-tailed Duck is on the move, still getting turned around
And away the duck goes!
Still going!
Still going and the scaups have joined in on the exit!
And still going!
Still going!
And after a couple hundred feet it settles down, I can only think it was a fish?
Quick shot of a distant Snow Bunting at the park
Early this morning I made a run up to Manitowoc with hopes to see a few recent reported birds. I had hoped for some sun but it remained overcast all morning. I saw 4 Long-tailed Ducks in the harbor. 1 adult male and 3 adult females. These ducks were skittish and for the most part the hung out in the middle of the harbor there which is pretty good size. 2 times they came in for some diving. Stunning ducks, my 2nd time seeing an adult male, and never this close. I had to hide behind a concrete barrier for some time and stay out of sight for them to come in, but it worked. The nice views were very limited. That was it for Manitowoc. My next stop was Sheboygan and I had no luck in seeing the reported female Harlequin Duck. I checked all places I usually check 3 times and out in the water all places. I noticed now it was reported again this afternoon, that is birding. 1 Great Black-backed Gull I was present on a breakwall there. My last stop was at the Port Washington Harbor, very quiet with the usual suspects. All places I thought had few ducks. A cloudy day, the wind was cold at Manitowoc, but other places not too bad. Still a fun day out birding! Images were taken on December 8, 2015.
Long-tailed Duck, adult male
Binomial name: Clangula hyemalis
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 16.5” long, 28” wing span
Weight: 1.6 lb
Cool Fact: This duck was once known as Oldsquaw
Long-tailed Duck, adult male
Long-tailed Duck, adult male
The long tail, making a dive!
Long-tailed Duck, adult female
Long-tailed Duck, adult female
Long-tailed Duck, adult female stretching
Long-tailed Duck, adult male left – Long-tailed Duck, adult female right
Long-tailed Duck, adult male right – Long-tailed Duck, adult female left
Long-tailed Duck, adult female making a dive!
Long-tailed Duck, adult male
Long-tailed Duck, adult female
Long-tailed Duck, adult male
Long-tailed Duck, adult male
Long-tailed Duck, adult female left – Long-tailed Duck, adult male right
One of the birding moments today was watching a couple of adult Great Black-backed Gulls at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. One of the birds was shy and only came in once, and a walker flushed it. The other had only one thing on it’s mind, eating, and that was part of a dead fish at waters edge. A couple of days ago, I could not even get on the beach, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls were present that day and when I set foot on the beach they headed out on to the water. Today, this food was a factor, I was within 100 feet of many gulls as were walkers and the one Great Black-backed Gull with in them never moved, it worked on the fish, but it did keep an eye on me the whole time too. Had a little confrontation with a couple of Herring Gulls but overall not much trouble. The Herring and Ring-billed Gulls that were around pretty much kept their distance and respected this gulls space. I noticed this gull took the dead fish and dragged it into the water numerous times and out, it appeared it was washing the dead fish as it ate it. One time it looked like it was going to cover the dead fish up with bills full of algae but that process did not go far. At the end, the Great Black-backed Gull had appeared to have filled up and took to the air, then sitting far out on the lake bathing. A couple of Herring Gulls took over the piece of fish. The only other highlight today was seeing 2 Hermit Thrushes at Grant Park in Milwaukee below a bluff. Other than that a slow day birding where I was, few ducks out on the lake for this time of year. Beautiful day out with mild temps and sun, low winds. Images were taken on December 4, 2015.
Binomial name: Larus marinus
Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Description: The largest member of the gull family. White feathers with grayish-black backs and wings. The wings have white wingtips. Pink legs, strong yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.
Size: 25” – 31” long, 4’ 10” – 5’ 7” wingspan
Weight: 1.7 lbs. – 5.1 lbs.
The Great Black-backed Gull retrieves the dead fish it just put in the water, evidently for washing
A Herring Gull watching, would love to get some of that fish!
A Herring Gull watching, would love to get some of that fish!
Taking a drink
Taking a drink
Taking a drink
Dragging it back out of the water after possible washing
Got flushed by a jogger but is coming back in
Not wasting any time getting back to that fish with a Herring Gull on the left.
A little confrontation
A little confrontation
A little confrontation
Herring Gull left, Ring-billed Gull right
Gull is full, time to get out on the lake!
Gull is full, time to get out on the lake!
Wings down!
I hit a few spots along Lake Michigan this morning north of Milwaukee in hopes that some of the nice birds reported from the north have come south. Nothing rare to report, but I did see the 2 Long-tailed Ducks that Nancy reported yesterday and they are always a treat. Thank you Nancy! The two female Long-tailed Ducks were hanging out around the marina area, once in a while with some mallards too. They did a lot of preening during the time I was there which was short lived as a few fishermen kept making a lot of noise, the Long-tailed Ducks moved out some. I only saw one duck dive once. Port Washington was slow, but still a great place to watch. It was a very cold morning with a light breeze out of the north, some sun. Images were taken on November 29, 2015.
Taking a drink!
Binomial name: Clangula hyemalis
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 16.5” long, 28” wing span
Weight: 1.6 lb
Cool Fact: This duck was once known as Oldsquaw
Preening
Both preening
I hit Milwaukee’s lakefront early this morning and it was pretty quiet. The only highlight were 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, adults nonbreeding at Bradford Beach. They came and went but at one time 3 were on the beach within ~20 feet of each other. They mostly hung out in the water with walkers on the beach. Great Black-backed Gulls have always been skittish with me, you just will not be on the beach with them. Step a foot on the beach and they are gone! There was a little harassing from Herring Gulls but that was limited. Bruce showed up, Jym showed up later and he just had 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at the marina along with a Thayer’s Gull. We thought we had a Lesser Black-backed Gull early on but could not confirm it. Jen and John showed up too and we all watch the Great Black-backed Gulls while they hung around for the most part out in the lake. There was a stiff wind out of the north and it made for a very cold morning, but it was a fun time out birding with friends! Weather like this for almost the 1st of December, we will take it. Images were taken on November 28, 2015.
Binomial name: Larus marinus
Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Description: The largest member of the gull family. White feathers with grayish-black backs and wings. The wings have white wingtips. Pink legs, strong yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.
Size: 25” – 31” long, 4’ 10” – 5’ 7” wingspan
Weight: 1.7 lbs. – 5.1 lbs.
Habitat: Rocky and sandy coastal shorelines, ponds, lakes, and marshes
Diet: 50% or more of their diet is often garbage or human refuse. They also eat fish, insects, crabs, smaller birds, chick eggs, and land animals such as rats.
Nesting: Both parents build several nests on or near stacks of rocks or fallen logs. The female chooses the best one, and it is lined with grass, seaweed, and other vegetation or garbage such as rope and pieces of plastic. The female will lay a clutch of 3 eggs and both parents incubate them for about 28 days. Both parents raise the hatchlings, take turns finding food. The breeding pair will reuse the same nesting site year after year.
Notes: Great Black-backed Gull feathers were used in clothing while feathers were fashionable in the late 1800’s. Once the trend ended, populations began to increase. This trend continues with the increase in refuse sites across North America and Europe.
Distant shot of 3 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach!
They all want some of the food, with a Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gulls
They all want some of the food, with a Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gulls
With a Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gulls
Under the wing
Back view
Just took a drink!
On a birding run, I ran into a beautiful Coyote hunting in a field down near Milwaukee’s lakefront. I watched it for awhile and took a few pictures. I was a distance away so it continued to hunt after I saw it and on one occasion it captured and ate a mole. It saw me after a few minutes and started to walk away. A fun little event as birding was slow today. Images were taken on November 25, 2015.
Coyote
Scientific name: Canis latrans
Type: Mammal
Average life span in the wild: 10 to 14 years, in captivity up to 20 years.
Size: Head and rump 32″-37″ long, tails typically are 16″ long.
Weight: Males 18-44 lbs, Females 15-40 lbs.
Coyote hunting
The jump!
Coyote, he missed!
Coyote hunting
Coyote hunting
The jump!
Coyote hunting, missed
Coyote hunting
The jump!
Coyote catching the mole
Coyote catching the mole
Coyote eating the vole
Coyote eating the mole
Coyote eating the mole
Coyote is finished with the mole
Coyote heads out that area, but I watched it and it starts to hunt an area just father away
Coyote heading out of area, one last look back!
I made the run up to Trempealeau County early am with hopes to see the reported Lewis’s Woodpecker. I left in darkness, arrived in darkness. After some light arrived, so did the woodpeckers. Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and then the beautiful male Lewis’s Woodpecker! This Lewis’s should be the 4th state record for Wisconsin if I am correct. Its normal range is Colorado and west, what an exciting bird to have show up in Wisconsin. They did not waste anytime, all the woodpeckers were active most of the time I was there. The Lewis’s pretty much stayed in about 1 acre of the front yard at the home. On 2 occasions it flew north and south what appeared to be long distances but returned. Dan B showed up after awhile and the Lewis’s gave nice views but remained higher in branched trees. Daryl showed up, the bird was active for a while but left the area for about 45 minutes and did not return, I headed for home. The bird only hit the suet feeder once while we were there, and it was a split second. We gave this bird plenty of space. One sometimes wonders how these birds are found. Amanda the mother told me that Isaiah the son found the bird, the daughter Zaila identified the bird immediately. Great find Isaiah, great ID Zaila! Zaila is a birder working on a life list etc, congrats to all of them. I hope I got this information correct. The bird was found this last Sunday. A big thank you to Amanda the mother, the outstanding host for all the birders who have showed up and to all the family for letting others come see this rare bird that is visiting in their yard. Thanks too, to everyone that has kept updates on this bird and excellent directions to the location. A life bird for me and a cool one at that. It was a very fun morning for all of us on a beautiful late November day! Hope the bird hangs around for others to see. Images were taken on November 24, 2015. UPDATE: To my understanding, the Lewis’s Woodpecker was still being seen as of Friday February 5, 2016.
Binomial name: Melanerpes lewis
Category: Woodpeckers and Allies
Size: 10.75” long, 21” wing span
Weight: 4 oz
Cool fact: Normal Range is Colorado west, far northern Mexico north to lower Canada
Always looking for insects!
Looking in all the loose bark openings for insects!
Looking in all the loose bark openings for insects!
Just resting
Early morning sun just sitting
Scratching, early morning sun
Early morning sun, just taking a break
Getting those insects!
Getting those insects!
Always looking for insects!
With possible acorn
In action
In action
In action
In action
In action, looking for insects
In action, looking for insects
In action, looking for insects
From the barnyard pole!
One of my birding stops today was the Milwaukee Community Garden off of Rawson Ave in Milwaukee County. I hung out there for a while and enjoyed all the different species of birds picking and eating weed seeds off the dead stalks. The roads were open and I made a few passes though there. No sign of the Northern Shrike but a few Red-tailed Hawks were in the area. All these birds work way to hard! Images were taken on November 23, 2015.
Northern Cardinal, male
Northern Cardinal, female
White-crowned Sparrow, male eating weed seeds
White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds
White-crowned Sparrow, adult getting that seed!
White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds
White-crowned Sparrow, juvenile eating weed seeds
White-crowned Sparrow, juvenile
White-crowned Sparrow, juvenile
American Tree Sparrow picking and eating weed seeds
American Tree Sparrow picking and eating weed seeds
American Tree Sparrow
House Finch, male
American Goldfinch picking and eating seeds
American Goldfinch picking and eating seeds
American Goldfinch picking and eating seeds
American Goldfinch picking and eating seeds
American Goldfinch picking and eating seeds
American Goldfinch at takeoff
American Tree Sparrow eating weed seeds
American Tree Sparrow eating weed seeds
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow adult on alert!
I spent a short time at a local birding spot in Marquette County Wisconsin and it was very slow. One occasion a Fox Sparrow showed and gave nice views. Red-headed Woodpeckers are still hanging around but I did not pursue them. 5 American Bald Eagles have been hanging around too in the area seeing them regularly. Lots of Blue Jays, they are still grabbing acorns of the oak trees and storing them. At least 2 adults and 4 juveniles, it will be interesting if they will be here in spring. A light snow last night, winter is here. Images were taken on November 21, 2015.
Fox Sparrow, typically a bird I usually see on the ground feeding.
Binomial name: Passerella iliaca
Category: Emberizids
Size: 7” long, 10.5” wing span
Weight: 1.1 oz
Note: I have heard it so many times, “Fox Sparrow is my favorite sparrow”
Fox Sparrow, back view
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Junco
Blue Jay
Blue Jay looking back
Blue Jay
Blue Jay in the late afternoon sun
I birded the lakefront in Milwaukee early this morning. One of the highlights was a beautiful male American Kestrel at the Lake Express Ferry. It worked from the fences getting grasshoppers and eating them. It was really focused on food, it must know there is winter storm in the forecast. The rest of the lakefront was very quiet, few ducks. Another highlight was the Northern Shrike at the Milwaukee Community Gardens. When I drove into the gardens, there was the shrike on top of some small deciduous trees in the middle of the garden area. Most likely is the same bird that was reported by Jen on Monday. I stopped and took a distant shot of the bird. I watched it hunt and catch a few things and then it left the area. I hung around an hour it never returned. The Northern Shrike image is last. Images were taken on November 19, 2015.
American Kestrel with a grasshopper after catching it over the fence
Binomial name: Falco sparverius
Category: Caracaras and Falcons
Size: 9” long, 22” wing span
Weight: 4.1 oz
Cool facts: I’ve also heard it called a sparrow hawk
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
Here the wind gave the bird a rough time but it steadied itself
Here too, the wind gave the bird a rough time but it steadied itself
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel still eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel eating the grasshopper
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel hunting
American Kestrel, image taken 11/20/15
Northern Shrike, distant shot at the Milwaukee Community Gardens 11/19/15
I made the run out to Waterloo Wisconsin in Jefferson County with hopes to see the reported female Anna’s Hummingbird. When I arrived I had to wait for a while for the bird to show. It had been reported that it showed roughly every hour. It pretty much stayed on track for that for the couple of hours I stayed. It typically favored the feeder port of the hummingbird feeder that was against the house next to the pole which made it difficult for photos, but the bird gave great views! When it got the feeder it stayed there for the duration until it had what it wanted then left to the east. On one occasion I saw it leave and go into a arborvitae type tree to the east. From what I heard today, this was the 6th reported Anna’s for the state of Wisconsin. It was said the bird has been coming to the feeder for about a week, but it took that long to get it all figured out that it was a Anna’s and not a Ruby-throated. The pale white eye-ring and white behind the eyes determines it is a Anna’s. This bird was banded early this morning by Cynthia B, but it did not stop it from returning to one of the feeders in the yard all day long. Not my first Anna’s in the state as I got the stunning male last year in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014. A big thank you to Duane and Kristen for allowing visitors to see the rare visitor to the state and being great hosts! Also, thanks to Tom P for getting the word out on this bird.
Binomial name: Calypte anna
Category: Hummingbirds
Size: 4″ long, 5.25” wingspan
Weight: 0.15 oz
Link to images of the MALE Anna’s Hummingbird taken in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014 if you care to view them:
http://www.windowtowildlife.com/annas-hummingbird-sauk-county-wisconsin-october-21-2014/
I decided on the way into Milwaukee early morning being still dark with a light mist I would change plans and try for the Black-headed Gull that was reported yesterday by Daryl T in Sheboygan. When I arrived, it was just light. I stopped on the road near North Point and noticed a different gull near the waters edge. It was a Franklin’s Gull in nonbreeding plumage. A life bird for me that has avoided me well for the last few years. I have chased many reports the last couple of years, finally! The images are crude as it was just light, I shot from my parked car with the window down as a dog walker was a few feet away from the Franklin’s and moving towards it. After the bird flushed from the dog walker it flew just off shore for a minute and that was the end of that bird. I hung around for a couple of hours just in case it returned or the Black-headed Gull showed, neither happened. I stopped at Port Washington and a Great Black-backed Gull stood way out near the end of a dock. After I checked the area for other species south of that, returned, it appeared to be sleeping sound in the same place. I checked the Milwaukee Lakefront on the way back as I saw Steve L’s post of the Franklin’s Gulls moving south on the lake. I saw a flock of about 15 at the Lake Express Ferry, they were heading south. When I first saw the flock flying, it was quiet obvious it was a species I had not seen before as the way the flock moved. I also noticed a flock of about 20 Snow Buntings on the lakefront. A fun day out, weather was really not all that bad, it was not cold. Images were taken on November 12, 2015.
Franklin’s Gull
Binomial name: Larus pipixcan
Category: Gulls, Terns and Skimmers
Size: 14.5” long, 36” wing span
Weight: 10 oz
Franklin’s Gull with 3 Ring-billed Gulls and Herring Gull
Franklin’s Gull
Franklin’s Gull
Franklin’s Gull with a preening Ring-billed Gull
Franklin’s Gull
Franklin’s Gull with a Ring-billed Gull being flushed
Franklin’s Gull
Great Black-backed Gull looking around at the Port Washington Marina
Great Black-backed Gull sound asleep at the Port Washington Marina
Partial flock of Franklin’s Gulls high up and moving south over the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee WI 11/12/15
