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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.

Mute Swan on the Fox River at Frame Park in Waukesha on January 15, 2023

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One of my birding stops today gave nice views of a Mute Swan at Frame Park on the Fox River in Waukesha. The Mute Swan fed the whole time I was present except for a minute when it did a little preening. The river was fully open with no ice when I was there around 9:00 am. Also present were a handful of Common Goldeneye and of course Mallards along with roughly 200 Canada Geese. A little sun in the morning but started to haze over with mild temps around 32 degrees, low winds. Images were taken on January 15, 2023.

The Mute Swan, just hanging out on the river getting things to eat…

Going down for something to eat…

Just out of the water…

Preening…

 

Trumpeter Swans at the Bark River Trail in Waukesha County on January 9, 2023

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One of my birding stops today provided nice looks at 2 Trumpeter Swans at the Bark River Trail in Waukesha County. The Trumpeters fed the whole time I was present. It was stirring the water with their feet, diving and eating what they stirred up. A few Mallards were present always trying to get in by them for that food. It was a pleasant morning with temps around 26 degrees for the start of January and a nice sunny day to go along with that, low winds. Images were taken on January 9, 2023.

One of two Trumpeter Swans present…

Stirring up the river bottom getting food…

Down for food…

Just up from under water…

Feeding, this was typical…

More stirring the river bottom for food…

Going down for feeding…

Wisconsin birding, the year in review 2022. Includes vagrants, special visitors or just the beautiful birds that either nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin.

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I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2022. 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 2022. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Finishing up this year with adding 7 more birds to my Wisconsin life list now standing at 371.  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!

Purple Sandpiper at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County January 1, 2022

Purple Sandpiper at McKinley Beach Milwaukee County January 1, 2022

Common Redpoll at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 3, 2022

Common Redpoll eating Alder cone seeds at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 3, 2022

Common Redpoll with a Alder cone seed at the Fox River in Waukesha County January 3, 2022

Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee January 4, 2022

Green-winged Teal, male at the Fox River in Waukesha January 9, 2022

Green-winged Teal, male at the Fox River in Waukesha January 9, 2022

Green-winged Teal with a Mallard, female at the Fox River in Waukesha January 9, 2022

Purple Sandpiper, one of two at this location, McKinley Marina Milwaukee County January 17, 2022

Purple Sandpiper, one of two at this location, McKinley Marina Milwaukee County January 17, 2022

Eastern Screech Owl, red and gray morph in Milwaukee County January 21, 2022

White-winged Crossbill, female at Stute Springs in Waukesha County January 25, 2022

White-winged Crossbill, male at Stute Springs in Waukesha County January 25, 2022

Long-eared Owl, a new location, this location is not where other Long-eared Owls have been photographed, reported, or roosting in the state January 31, 2022

Pileated Woodpecker, male at Minooka Park in Waukesha County February 8, 2022

Pileated Woodpecker, female at Minooka Park in Waukesha County February 8, 2022

Ross’s Goose at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County February 19, 2022

Ross’s Goose at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County February 19, 2022

Barred Owl in Milwaukee County February 21, 2022

Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County on February 25, 2022

Barred Owl in Milwaukee County February 26, 2022

Horned Lark at Oconomowoc in Waukesha County  February 27, 2022

Horned Lark at Oconomowoc in Waukesha County  February 27, 2022

The pair of Sandhill Cranes in Waukesha County March 5, 2022

Sandhill Crane preening in Waukesha County March 5, 2022

Common Goldeneye, male stretching at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

Lesser Scaup, male at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

Redhead, male at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

Redhead, female at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

Ring-necked Ducks, males at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

Common Goldeneye, male 1st winter at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

American Coot at the Fox River in Waukesha March 8, 2022

Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022

Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022

Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022

Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County April 14, 2022

Yellow-throated Warbler, this rarity at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County April 21, 2022

Loggerhead Shrike, it was a rainy day, Milwaukee County April 22, 2022

Summer Tanager, immature male eating gnats at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Summer Tanager, immature male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Summer Tanager, immature male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Black-throated Green, male atWarnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Yellow Warbler, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Palm Warbler, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Tennessee, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Yellow-rumped, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Nashville, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Black and White, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Hooded Warbler, male at Warnimont Park Milwaukee County April 26, 2022

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male at Shoop Park Racine April 27, 2022

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with a Stink Bug Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male at Shoop Park Racine April 27, 2022

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male at Shoop Park Racine April 27, 2022

Ash-throated Flycatcher, this rarity at Wind Point Racine April 27, 2022

Willet at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on April 29, 2022

Willet at McKinley Beach, something in the bill, Milwaukee County on April 29, 2022

Willets at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on April 29, 2022

Say’s Phoebe at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee County May 2, 2022

Blackburnian Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Blackpoll Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Bay-breasted Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Canada Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Magnolia Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Magnolia Warbler, singing male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

American Redstart, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Wilson’s Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Philadelphia Vireo at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Mourning Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Common Yellowthroat, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Chestnut-sided Warbler, male at Wehr Nature Center Milwaukee County May 10, 2022

Connecticut Warbler, male at Lake Park Milwaukee County May 13, 2022

Fulvous Whistling Duck at Hog Island Dane County May 16, 2022

Fulvous Whistling Duck at Hog Island Dane County May 16, 2022

Lark Bunting, male at Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee County May 23, 2022

Bobolink, male at Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County May 31, 2022

Bobolink, female at Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County May 31, 2022

Cassin’s Kingbird, this rare bird in the rain in Marathon County June 6, 2022

Black-headed Gull, this rare bird at the South Side Municipal Beach in Sheboygan June 13, 2022

Brown Booby, super rare bird on the Black River in La Crosse August 11, 2022

Black-crowned Night-Heron, adult at Humboldt Park Milwaukee County August 16, 2022

Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile at Humboldt Park Milwaukee County August 16, 2022

Green Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County August 30, 2022

The Common Nighthawk at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 16, 2022

Great Egret at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington August 26, 2022

Great Egret at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington August 26, 2022

Great Egrets at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington August 26, 2022

Osprey at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County August 28, 2022

Great Blue Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County September 9, 2022

Great Blue Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County September 9, 2022

Great Blue Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park Milwaukee County September 9, 2022

Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 27, 2022

American White Pelican, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 27, 2022

American White Pelican, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County September 27, 2022

Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County October 4, 2022

Wood Duck, male in Milwaukee County October 4, 2022

Wood Duck, female in Milwaukee County October 4, 2022

Hooded Merganser in Milwaukee County November 14, 2022

Eastern Screech Owl, red morph in Milwaukee County November 16, 2022

Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin November 21, 2022

Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County December 12, 2022

Great Horned Owls in Waukesha County December 22, 2022

Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club Milwaukee Wisconsin December 29, 2022

Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club Milwaukee County December 29, 2022

Barred Owl Milwaukee County December 30, 2022

Barred Owl in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on December 30, 2022

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Doing some general birding in Milwaukee County I spotted a Barred Owl. Surprisingly I had already walked passed this owl not noticing it but some Black-capped Chickadees were together on a small tree and it rang a bell in my head that their presence might mean a owl is close by. It was true, as I turned my head around backwards where I had just walked there was a Barred Owl looking at me. With my short stop watching the the owl it seemed preoccupied with watching something off in a distance in another direction, maybe it’s next meal? It was a mostly cloudy day with temps around 36 with no wind. Images were taken on December 30, 2022.

 

The Barred Owl when I saw it…

The Barred Owl was always looking to another location, not at me, maybe thinking about the next meal…

It seemed relaxed…not a worry in the world…

Mandarin Duck at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 29, 2022

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Word was out that a Mandarin Duck was present at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee. I have never seen one and being considered one of the most beautiful ducks I decided to make a run down to see if it was present. Yes it was, along with other birders and photographers. This bird is not a wild bird and considered an escapee, still fun to see. What a beautiful bird!! Nice sun in the morning and warming temps near 50 expected. Images were taken on December 29, 2022.

Preening…

In the water at a distance…

Red-headed Woodpecker in Marquette County Wisconsin on December 12, 2022

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Spending a couple of days in Marquette County it was nice to see a Red-headed Woodpecker still hanging around. Every year is different, this species is hit or miss here in central Wisconsin if they hang around for the winter. We are down to one bird as of now. It was a pretty good year for acorns so we will see. Images were taken on December 12, 2022.

 

Eastern Screech-Owl, red morph in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on November 16, 2022

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While out doing some everyday birding I stumbled across a red morph Eastern Screech-Owl. What a surprise to be walking slowly through some woods and to look up and see this bird up in a tree right in front of you but only the back of it at first. Backing off and circling around to the front of this bird at a distance it gave a couple of hard to get quick photos before leaving the area quietly. Nice to see a Screech Owl out a tree cavity for a change. This owl would have been so easy to miss but I just happened to look up at the right time. First sighting this fall-winter of a screech-owl for me. This bird has not been reported that I know of. A cloudy day with low winds. Images were taken on November 16, 2022.

When I first saw this owl up in the tree…

Hooded Merganser, juvenile female in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on November 14, 2022

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While out birding I came across a beautiful Hooded Merganser that was a juvenile female. It gave nice views for a few minutes before moving off. It was a partly cloudy day with low winds but temperature were around 37 degrees, sorta chilly. Images were taken on November 14, 2022.

The Hooded Merganser…

Down for a drink…

Some preening…

More preening…

In coming…

Nice looking duck…

Just a little shaking off…

Wood Ducks and Mallards in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on October 4, 2022

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It was a fun day photographing the beauty of the Wood Ducks and Mallards at a city park in Milwaukee. They were very active at times and sometimes just doing nothing but sitting around.

Wood Duck, male with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, male…

Wood Duck, female with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, male…

Mallard, female with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, male…

Wood Duck, male…

Mallard, female with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, female with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, male stretching…

Wood Duck, male…

Wood Duck, male with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, female

Mallard, female with a crab apple…

Mallard, female, crab apple that got away…

Mallard, female with a crab apple…

Just a good looking Wood Duck, male…

Wood Duck, male…

Wood Duck, male…

Wood Duck, female…with a crab apple…

Wood Duck, male…that wind…

Wood Duck, male…talking…

American White Pelican at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 27, 2022

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While birding Lakeshore State Park the surprise bird of the day there was an American White Pelican. I found this juvenile bird at the pebble beach at the park and it was just standing there.  After a while it took a swim to the other side of the lagoon and jumped up on the rocks literally. It did some preening and a little resting and then went back out in the water. It swam to the south end of the lagoon and then took off, did a loop over the lagoon and then flew over to the lighthouse water. I watched it drift to the south. It was a partly cloudy day with a good wind and cool temps around 55 degrees. Images were taken on September 27, 2022.

At the pebble beach, the juvenile American White Pelican…

Moving about the lagoon off of the pebble beach…

Preening on the rocks on the west side of the lagoon…

And more preening…

That eye…

Back in the water…

Moving towards the south end of the lagoon…

Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 27, 2022

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A stop at Lakeshore State Park this morning in Milwaukee provided nice views of a Lapland Longspur. I found this bird on the south end of the park moving around on the rocks finding things to eat. This is a typical location to find this species this time of year. It was a partly cloudy day with a good wind and cool temps around 55 degrees. Images were taken on September 27, 2022.

The Lapland Longspur giving nice views…

Great Blue Herons at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on September 9, 2022

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A few juvenile Great Blue Herons have been present at Greenfield Park lately. They have been not very active but on a few occasions I have caught them catching fish. Most of the time they are just standing in the water waiting for something to come by to eat and I really think fish numbers are down in the lagoon. Maybe that could be one of the reasons there has been little action as it takes awhile for fish to come by. No adults around as there were earlier but they must have moved on or are heading south. Skies have been mostly sunny and light winds. Images were taken on  September 7-9.

A nice catch by this juvenile Great Blue Heron…

Just waiting for the next fish…

Drying off those wings…

More waiting…

What??

Another nice catch!

Walking along the island shore hoping to get a nice catch…

Just moving along the shoreline in water…

Great Egrets at Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington Wisconsin on August 26, 2022

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I made a run down to Echo Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington to see if there were any Great Egrets around. They are typically present near the dam this time of year or out on the lake. There were about 30 present when I arrived. They kept to the south end of the dam or out on the lake in trees most of the time I was there. They were not as active as I would have liked but with a few fishermen around the area or visitors to the park walking around the birds seems skittish for the most part. A couple of times the Great Egrets came over to the north side fishing for food but their stay was short lived. Still a great visit to see these beautiful birds hanging out in nice numbers near the dam. The morning started out cloudy giving way to some sun on and off while I was there. Actually I had to go to my car to get a coat as it was too cold with a breeze off the lake there for just a tee shirt. Images were taken on August 26, 2022.

The Great Egret coming in for a landing at the dam…

The elegant Great Egret…

Typically what I saw when I was there…

Circling near the dam…

Waiting for a fish to be seen…

Below the dam just looking pretty…

Some serious fishing being done here, waiting for a fish to be seen…

Some preening…

Getting those feathers in place…

A photo down the lake at one of the trees they perch in…

 

Common Nighthawk at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on August 27, 2022

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I made a stop at Greenfield Park this morning and the bird of the day there was a Common Nighthawk. It was perched in a deciduous tree giving great looks. While I watched it, it preened a short time, nice to see it with its eyes open. These days right now, mid to the end of August this species migrates through the state and looking up into the sky before dark you may see them flying in all directions but slowly moving south. Not uncommon to see 100 at a time. I heard peak day for migration is August 25th. I saw many last night over Waukesha County up high in the sky just looking for a few minutes. It was a day of sun with passing clouds, temps around 80 degrees, low winds. Images were on August 27, 2022.

The Common Nighthawk perched pretty…

Some of that tail showing…

Some preening…

More preening…

Another shot…

Juvenile Green Herons at Greenfield Park on August 15, 2022

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A stop at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County gave nice looks at a couple of juvenile Green Herons. They did some fishing for food but came up empty each time as they are still learning how to get their food. They are cute with the fuzz on their heads. It was a sunny morning with temps around 70 degrees, low winds and sunny. Images were taken on August 12, 2022.

Green Heron, juvenile, fuzz on head…

Green Heron, juvenile walking down a stick in search of food…waiting for something to come by…

Goes for something here…

The Green Heron went for something  but it was a miss, came up empty…

Black-crowned Night-Herons at Humboldt Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin August 16, 2022

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One of my birding stops today was Humboldt Park and the highlight there were a family of Black-crowned Night-Herons. 2 Adults and 4 juveniles hung out on the side of an island. They flew a few feet here or there but no major show by them. Maybe they had already eaten this morning but I saw no food being gone after or consumed. Some preening did occur. It was a beautiful morning with a light breeze, some sun, and mild temperatures. Images were taken on August 16, 2022.

Black-crowned Night-Heron #1, adult…

Some preening…

Stretching…

Stretching…

Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile…

Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile…

This one up in a tree, Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile…

Looks like it was watching for something to eat…Black-crowned Night-Heron, juvenile…

Black-crowned Night-Heron #2, adult…

Brown Booby on the Black River in La Crosse Wisconsin on August 11, 2022

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When I saw the report of a Brown Booby being reported in La Crosse Wisconsin it sounded impossible! A bird that lives south of the US in the oceans of Mexico, east and west was a bird I wanted on my WI life list. It was too late in the day to make the run up there as it would be dark but put together a trip for early morning. Jym and Nathanal went along for the ride with me. Leaving at 3 am from Waukesha and arriving at 5:30 am worked out well, a few minutes before light. After about 20 minutes the bird was found opposite the eagle watch parking lot on the other side of the Black River perched in a tree. After about 15 minutes the bird left the perch and flew around some over the open water, eventually landing in the water. The next couple of hours the bird repeated the flying and landing on the water giving excellent views and pretty far for photos every 10 minutes but never came close up but remained towards the other side of the river or body of water opening. What a great find, the original finder of the exciting bird was Tim Collins, and it was actually found 2 days earlier, this being the 3rd day. A big thank you to Tim for getting the word out on this bird. It was a beautiful morning with temps around 60 degrees and no wind and some clouds. I hope it hangs around for a while for others to enjoy. Life bird #370 for my Wisconsin life list.

At first decent light, the Brown Booby was found perched in a tree on the other side of the river…

Brown Booby during one of its flights over the river at a distance…

In flight…

Just floating around, the bird seemed to be comfortable…

In flight, the bird put on a great show!

In flight…