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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.

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…

Wisconsin Native Wildflowers 2022

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Wisconsin has so much to offer with native wildflowers blooming spring through fall, I thought I would share a few. Most were taken in the yard here in Waukesha County and some were also taken in some local parks.

Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis

Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum

Wild Blue Indigo, Baptisia austrlis, native south of Wisconsin

Smooth Phlox, Phlox glaberrima interior, endangered species in Wisconsin…

Spiderwort, white, Tradescantia ohiensis, white found in the wild

Cream Wild Indigo, Baptisia leucophaea

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

Royal Catchfly, Silene regia

Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea

Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata

Rattlesnake Master, Eryngium yuccifolium

Prairie Blazingstar, Liatris pycnostachya, a butterfly favorite…

Turk Cap’s Lily, Lilium michiganense

Wild Bergamot, Monarda fistulosa

Rosen Weed, Silphium intergrifolium

Wild Petunia, Ruellia humilis, endangered species in Wisconsin…

Black-headed Gull at South Side Municipal Beach in Sheboygan Wisconsin on June 13, 2022

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I saw a report of a rare Black-headed Gull found at Sheboygan’s North Point late evening. I got up early and headed to Sheboygan and was there at sun up. After doing some searching at different locations and coming up empty I got a message that there were a lot of Bonaparte Gulls at South Side Municipal Beach. I checked it out and there were a 1,000 gulls there! I messaged a bunch of birding friends that were at North Point and they came over to help in the search. After looking about 45 minutes the gull was found. We all stayed very far away from the gulls as they took a large section of the beach shoreline, not wanting to flush them. It was preening most of the time and hard to spot. All I could capture was one photo from the event but it was enough to make it my 369th Wisconsin life bird. It was a gorgeous morning with temps around 58 degrees, low winds and sunshine. Images were taken on June 13, 2022.

The Black-headed Gull in the middle of the photo with the reddish bill…

A small part of the overall gull population on the beach…

One time a walker flushed the birds, they took to the sky but returned…

In search of the Black-headed Gull…the gulls a long ways away…

Cassin’s Kingbird in Marathon County Wisconsin on June 6, 2022

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The Cassin’s Kingbird, so very rare to the state of Wisconsin, in fact the 1st state record seen on June 6. This birds normal range is southwestern US. At 2:15 AM, Greg and I made the run up to Marathon County with hopes to see the bird on the second day. The bird was seen in the area northeast of the intersection of Huckleberry Road and Chestnut Hill Ln. just east of Colby, WI. After arriving about 5:30 AM, and 2 hours of searching and rain, I spotted the Cassin’s at the same location it was seen yesterday. It must have been perched out of site until found this morning or off somewhere. It gave nice but distant views for well over an hour and we never really lost sight of it as it moved back and forth over the road, telephone wires, high trees etc. Dan B originally found this bird yesterday looking for Dickcissel’s.  A big thank you to him for the find and getting the word out for others to see. Wisconsin life bird #368 for me. A day of rain the whole time we were present and a breeze too. Images were taken on June 6, 2022.

The Cassin’s Kingbird in the rain…

The Cassin’s Kingbird way out in a field on a perch, it stayed here to quite a while…

The scene as it was, birders looking at the Cassin’s Kingbird near the edge of the grass in the field about 150 feet down the road…

Bobolinks at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County Wisconsin on May 31, 2022

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It was that time of the year and I thought I would check to see if the Bobolinks are back at Retzer Nature Center. They were giving nice views from a distance. Males were chasing around some females. These are interesting birds to follow as they move to different spots, the males calling to the females. There is no sense in trying to figure out where they will land next. I stood at one location and they once in a while landed near me for a couple of photos. I think I saw 5 of them, 3 males and 2 females. Always fun to watch these birds. It was a cloudy day with some good breezes at times, making it seem tough for these birds to hang on to lanky old flower stalks from last year’s wildflowers, but I’m sure they are used to it. Temps around 70 degrees. Images were taken on May 31, 2022.

The male Bobolink calling to the female a ways away…

In between calling…

The female Bobolink perched in some old Yellow Coneflower stalks from last years wildflowers looking at the male…

The female perched a distance from a male…

From a distance the male hangs on tight calling…

The female…

The male hanging on with a good wind…

A look back for a female…

Flying by…

Female just trying to hang on…

Male calling…

Lark Bunting at the Lake Express in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 23, 2022

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Birding some of the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning a stop at the Lake Express was well worth it. A Lark Bunting, male had just been seen by Jym M. but was not currently being seen. What a great bird and find! I thought I would hang around to see if it returned and after about 30 minutes I decided to check out other places along the lake. After checking some beaches I returned to the Lake Express and once again, I had just missed the Lark Bunting. This time I was going to stick around for a while. A short time had passed and I spotted the bunting in a nearby small tree. It moved around some and gave nice views for just a couple of minutes and then was out of sight. It also fed with some House Sparrows on the lawn near the building area in the shade. A Wisconsin life bird for me, #367. I will say, it has been a great year so far for state life birds, I hope this continues. It was a sunny day, with a cool breeze and temps around 50 degrees. Images were taken on May 23, 2022.

The Lark Bunting, male…

Another view…

Fulvous Whistling-Duck at Hog Island in Dane County Wisconsin on May 16, 2022

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There have been a few birding surprises this spring and they have not stopped showing up yet. In Dane County a Fulvous Whistling-Duck was found and the word got out. We were up north when I saw the post in wisbird, but only a little over an hour drive I thought it was a smart move to head south. This is only the second Wisconsin state record for this bird species so it is very rare here in the state. The normal range for this duck is central Mexico coastlines, South America, Florida east coast and is known to breed on the east Texas coast. I need it on my state life list! No wasting time we arrive and a few birders were around to give some pointers on where to see this gem. With about a 1/4 mile hike walking at top speed I came to a shoreline with other birders, we did not see the duck! After a partial walk back and communication with others we went back to the spot and it was along the shore sorta tucked in. It flew out off of the shore and gave nice views for a few minutes. What a beautiful duck and a new state life bird #366. A big thank you goes out to Marcus Brown for getting the word out on this duck for others to see. As of 4:00 PM 5/17/22, the bird had not been relocated on this day, so one day wonder? It will be interesting to see if this bird is re-found in the days ahead.It was a beautiful day with plenty of sun, low winds. Images were taken on May 16, 2022.

The Fulvous Whistling-Duck about 150 feet from shore…

Incoming…but turned around..

The Fulvous Whistling-Duck with a female Mallard…they hung around together for a few minutes while I was there…

Connecticut Warbler at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 13, 2022

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While I was at Wehr Nature Center this morning checking out warblers I heard there was a reported Connecticut Warbler, male at Lake Park in Milwaukee. I made the run over to Lake Park and the warbler was found in the Locust Ravine. The bird was eating gnats from what I could see the whole time I was there moving up and down the slopes giving nice views. The warbler went to the bottom of the ravine twice while I was there continually finding things to eat. This ravine is on the north end of the park. I took some photos as you just don’t see this species often. What a beautiful bird!! It was a sunny day with some wind, cool along the lake at 61 while inland it was 91. Images were taken on May 13, 2022.

The Connecticut Warbler, male

At the ravine bottom looking for things to eat…

Going for a gnat on a blade of grass…

Near a puddle…

Gnat in the bill…

Just a pretty setting the Connecticut was in…

Nice pose with a gnat in the bill…

Always looking for things to eat…

Walking around the bottom of the ravine looking for things to eat…

On the move looking…

Looking up at the gnat and it did get it…

Warblers at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on May 10, 2022

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A stop at Wehr Nature Center and a brief stop at the Fox River in Waukesha produced some great warbler action today. Some of the species seen were Yellow, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Bay Breasted, Blackpoll, Golden-winged, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned, Northern Parula, Mourning, Canada, and Wilson’s along with Yellow throated and Philadelphia Vireos. Some species I would expect to see I did not. It was a warm day with some breeze at times with full sun. Images were taken on May 10, 2022.

Singing Magnolia Warbler, male

Blackburnian Warbler, male

Bay-breasted Warbler, male

Canada Warbler, male

Blackburnain Warbler, male

Mourning Warbler, male

Prothonotary Warbler, male

Blackpoll Warbler, male

American Redstart, male

Magnolia Warbler, male

Wilson’s Warbler, male

Common Yellowthroat, male

Blackburnian Warbler, male

Blackpoll Warbler, male

Philadelphia Vireo

Black and white Warbler, male

Chestnut-sided Warbler, male

Chestnut-sided Warbler, male

Magnolia Warbler, male

Blackpoll Warbler, male

Chestnut-sided Warbler, male

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

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While out birding I heard of a report of the rare for this area, a Say’s Phoebe at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee County. The normal range for this species is western Dakota’s and west. I was only a few minutes so I made the run over there mid morning. After about 15 minutes the bird was found in a small tree east of the pond. It went for a couple of gnats and then flew off. It had not been seen for a while but then it was relocated mid afternoon. A big thank you to Steve L for finding this bird and getting the word out to others. It was a cloudy day with mild temps finally. Images were taken on May 2, 2022.

The Say’s Phoebe perched in a tree in a small field at the cemetery…

Another look…

 

 

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

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I stopped by McKinley Beach and it was a nice surprise to see 24 Willets. They were spread out all over the beach finding things to eat. No pedestrians or dogs were around so they were just doing their thing. Some looked very tired as they were probably were just stopping for a break on their migration trip. It was a nice afternoon with some sun and warmer temps around 50 degrees. Images were taken on April 29, 2022.

A group of the Willets on the beach…

Walking the beach finding things to eat…

Something to eat in the bill…

A pair…

Some larger waves were coming in…

Getting something to eat underwater…

That tongue…

Closeup…

In the bubbles…

One resting its eyes…

Preening…

More preening…

The birds feathers, protection for their body…

Just resting…

Ash-throated Flycatcher at Wind Point in Racine Wisconsin on April 27, 2022

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There was a report of a Ash-throated Flycatcher at Wind Point in Racine and I needed this species for my Wisconsin life list. When I arrived at the lighthouse I found other birders and they said I just missed it! They then said it just flew down the hedge along the lake. After some looking I did find it, it was easy to spot as it was bigger than the swallows and warblers in the area. It liked hanging out inside the trees but there was a time when it made a brief appearance higher up in the open and I took a couple of photos. A Wisconsin life bird #365. It was a mostly cloudy day with a breeze and temps around 40 degrees. Images were taken on April 27, 2022.

The Ash-throated Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Racine Wisconsin on April 27, 2022

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It was a fun time photographing this rare bird, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Being in Racine, this male is far from its normal range, Nebraska and south. It has been visiting the area of Shoop Park Golf Course beach area there. This bird put on a great show and I found out watching it, appeared it was eating dead insects such as Milkweed Beetle, Lady Bugs, Hornets and Stink Bugs to name a few on the beach. It would typically perch for a awhile in nearby trees and then eat for awhile, then repeat. What a stunning bird!! It was a mostly cloudy day with a light breeze and temps around 40 degrees. Images were taken on April 27, 2022.

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, male

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with a possible stink bug…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at takeoff…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher perched in a tree resting…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher taking off…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher going for an insect…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with a Lady Bug…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher perched pretty…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher going for another insect…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming in for a landing, spotting another insect…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher resting…

(Series photo #1) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming in for an insect

(Photo#2) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming in for an insect

(Photo #3) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming in for an insect

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming in…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming in…

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on to another insect…

Warblers at Warnimont Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 26, 2022

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Warnimont Park was the hot spot today if you ask me. Hooded, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, Yellow, Nashville, Black and White, Tennessee, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, and Orange-crowned  were some. It was a cloudy day with a good breeze, cold. Images were taken on April 26, 2022.

Hooded Warbler, male

Yellow-rumped Warbler, male

Black and White Warbler, male

Black-throated Green Warbler, male

Nashville Warbler, male

Tennessee Warbler, male

Palm Warbler, male

Yellow-rumped Warbler, male

Yellow Warbler, male

Chestnut-sided Warbler, male

Hooded Warbler, male

Hooded Warbler, male

Summer Tanager at Warnimont Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 26, 2022

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A stop at Warnimont Park in Milwaukee provided nice views of a Summer Tanager, an immature male. This bird is out of it’s normal range which is mid Illinois and south. We do get a couple in the state every year. The Summer Tanager fed on gnats along the bluff area back and forth the time I was there. It was my birdie-st day so far this year with very many warbler species. It was a mostly cloudy day with cold temps from the northwest high of around 45 degrees. Images were taken on April 26, 2022.

The Summer Tanager…

The hop…

Loggerhead Shrike in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 22, 2022

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I heard the report of a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes in Milwaukee County. These birds are out of their normal range which is west of the Mississippi River. I needed this bird on my Wisconsin life list so I went for it in the early morning. After about 3 hours of rain the bird just showed up. I was standing in a location over looking some wetlands and higher ground when all of the sudden out of the corner of my eye I saw movement in a tree 25 feet from me. This was the only tree within 100 feet of me. As I saw the movement, I also saw the Loggerhead Shrike. It was eating something small, a couple of insects. I took a couple of quick photos and off it went. I did not try to get any closer as I was close enough. I watched the bird fly off. As it was still raining, I left, got my life bird #364 for the state of Wisconsin. It was a cold day of nonstop drizzle with some wind, my hands felt frozen at times. Image was taken on April 22, 2022.

Yellow-throated Warbler at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 21, 2022

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It was nice to see this rare visitor to the area, a Yellow-throated Warbler giving excellent views at Greenfield Park. The normal range for this warbler species is south of Wisconsin. We typically get them in far southwest Wisconsin. The warbler put on a great show at a wood-chip pile for a second day eating plenty gnats while I was present. We finally had a pleasant day for birding with plenty of sunshine all day long and warmer temps. There were many other birders present to see this beauty. Images were taken on April 21, 2022.

The Yellow-throated Warbler giving great looks!

Going for a gnat…

Getting a gnat…

A little jump here…

Wood Ducks in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 14, 2022

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I had the opportunity to photograph some Wood Ducks and did not pass it up. These beautiful ducks gave nice views on a gorgeous sunny day  but with the wind it almost felt like winter. Images were taken on April 14, 2022.

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, female

Wood Duck, female

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, female

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, male

Wood Duck, male on the run…

Common Garter Snakes in Southeastern Wisconsin on March 24, 2022

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This time of year Garter Snakes can be found coming out of hibernation and enjoying some of the mild temperatures of spring. They are a little sluggish or dormant but some are starting to come alive. I found some today on a walk and took some photos of them. I also found a Brown DeKay’s snake that was about the size of a large night crawler. I assume these are Common Garter Snakes, please correct me if I am wrong, thank you. It was a mostly cloudy day with some rain at times, cold temps at 34-37 degrees. Images were taken on March 24, 2022.

The Common Garter Snake’s forked tongue…

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Brown DeKay’s Snake

Brown DeKay’s Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Ring-necked, Lesser Scaup, Redhead and Common Goldeneye at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin on March 8, 2022

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A birding stop at the Fox River in Waukesha early am produced nice views of Ring-necked, Lesser Scaup, Redhead and Common Goldeneye ducks. Also present was 1 American Coot and a lot of Mallards. The main river had a thin layer of ice so these ducks were closer to the dam area on the west side of the river. Most of the time all these ducks were sleeping, but on a few occasions they had their heads up. It was a beautiful morning with sunshine and mild temps around 28 degrees, some wind kept things cold. Images were taken on March 8, 2022.

Common Goldeneye, male stretching…

Lesser Scaup, male

Redhead, male

Redhead, female

Ring-necked Ducks, males

Lesser Scaup, 3 males…

Common Goldeneye, male

Common Goldeneye, male 1st winter…

American Coot

American Coot

Mallard, male

Mallard, female

Mallard, male