American Flamingos, 3 adults and 2 juveniles at South Beach at Port Washington in Ozaukee County Wisconsin on September 22, 2023

Are you kidding me? 5 American Flamingos giving great views  at South Beach at Port Washington in Ozaukee County this afternoon. I got a text message and I asked myself, are you kidding me? Within 5 minutes we were on the road headed to Port Washington. Arriving at the beach area, next to impossible to get a parking spot but did. Moments later at the beach area it was amazing to see 5 American Flamingos standing 40 feet off of shore resting. 3 Adults and 2 to juveniles have wandered out of their normal range which is the southern tip of Florida, Cuba and South American. This was so exciting!!! They rested the time I was there from probably a long flight. Life bird for Wisconsin #375! A sunny day with a nice breeze and mild temps. Images were taken on September 22, 2023.

American Flamingos, 2 adults and 1 juvenile.

American Flamingo, adult

The 5 of them…

American Flamingo, juvenile…

American Flamingo preening…

American Flamingo adult…

American Flamingos…

American Flamingo, adult…

Roseate Spoonbill at Ken Euers Wetland Preserve in Brown County Wisconsin on July 29, 2023

I received a text message early morning that a Roseate Spoonbill was being seen at Ken Euers Wetland Preserve in Brown County. Not a big surprise as this is probably the same bird that was found on July 26 near this location. This is SO RARE!! A bird that breeds in southern Texas and Florida and south here in the state! This species has not been seen in Wisconsin since the 1800’s! I jumped in the car and headed up to this location. When I arrived 2 hours later the bird was still present and it was resting on a berm a few feet above the water in the impoundment with a few Great Egrets.  It rested over an hour before flying in a ditch out of sight and then walked over to an area where Great Egrets were feeding. The bird hung with them and fed with them. This bird was a couple 100 yards away so photos are distant. A nice life bird for the state of Wisconsin, #374. Thanks to the finder of this bird and getting the word out. I hope this bird hangs around for others to see. It was a beautiful day with milder temps, full sun and a little breeze. Images were taken on July 29, 2023.

The Roseate Spoonbill…

The Roseate Spoonbill resting when I arrived…

A look at the spoonbill on this bird…

The Roseate Spoonbill…

The Roseate Spoonbill walking over to the Great Egrets…

The Roseate Spoonbill hanging out with a Great Egret and Great Blue Heron…

Just another shot of this rare visitor to the state…

Glossy Ibis at the Horicon Marsh in Dodge County Wisconsin on May 7, 2017

I saw the report of the Glossy Ibis along with 3 White-faced Ibis at the Horicon Marsh yesterday evening. I made the run up and after awhile with other birders all 4 were located south of Hwy 49 and west of the pump house. They all gave distant views and flew to a few different locations in the area but always stayed pretty far from the road. They continually appeared to find things to eat in the marsh cattail areas. A life bird for me and a beautiful rare one at that. With 8 years birding in, nice to finally get this one. Not sure who found these birds, but thank you for getting the word out for others. There were 19 cars lined up along 49 just one time when I counted. It was a fun time too with some good birder and photography friends! Images were taken on May 7, 2017.

Glossy Ibis in flight…

Glossy Ibis

Binomial name: Plegadis falcinellus

Category: Ibises and Spoonbills

Size: 23” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 1.2 lb

White-faced Ibis on left, note white border around reddish face — Glossy Ibis on the right

Glossy Ibis, note NO white border around reddish face

White-faced Ibis

White-faced Ibis, note white border around reddish face

White Ibis

This White Ibis was was found and reported by a local birder in Racine, WI. The location was the Wolf Lake boat landing at Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kenosha County, WI.  Since the White Ibis was so far from its natural range, I knew I had to make the trip down to Bong SRA. When I arrived early in the morning, it was viewable from the boat landing but a long ways off.  I spent at least 5 hours there trying to get some nice pictures as it moved around the drained lake bed from one spot to another. Because of the locations of the bird and the bright sun light, I knew a return trip would be required. The next morning I returned and the bird was in a different location than the previous day. I had better views and even took a short video. The White Ibis was a new life bird for me. It is a beautiful bird and I was glad I made the trips to see it.

Photographs were taken on June 11, 2013.

White Ibis

White Ibis

Binomial name: Eudocimus albus

Category: Ibises and Spoonbills

Description: White feathers with black wingtips (typically only visible during flight), long red legs and red bill with a downward curve

Size: 22” – 27”

Weight: 26.5 oz. to 37 oz.

Habitat: Marshes, ponds, wetlands, and wet lawns

Diet: Insects, crayfish, and small fish

Nesting: Males secure and deliver nesting materials while the female constructs the nest, usually in a tree or shrub, sometimes over water.  The female will lay 1 – 5 eggs which are then incubated by the male.  During the incubation period, he will aggressively defend the nest, even going into a pattern of starvation.  2-3 weeks later, the eggs hatch both parents will feed and care for the fledglings.

Notes:  The White Ibis congregates in huge flocks for feeding, nesting, and roosting.  Despite their social nature, Ibises typically insist on grooming themselves rather than engaging in allopreening.  In fact, nearly half their day may be spent on resting and roosting activities which includes bathing, preening, and grooming their feathers.

White Ibis

White Ibis

White Ibis

White Ibis

White Ibis

White Ibis

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