Golden-crowned Kinglets along the lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 5, 2019

I found Golden-crowned Kinglets at two locations along the lakefront in Milwaukee. Those locations were Veterans Park and Lake Park. Flocks of about a dozen at each spot. They focused on feeding in the lawn areas and where water was. I assume they were eating gnats or whatever they could find, it was nonstop action with this species like usual. That was the highlight of the day. Other species seen to note, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Common Grackles. I heard my 1st Gray Catbird of the year but did not see it. It was a very pleasant morning to be out birding with highs in the 50’s, some sun, no wind. Images were taken on April 5, 2019.

Looking for the next insect to eat…

Looking…

All they do it seems is go from one insect to another…they will fly 15 or 20 feet for an insect, their vision or hearing must be that good…

Beautiful!

Flying to the next insect…

Looking…

Getting something here…

A quick turn looking for the next bite…

Driving by, a birder can’t miss a dozen of these bird fluttering on the ground eating insects in a small area on the lawn…

Getting something here…

Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Winter Wrens at Milwaukee County Parks on April 14, 2016

I did some birding at Greenfield Park, Whitnall Park, Grant Park and Lake Park in Milwaukee County midday today. Some of the birds seen were Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Winter Wrens. The groups of birds came and went, it was a fun couple of hours while it lasted. It was nice to see some full sun for a change! Spring actually seems to be nearing and we still have 15-20 Dark-eyed Juncos in the yard this evening! Images were taken on April 14, 2016

_rIMG_7414_cr

Golden-crowned Kinglet, male

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet, male

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet, male

Winter Wren

Winter Wren

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

_rIMG_9796_cr

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, adult

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglets were in abundance at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  It was a 1st for me to be able to see and photograph the striking raised scarlet crown on the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. It only lasted for about 10 seconds. Small insects were thick in the trees hanging over the river and the Ruby-crowned Kinglets just continually moved from tree to tree picking them off. I think the river water temp and the humidity there allows for continued hatching of these insects, probably gnats. It seems typically if these birds are not resting, they are looking for or flying to their next food. Some of the other species present were Yellow, Black-and white, and Yellow-rumped Warblers along with Brown Creepers and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Images were taken on April 30, 2014.

_rIMG_4596_cr

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Binomial name: Regulus calendula

Category: Kinglets

Size: 4.25” long, 7.5” wing span

Weight: 0.23 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is spruce, tamarack, and fir trees found in dense conifer forests. During migration they can be found in deciduous trees, bushes, and thickets found in parks, woodlands and along rivers and shores of lakes. Breeding range is northern US, Canada and Alaska.

Diet: Typically they hover in and around twigs and leaves fly catching small insects. Their diet also includes spiders, bark beetles and eggs that are usually found on and around twigs and leaves. Winter they will eat berry parts, sap and seeds.

Nesting: The female picks the location and builds the nest in a period of about 5 days. The location of the nest can be as high as 100 feet off the ground, usually hidden with overhanging foliage and found near the interior of the tree. A globe shape nest is constructed of spider-webs and cocoon silk wrapped around feathers, grasses and mosses. The inside is lined with fir and fine plant material. These materials allow the nest to increase in size as the brood grows and continued maintenance is required. Up to 12 eggs are laid in the nest for 1 brood.

Cool Facts: The male displays the striking scarlet crown when aroused. One of the smallest birds in the US is easily identified by the distinct white eyering and constant wing flickering that they do. Young males look similar to females as they lack the scarlet crown.

_rIMG_4601_cr

_rIMG_4604_cr

_rIMG_4699_cr

_rIMG_4735_cr

_rIMG_4746_cr

_rIMG_4836_cr

_rIMG_4775_cr

_rIMG_4916_cr

_rIMG_4922_cr

_rIMG_4772_cr

_rIMG_4838_cr

_rRCIMG_9035_cr

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – flying to the insect.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary - male

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – looking for food.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary - male

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – looking for food.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary - male

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – looking for food.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary - male

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – getting the insect.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary - male - flying for the food.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – flying for the insect.