Doing some birding out in the South Kettle Moraine today I came across a pair of adult Sandhill Cranes. I enjoyed the show of two adults as they walked around, feed, went for water and preened. Turning more gray, they are going into their winter plumage. Soon they will congregate in large numbers at staging areas and then migrate to wintering areas in the southern US and
Drinking
Drinking
Drinking
Preening
Preening
Preening
Preening
Preening
Getting out those old feathers!
Preening
I checked out the Veterans Park this morning in Milwaukee for the Blue Morph Snow Goose that was recently reported. It was present in a flock of about 20 Canada Geese. It did some preening and pulling out some old feathers while I was present. Thanks to Jennifer for finding and reporting this bird for others to see. A beautiful bird! Images were taken on September 18, 2015.
Blue Morph Snow Goose
Binomial name: Chen caerulescens
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 28-31” long, 53-56” wing span
Weight: 5.3-7.4 lb
Note: The dark color is controlled from a single gene.
Blue Morph Snow Goose with Canada Goose behind
Blue Morph Snow Goose eating
Blue Morph Snow Goose with grass in the bill
Blue Morph Snow Goose preening
Blue Morph Snow Goose preening
Blue Morph Snow Goose pulling out a feather
Blue Morph Snow Goose with a feather
Blue Morph Snow Goose
Blue Morph Snow Goose just getting a drink of water!
Blue Morph Snow Goose on a trot
Blue Morph Snow Goose
I checked out the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha for birds this morning. I was surprised how quiet the morning was and walked a large part of the nature center property. The highlight was a Common Nighthawk resting in a good size partially dead ash tree. It never moved and hardly opened its eyes while I was there for just a minute. It was a first for me not seeing this species in flight. Just common yard birds were only other birds around. This image taken today is typical of what they do. They rest during the day in a branched tree or on a fence post and they are hard to see as their colors make them blend in. Image taken on September 7, 2015.
Binomial name: Chordeiles minor
Category: Goatsuckers
Size: 9.5” long, 24” wing span
Weight: 2.2 oz
Cool facts: These birds are typically seen diving in loop patterns in early mornings or evenings. They forage over open areas near woods and over wetlands for insects. This birds breeding grounds are from the entire US into northern Canada and they migrate to South America in the winter months.
Common Nighthawk from a distance
At least 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still hanging around the yard here in Waukesha County. Bottle Gentian has been a favorite once again as it is in full bloom now. Still amazes me how their bill goes into the top, then inside so carefully for the nectar and the plant almost looks untouched. With Cardinal Flower and Zinnias still blooming those are also still flowers of choice. They are still going to the nectar feeders along with other wildflowers in the yard. Images were taken on September 5, 2015.
Bottle Gentian
Binomial name: Archilochus colubris
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Metallic green feathers on back, grayish-white on underparts. Males have a vibrant red throat which may appear dark in poor lighting. Wings are dark gray, almost black. Long, slender bill is black in color and mostly straight with a slight curve at the tip.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.
Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens
Bottle Gentian
Bottle Gentian
Bottle Gentian
Bottle Gentian
Bottle Gentian
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia
I made a trip up to Horicon Marsh in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties in Wisconsin today. Overall quiet, but a few of the bigger species made themselves known. Great Egrets, American White Pelicans and Green Herons were some of the highlights. A tree laying in the water with 9 Wood Ducks on it looked impressive but the photo just does not do it justice. Some common shorebirds were present but located father from Hwy 49 when I was there. It was an overcast day and light fog early on and the light cloud cover remained the time I was there till late morning, temps were warm. Images were taken on September 4, 2015.
Great Egret
Great Egret
Great Egret
Great Egret
Great Egret
Great Egret hunting!
Great Egret
Great Egret
Great Egret
American White Pelican
American White Pelican at takeoff!
American White Pelican
9 Wood Ducks preening and resting! Red eyes are the males.
Green Heron with a frog!
Green Heron hunting!
Green Heron with a small fish
Green Heron with a leech!
While doing some birding at Greenfield Park in West Allis this morning I came across a Green Heron catching and eating an American Bullfrog. The bullfrog struggled to get away, and the 1st summer Green Heron struggled to kill it. Finally after a few minutes the Green Heron got control of it and down it went in one piece. Poor Bullfrog! Some of the other bird species present were families of Northern Flicker, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher and Green Heron. Also present, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwings, Wood Ducks, Pied-billed Grebes and some of the more common birds. Overall a quiet morning but nice to get out with other birders and photographers before the heat really set in. Mostly sunny with morning temps in the low 80’s with a light breeze at times. This action took place on one of the bigger islands there at the park. Images were taken on September 2, 2015.
The bullfrog is fighting to get away, kicking etc
The bullfrog is still trying to get away by kicking, etc
The bullfrog is still struggling and the heron just continually pinches the bullfrog
The bullfrog is tiring
Starting the process of swallowing the frog head first, I’m sure the adults showed them just how to do this at one time!
Gulp, poor frog!
A pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still hanging around the yard here in Waukesha County. One of the plants they really enjoy is the Scarlet Sage. The stunning scarlet color and great nectar source make this plant a real hummer favorite. I took a few minutes today to photograph this adult female on a couple of the plants in action. Images were taken on August 30, 2015.
Binomial name: Archilochus colubris
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Metallic green feathers on back, grayish-white on underparts. Males have a vibrant red throat which may appear dark in poor lighting. Wings are dark gray, almost black. Long, slender bill is black in color and mostly straight with a slight curve at the tip.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.
Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens
Birding at Greenfield Park this morning provided some nice looks at birds in action. Some of the highlights were species Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Crested Flycatcher and Wood Ducks. An adult Green Heron set out insects for bait on the water that brought in a few prizes. It was a fun morning doing some photography with Bruce and Lee. It was an overcast day. It started to drizzle when I left early afternoon. Images were taken on August 28, 2015 in West Allis, Milwaukee County Wisconsin.
Green Heron, adult going for the fish
Green Heron, adult going for the fish
Green Heron, adult gets the fish
Green Heron, adult with fish
Green Heron, setting out a bee for fishing bait
Green Heron, setting out a bee for fishing bait
Green Heron, going for the fish
Green Heron, with the fish
Green Heron with the fish
Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile
Pied-billed Grebe, adult
Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile stretching
Pied-billed Grebe, adult shaking off!
Pied-billed Grebe, shaking off!
Pied-billed Grebe, the yawn!
Pied-billed Grebe, adult
Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile preening
Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile stretching
Pied-bill Grebe juvenile eating a crayfish
Pied-billed Grebe juvenile eating a crayfish
Pied-billed Grebe juvenile eating a crayfish
Pied-billed Grebe juvenile
Pied-billed Grebe adult
Green Heron juvenile
Green Heron juvenile preening
Green Heron juvenile shaking off!
Great Crested Flycatcher
Black-crowned Night Heron, adult
Black-crowned Night Heron, adult
Black-crowned Night Heron, adult stretching
Wood Ducks, adult female with young
Wood Ducks, adult female with young
Green Heron at takeoff
Doing some birding out in the South Kettle Moraine today I came across this family of Sandhill Cranes. I enjoyed the show of two adults and one colt that is almost adult size now. Soon they will congregate in large numbers at staging areas and then migrate to wintering areas in the southern US and
Sandhill Crane colt left, Sandhill Crane adult right
I made the run down to Myers Park in Racine in hopes to see the Virginia Rail that was reported. I did get a glimpse of it and a doc shot. It was only out of the tall grass for a couple seconds and then disappeared. I waited for about 20 minutes for it to show again, but it never did. Other than that, other species present, a Great Blue Heron, Semipalmated Sandpipers and a Semipalmated Plover. A few Killdeer were also present. I checked North Beach in Racine and that was quiet. A few Caspian Terns were loafing on the beach with gulls. I took a few shots of the Plover and Semipalmated Sandpipers to share feeding in the early morning sun. It was a beautiful morning on the lake with calm winds and pleasant temps early. Thanks to those that reported the Virginia Rail, it was a life bird for me. Images were taken on August 13, 2015.
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper with corophium volutator, what they eat.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper with corophium volutor, what they eat.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Plover feeding
Virginia Rail, behind log, doc shot with red arrow
Least Sandpiper Grant Park South Milwaukee August 21, 2015
Least Sandpiper Grant Park South Milwaukee August 21, 2015
Least Sandpiper Grant Park South Milwaukee August 21, 2015
I stopped on the way home from up north this afternoon at County V ponds to see if the Marbled Godwit that has been reported was still present. As I pulled up behind another birder in his car there, I got out and asked him. The kind birder showed me right where it was hanging out behind some vegetation, thank you! Moments later it came out and gave nice but distant views. It feed the time I was there probing in the muck. It remained far from the road but stayed pretty much out in the open. After awhile it took flight to the east, landed, but then a few minutes later I could not relocate the bird. I’m sure it was still there. A big thank you to who found this bird and reported it for others to see. It was a warm day with clouds and sun. Images were taken on August 11, 2015 in Dane County.
Binomial name: Limosa fedoa
Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies
Size: 18” long, 30” wing span
Weight: 13 oz
Marbled Godwit with Lesser Yellowlegs in front
Probing for food!
Probing for food!
Probing for food!
Takeoff with Killdeer in front, Lesser Yellowlegs to the left.
After the flight around the pond, it lands!
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been hanging around the yard this summer and the Cardinal Flower is always a favorite for them. Today I took a few pictures to share some of the excitement. This bird is a female, correct me if I am wrong. Images were taken on August 9, 2015 in Waukesha County.
Binomial name: Archilochus colubris
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Metallic green feathers on back, grayish-white on underparts. Males have a vibrant red throat which may appear dark in poor lighting. Wings are dark gray, almost black. Long, slender bill is black in color and mostly straight with a slight curve at the tip.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.
Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens
Diet: Tree and flower nectar, small insects, and spiders
Nesting: The female provides all parental care, building a nest in a protected tree or shrub on a slightly downward-sloping limb. They favor deciduous trees such as oak, birch, or poplar. The nest is made out of bud scales, lichen, spider silk, and dandelion or thistle down. The same nest may be used year after year with the female making annual repairs. The female will lay 1-3 eggs at a time, laying eggs once or twice per summer. The young remain in the nest for 22-25 days.
Notes: A list of just some of the of native wildflowers we have planted in our yard to attract these exquisite tiny birds are: Red Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Royal Catchfly (Silene regia), Butterfly Milkweed (Ascelpias tuberose), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum), Penstemon species, Echinacea species.
I made the trip up to Mayville Wisconsin with hopes to view the stunning male Rufous Hummingbird at the Herzmann’s residents. Amazingly, this is the second year for the same uncommon bird at this residents. It was banded last year, this years bird wearing the same number band. It showed about every 30-45 minutes today from about 6:30 am till 1:00 pm. It usually chased off other hummers after arriving at the feeder for nectar. This bird when finally at the feeder would typically feed for 4-5 seconds, back off a second, look around and go for more, usually 4-5 feeds. A big thank you to Liz and Matt Herzmann for allowing visitors to view this beautiful bird. I hope it hangs around for others to view. Will the bird return next year? With the nectar feeder under a tree, light was mixed and it made getting photos challenging. Images were taken on August 8, 2015.
Binomial name: Selasphorus rufus
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Primarily rust-colored feathers with a small patch of white on the chest. Red-orange patch on throat. Short wings and a slender, slightly sloping bill.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.18 oz
Habitat: Open broadleaf forests, orchards, meadows, parks, swamps, and yards
Natural Range: West Coast from Alaska to Mexico and Rocky Mountains, wintering in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern Atlantic states. They are occasionally, although rarely, found in cold-weather areas such as the Midwest due to their surprising hardiness.
Diet: Tree and flower nectar, small insects, and hummingbird feeders
Nesting: The males may mate with several females but do not care for the young. The female provides all parental care, building a nest in a protected tree or shrub. They favor either deciduous or coniferous trees such as spruce, cedar, maples, pines, birch, and hemlocks. The nest is made out of bud scales, lichen, spider silk, and dandelion or thistle down. The same nest may be used year after year and not necessarily by its previous occupant. The female will lay 2-3 eggs at a time, laying 1 brood per summer. She incubates the eggs for 15-17 days, and the young remain in the nest for 15-19 days.
Notes: This high-strung bird is considered extremely aggressive and will chase other animals from feeders or its nest including larger birds, chipmunks, and even other hummingbirds. Like other hummingbirds, Roufus Hummingbirds are adept flyers and can hover, dart, and perch with ease. They have even been seen to pluck insects out of midair.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, subadult male
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male subadult
Checking out a few birding spots this morning I encountered the Red-tailed Hawk once again looking for prey and this time capturing it. The Red-tailed Hawk got a frog, chipmunk, and a very large insect while I observed from a distance. For the chipmunk, the Red-tailed Hawk sat in a tree near a fence. The chipmunk came out once and went right back into the tree trunk, knowing the hawk was present. The next time, a few minutes later the chipmunk came out the Red-tailed Hawk landed on it, spread it wings on the ground and held it down for a few minutes. The Red-tailed Hawk then flew off to a nearby tree and proceeded to have its meal. It does not always score but it had a good streak going while I was present. At one point it appeared to play with a piece of root, tossed it, pounced on it from 2 feet off the ground. Not sure what this was all about. Images were taken on July 29, 2015.
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the chipmunk!
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk, poor thing!
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it
I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it
Flying up and then pouncing
flying up and pouncing
Just looking around
Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it
Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it
Just pouncing around
Just pouncing around
Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here
Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here
Ready to takeoff for the next event!
On a walk this morning I encountered an adult Red-tailed Hawk that was standing on and trying to hold down what I think was a snake. Though I never saw the actual snake, I could tell by the actions of the Red-tailed Hawk that is probably what it was, and the snake got away. These are a few images I took while observing from a distance. Images were taken on July 28, 2015.
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake
Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake
Red-tailed Hawk
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk
I did some birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning and it was very quiet. The highlight of the morning was at Lakeshore State Park where Purple Martins were checking out the one and only Purple Martin house. The Purple Martins were also defending the house from Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows while I was there. Were the Purple Martins checking it out for next spring?? I don’t know. I heard mentioned the house has never been used before by Purple Martins there at the park so it will be interesting to see if something becomes of this next spring. A few images here of the Purple Martins in flight and checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park. If I have any of the birds mislabeled please let me know, thank you. Images were taken on July 11, 2015.
Binomial name: Progne subis
Category: Swallows
Size: 8” long, 18” wing span
Weight: 2 oz
Purple Martin, adults male and female with juvenile
Purple Martin, adult male
Purple Martin, adult male
Purple Martin, adult male
Purple Martin, adults male and female with juvenile?
Purple Martin, adult female
Purple Martin, adult male
Purple Martin, juvenile
Purple Martin, adult
On a recent trip to Sawyer County in Northern Wisconsin, I had the opportunity to watch and enjoy Common Loons with the chicks. I keep learning new things about these magnificent birds while a spend time watching them. Images were taken during the last week or so of June 2015.
Common Loon with a resting chick
Binomial name: Gavia immer
Category: Loons
Description: Black head with black and white checkered body in summer for breeding season; brown and white body in the winter. Blackish-blue bill that is held horizontally and black feet.
Size: 24″-40″ long, 4′ – 5′ wingspan
Weight: 4 lbs. – 8 lbs.
Habitat: Large lakes and shorelines
Diet: Fish (perch, trout, sunfish, bass, crayfish)
Nesting: Usually nests on small islands or other locations safe from land-based predators. The nest may be made out of thin sticks, dried grasses, or a depression in mud or sand. Typically 1 to 3 eggs will be laid at one time and will be incubated by both parents. The parents aggressively protect their nests and share the responsibility of feeding the young. Baby loons may be seen riding on the back of either parent in the water.
Notes: The Common Loon has legs positioned in the rear of its body. This makes for excellent diving and graceful swimming; however, it also makes for awkward landings and clumsy walking. In fact, Loons require a “runway” spanning 30 yards or 1/4 mile for take-off and landing AND it can only be done in water. Loons have actually been stranded in small ponds, icy lakes, or even a parking lot without a suitable runway and must be rescued.
Common Loon with a chick
Adult Common Loon, the young chick just resting on her back
Common Loon with 2 chicks
Common Loon
Adult Common Loon feeding the young. In my observations the female rests with the chicks off feeding time. The adult male is no where to be seen but at feeding time shows up by flying into the area and landing or just appears out of nowhere along a shoreline or moves in from along ways off in underwater swimming.
Feeding time
Adult stretching
Adult stretching
Adult stretching
Feeding time
Chick
This adult was doing the YODEL call. Moments before a different adult was calling from a distant location but could not be seen. These 2 adults layed very low in the water, almost appeared they were trying to hide but still being on alert.
Common Loon family
Adult Common Loon with a chick under the adult wing and 1 standing by. I observed 2 chicks under the wings of an adult for well over an hour and I could not see them until the came out, amazing!
The stretch
The stretch
Common Loon family feeding chicks on the back of an adult
Feeding time
Feeding time
An adult at take off time on the water, going from a long run finally taking to the air.
In this image there are 5 adult, which I think are males, but this is only a guess. I have observed adults gather for years in the early morning, then departing going their separate ways. I have also observed adults gathering, leaving the group, going to help the female feed young, then retuning to a group.
In the morning fog, Common Loon with chicks
Adult Common Loon preening
Adult Common Loon preening
Common Loon
Great Blue Heron just hanging out
American Bald Eagle
Black Bear swimming across a channel
Black Bear reaching the other shore after a long swim across the channel
White-tailed Deer, doe
White-tailed Deer, doe
A pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been in the yard here since spring. I photographed this female early this afternoon in a bed of Red Bee Balm. This plant is a magnet for these birds. Images were taken on July 5, 2015.
Binomial name: Archilochus colubris
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Metallic green feathers on back, grayish-white on underparts. Males have a vibrant red throat which may appear dark in poor lighting. Wings are dark gray, almost black. Long, slender bill is black in color and mostly straight with a slight curve at the tip.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.
Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens
I noticed on a walk through the yard today adult House Wrens where very busy at one of the bird houses bringing in food for the young. I stopped and observed for awhile and took a few shots to share. Some of the food brought into the nest hole appeared to be such things as green caterpillars, spiders, and many moths to name a few. Although I did not see any young, they were small in size and in the house. There was also some house cleaning going on. Images were taken on June 21, 2015.
House Wren with green caterpillar
Binomial name: Troglodytes aedon
Category: Wrens
Size: 4.75” long, 6” wing span
Weight: 0.39 Oz
House Wren with spider
House Wren with caterpillar
House Wren leaving nest hole
House Wren with possible moth
House Wren
House Wren with spider
House Wren removing fecal sac from nest
House Wren removing fecal sac from nest
House Wren with moth
House Wren
House Wren arriving at the bird house with some food
House Wren arriving at the bird house with some food
House Wren with caterpillar
House Wren
House Wren
House Wren removing fecal sac from nest
House Wren with Daddy Long Legs
House Wren with a moth
House Wren with Daddy Long Legs
House Wren with a caterpillar
House Wren
House Wren
House Wren with moth
I made a stop at Whitnall Park mid-morning today to see what was going on with the warblers. It was slow for warblers with like it has been in the past, just 1 and 2 of a few species, no big fallout. I ran into Bruce and he had viewed 2 Prothonotary Warblers earlier near the big waterfall. As we spent some time waiting for things to pick up, a Prothonotary Warbler made a brief appearance near the board walk below the dam. It continually feed during it’s brief appearance and then disappeared. It was windy, cloudy and cold, but seeing a Prothonotary Warbler always makes a bird trip worth it. Other warbler species viewed today, Golden-winged, Black-throated Blue (f), Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Black and White, American Redstart, and brief looks at a Bay-breasted. Images of the Prothonotary Warbler feeding were taken on May 12, 2015.
