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Glaucous Gull at McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront October 9, 2014

I read the report of the Glaucous Gull at McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s lakefront yesterday. I headed down to the lakefront this morning with hopes it was still present. It was and it gave nice views. This bird is said to be a 2nd cycle, born in summer of 2013. This was not a life bird for me but I wanted to see this bird. It was feeding on and off while I was there on a dead fish and kept Herring Gulls away some of the time from its meal. A few of this gulls are found throughout the US during migration. It took to the water a few times too as some tourists came by to the beach area. A beautiful gull I will say! The Glaucous Gull made Ring-billed Gulls look small. Thanks to Rita W. for getting the report of this bird out as she found it. Thanks to Jym M for confirming and posting this bird too.

Glaucous Gull

Binomial name: Larus hyperboreus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 27” long, 60” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Habitat: This large gulls breeding grounds are in the northern arctic. It spends its winters farther north than most gulls on coasts, lakes, urban areas, dumps and agricultural fields. Mostly breeds along shorelines of the seacoast, rivers and lakes, also refuse dumps. These gulls are usually not found inland.

Diet: It captures prey such as plovers, small ducks, ptarmigans, auks, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. It also scavenges dead fish, carrion, garbage and dead animal matter.

Nesting: The nest is a shallow bowl constructed of twigs, grasses, sedges, moss and sometimes feathers. The nest is located on cliff edges, grass slopes above cliffs, islands or ponds on the tundra. 3 eggs are usually laid brown in color with dark brown spots.

Herring Gull front, Glaucous Gull back

Preening

Preening

Glaucous Gull front, Herring Gull back with Ring-billed Gulls background, front center and right side.

Glaucous Gull in the front with Ring-billed Gulls in the background.

Standing on its meal!

Standing on its meal!

Taking a bite!

Glaucous Gull with Ring-billed Gulls all around.

Taking a rest when I left the beach!

Horned Grebe Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin October 7, 2014

By admin | October 7, 2014 - 5:37 pm |November 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Grebes

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I birded the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning for a couple hours and it was pretty quiet. The highlight of the morning was a Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park. The two Pied-billed Grebes that were present for the last two days were still hanging around at the park. Other species present, a couple of Double-crested Cormorants, lots of Palm Warblers and about 40 American Coots. Two large boats flushed this grebe from where we were at and I could not relocate the bird after that. Other than the wind gusts, it was a beautiful morning to be out birding. Images were taken on October 7, 2014.

Horned Grebe

Binomial name: Podiceps auritus

Category: Grebes

Size: 14” long, 18” wing span

Weight: 1 lb.

Habitat: Breeds on small to medium sized, vegetated areas of shallow freshwater ponds and marshes. The breeding range is from northern central US north to northern regions of Canada and Alaska.

Diet: In summer mostly feed on aquatic insects which they get off the top of the water. They also eat crustaceans which they get diving under water. In winter their diet includes fish, crustacean and small aquatic animals.

Nesting: The nest is a pile of wet plant material that is floating or sometimes on a rock. It is an open bowl and located near the water’s edge as this since the grebe legs are back far and they cannot walk well. The female lays 3-7 eggs white to light brown or light blue-green. The young are feed by both parents and can swim and dive usually the next day after hatching. The young often ride on the back of the parents back like loons do.

Cool Facts: This grebe eats some of its own feathers and they sit in their stomach and act as a filter and hold fish bones and other things till they are digested. One of the smaller grebes that is an excellent diver and swimmer that can stay under water for very long periods of time.

Preening

The dive!

Preening

To view images of the Horned Grebe from spring of 2014 going into breeding plumage, please click here.

Northern Shovelers, Shorebirds and more at Bradford Beach and Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee October 3, 2014

By admin | October 3, 2014 - 5:12 pm |October 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Ducks, Geese, and Swans

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I birded Bradford Beach and Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee today around noon. Bradford Beach had 1 Black-bellied Plover, 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper and about 15 Sanderlings. Some high gusts of wind from the southwest made for an interesting setting for the shorebirds. Sometimes it was like a whiteout! Lakeshore State Park had a few new ducks. 2 Northern Shovelers, 3 Ruddy Ducks and a Gadwall. Some Palm Warblers were also present. Images were taken on October 3, 2014.

Northern Shovelers

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shovelers

Northern Shovelers

Northern Shovelers with Mallard in back

Gadwall

Ruddy Ducks, distant shot

Sanderlings

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper with blowing sand!

Semipalmated Sandpiper and Sanderling in back with blowing sand!

Semipalmated Sandpiper with blowing sand!

Semipalmated Sandpiper, front – Sanderling back

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sanderling

Sanderling feeding in the sand

Sanderling in search of food

Double-crested Cormorant

“Fall is in the air”, Ring-billed Gull

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

By admin | September 30, 2014 - 2:29 pm |October 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Stilts and Avocets

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I birded Bradford Beach this morning on Milwaukee’s Lakefront and present were 2 American Black-bellied Plovers. I headed over to Lakeshore State Park in hopes that an American Avocet would have come in over night. As I walked towards the beach area I had to do a double take as there mixed in with about 10 Ring-billed Gulls was an American Avocet! It was not long and a jogger ran right down the shoreline. The birds flushed but only to the other side of the beach area. As I watched this bird, it seemed tired and wanted to sleep as it parked in numerous places and closed its eyes. Finally it moved in a just parked with a handful of gulls and closed it eyes for a short period. Along came a dog walker with 2 very large dogs and they went right into the water and all the birds flushed. A couple of gulls returned minutes later but I did not see the American Avocet return. I’m guessing it did in time. As I birded the rest of the park, every where I looked I saw Yellow-rumped Warblers!

American Avocet

Binomial name: Recurvirostra americana

Category: Stilts and Avocets

Description: Black and white plumage on the body. Reddish-brown feathers on the head in summer for breeding season; white in the winter. Thin, upturned bill and long, gray legs.

Size: 16″-20″ long, 27″ – 30″ tall

Weight: 10 – 15 oz.

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and shorelines

Diet: Crustaceans and insects

Nesting: Shallow nest near water such as shorelines or small islands. The nest may be made out of thin sticks, dried grasses, or a depression in sand. Typically 3 or 4 eggs will be laid at one time and will be incubated by both parents. The parents aggressively protect their nests. After hatching, the young will leave the nest within 24 hours and feed themselves.

Notes: The American Avocet has a tricky way of dealing with predators. When in danger, its bird call pitch may change to simulate the Doppler effect. This confuses predators into thinking the bird is approaching more quickly than it really is!

Sleeping!

Berry in bill, but the American Avocet did not eat these berries.

Berry in bill, but the American Avocet did not eat these berries.

Berry in bill, but the American Avocet did not eat these berries.

Preening

Preening

Scratching

Preening

The Ring-billed Gulls pushed this bird around a little bit, but all and all they got along pretty good together.

Sleeping when I left and it was sleeping right in the middle of about 7 Ring-billed Gulls at waters edge.

37 American Avocets stayed for 1 day at the McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront on May 1, 2012. If you care to view these amazing birds in the spring colors go to this link below:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/american-avocet/

Black-bellied Plovers at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 27, 2014

By admin | September 27, 2014 - 6:00 pm |October 12, 2014 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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I got a late start this morning getting into Bradford Beach but I did not miss the 3 Juvenile Black-bellied Plovers that were present. They were continually feeding long the shoreline for most of the beach area but moving around often as they were being flushed by joggers and dog walkers. Also present were 4 Semipalmated Plovers and 7 Sanderlings. Some nice algae along the beach, hopefully it will continue some to keep shorebirds to continue stopping. This beach has been amazing! Beautiful morning to be out birding. Images were taken on September 27, 2014.

Black-bellied Plover

Binomial name: Pluvialis squatarola

Category: Lapwings and Plovers

Size: 11.5” long, 29” wing span

Weight: 8 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is lowlands on dry Arctic tundra. They spend their winters on beaches and estuarine mudflats. They sometimes are found in flooded fields, agricultural lands, meadows near coasts or inland waters.

Diet: On their breeding grounds, main food source is insects. Their wintering habitat provides worms, bivalves and crustaceans.

Nesting: They prefer a raised area for nesting for good visibility. Nest is a shallow depression made by the male and finished by the female as her job is lining it with pebbles, grass, twigs, lichens and moss. 3-4 eggs are usually laid, one brood per season, both parents incubate them. Within 12 hours, the chicks are usually able to forage and both parents care for them.

The big black spot under the wing indicates it is a Black-bellied Plover and not a American Golden-Plover.

American Golden-Plovers at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 24, 2014

By admin | September 24, 2014 - 10:16 am |October 12, 2014 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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I stopped at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee at sun up this morning and the beach had no shorebirds, just a few gulls. I birded Lakeshore State Park, the Whimbrel was still present there. I headed back to Bradford Beach for another check. As I started to walk the beach I noticed 2 plovers towards the north end, they appeared to be juveniles. After viewing my images they are certainly American Golden-Plovers. They have the gray belly and long wings. These birds were hardly scared by walking dogs on the beach. They gave nice views as they feed along the beach on the algae mat eating worms. Spencer was present and got in on some of the nice viewing as did Bruce who was with me. Also present were 7 Sanderlings. Bradford Beach just continues to amaze me. Images were taken on September 24, 2014, some recent images were taken on September 26, 2014.

American Golden-Plover

Binomial name: Pluvialis dominica

Category: Lapwings and Plovers

Size: 10.5” long, 26” wing span

Weight: 5 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding grounds are the Arctic tundra in northern Canada and Alaska. It prefers short vegetation on rocky slopes. This bird winters in central and south America on grasslands. During migration it stops at prairies, tilled farmlands, airports, pastures, mudflats, shorelines, golf courses and beaches.

Diet: Insects, crustaceans, snails, seeds and sometimes berries.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow bowl on the ground. The bowl can be lined with lichen, also leaves and grasses can be used. The eggs are incubated by the adults, males during the day, females at night lasting about 26 days. Both adults also defend the nesting site and care for the young chicks. The young chicks are lead to the forging areas and within a few hours after hatching start to find food on their own.

Cool fact: This birds migratory journey is one of the longest of any shorebird.

American Golden-Plover with Semipalmated Plover, background

American Golden-Plover with Ring-billed Gull, background

2- American Golden-Plovers

2 American Golden-Plovers, distant shot

Whimbrel at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 22, 2014

By admin | September 22, 2014 - 6:28 pm |September 26, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I birded Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee this morning about 7:30. I have not visited the park in well over 2 weeks. I ran into Bruce, and we walked the park for about an hour. We were just talking about the Whimbrel and having not seen it when out from nowhere it glided right over our heads and landed 50 feet away. It gave nice views and preened for some time, getting all the feathers in order. The Whimbrel also ate gravel for it digestive system which I had never saw before. The stones or gravel help in grinding up their food in their stomachs. The second Whimbrel has not been seen for some time. This bird will have been present 3 weeks as of tomorrow. Other species to note, about 10 Double-crested Cormorants were in the waters around the park area. Images were taken on September 22, 2014.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitats can be wet or dry in tundra areas, taiga bogs, and sparse scrub lands across northern Canada and Alaska. This species winters in parts of the southern US and South America on coastal shorelines, in tidal flats, shallow marshes, short grasslands, mangroves, beaches and oyster banks.

Diet: In breeding season they prefer marine invertebrates mainly small crabs, sometimes insects and berries and even flowers. They are also known to eat butterflies. In migration their diet can include crabs, beach flies, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers and oysters.

Nesting: As the snow melts on their nesting grounds they establish territories doing aerial displays. The nest is made up of a scrape on the ground or pressed bowl typically lined with leaves, lichens and grasses. Clutch size is usually 2-5 eggs green in color marked with darker greens and browns. Both sexes incubate the eggs for about 25 days. When the downy chicks hatch, they are ready to walk. Adult birds are known to attack humans if they come too close in their nesting area.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Picking up a stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Picking up a stone.

Scratching!

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Eating a grub, image taken September 26, 2014

Image taken September 26, 2014

Image taken September 26, 2014

Parasitic Jaeger at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 19, 2014

By admin | September 19, 2014 - 5:51 pm |October 11, 2014 Bird Categories

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I made a run down to Bradford Beach about 10:00 am. I did a little looking around and all that was present were 5 Sanderlings and 100 plus or minus gulls coming and going. Jym M showed up and we met Spencer on the beach. We were just doing some bird talk, talked some on jaegers and could they show up there at the beach, etc? Out from nowhere Jym says, jaeger, jaeger, jumping up and down. I thought he was seriously pulling our legs as we were just talking about them. Moments later I realize it was no joke! We stood back and watched this cool bird which I think is a juvenile cruise around the beach area and some over the water trying to get a few shots to take home. We thought it was going to land on the beach, finally it did. Just for a moment, it looked around and off it went. It started heading north and it took a left at north point out of sight. We looked at the beach, it was unreal, there was no bird to be found anywhere, no gulls, no nothing! We were lucky that Jym knows what to look for in a jaeger, a big thanks to him! It was a life bird for Spencer and I. We could have maybe missed the big event if Jym was not present as when the bird first came in off the lake it went right over us, circled above us, before it did some loops on the beach cruising, brief stop and then gone. Beautiful day to be out birding and it will be one of those birding days we will never forget! The bird showed up at 10:42 am, it hung around for a little over 3 minutes. A nice short visit from a uncommon bird to the area. Images were taken on September 19, 2014.

Parasitic Jaeger

Binomial name: Stercorarius parasiticus

Category: Skuas and Jaegers

Size: 16.5″, adult to 20″ long, 46” wingspan

Weight: 1 Lb

Habitat: Breeds on grass areas of the tundra and stone covered ground on inland lakes or the ocean. Breeding range is northern Alaska and northern Canada. They winter in southern hemisphere areas along coasts. Much of their time is spent miles from shore on the ocean.

Diet: Their diet includes insects, smaller birds, eggs from birds, berries and rodents. This bird harasses gulls, kittiwakes and terns then steals their catches.

Nesting: The nest is just a shallow depression on the ground among small rocks or stones lined with grasses or lichen. Both parents incubate usually 2 laid eggs brown-olive in color. The young usually leave the nest within 2 days but stay close by.

Sanderling skirmish at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin September 14, 2014

By admin | September 16, 2014 - 4:23 pm |September 16, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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On Sunday as the Sanderlings were busy feeding on Bradford Beach, I observed a skirmish take place near me. I have not witnessed one of this length before and so full of action, usually it is just a little wing action or poking. When I looked at the images as what all took place in a matter of seconds it was incredible. Amazing that one Sanderling pushes another Sanderling down with its bill to the algae mat. I apologize for any blurry or poor quality images, but I did not want to leave out any of the of action shots. 30 images are in order from start to finish from the event as it happened. Images were taken on September 14, 2014.

Western Sandpiper at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin Sept 14, 2014

By admin | September 14, 2014 - 5:35 pm |September 15, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I decided to make a trip to Bradford Beach this morning in Milwaukee. It was an exciting few hours. When I arrived at the algae mat on the south end of the beach, I noticed what I thought was a Western Sandpiper. Moments later it was out of sight. I walked the beach to the north as there was another good size algae mat. Nothing was there other than Sanderlings. When I returned to the south end of the beach other birders had arrived and they confirmed that a Western Sandpiper was present. It was a juvenile. We had nice views, and it came and went during the day as it was flushed from the areas as many folks were out walking the beach and enjoying the nice weather. At one time I stood near the south mat and a Plover appeared, not sure which one, seconds later it was gone! Moments later a Ruddy Turnstone appeared, that bird was also gone in less than 30 seconds. Bradford Beach has really been bringing in some great shorebirds recently, I hope it continues! It was nice too, to see a few birding friends I have not seen for a while. Images were taken on September 14, 2014.

Western Sandpiper

Binomial name: Calidris mauri

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Description: Brown feathers on back with white underparts. Dark legs and bill.

Size: 5.5” – 6.7” long, 10.2” – 14.6” wingspan

Weight: 0.8 oz. – 1.2 oz.

Habitat: Coastal tundras, shorelines, and mudflats

Diet: Small insects such as flies and beetles as well as spiders, mollusks, and small crustaceans

Nesting: The male builds several nests out of grasses, leaves, and lichens pressed into a mud flat or shoreline. He will then sing to attract a mate, and she will choose the nest. Both parents will incubate the eggs. The typical clutch size is 3-5 eggs. The female may stay and help care for the chicks, or she may leave before the eggs hatch and the male will be the sole caretaker.

Notes: Western Sandpipers breed in Siberia and Alaska, although migration will take them down the West Coast to California. Very rarely are they seen as far east as the Midwest.

Feeding

With food

Feeding

Preening

Resting with eyes open

Resting

With food

Wind blowing from the back on the feathers

Baird’s Sandpiper, left – Western Sandpiper, right

Feeding

Images from a Western Sandpipers visit to Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 11, 2013: Image link

Ruddy Turnstones at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 13, 2014

By admin | September 13, 2014 - 7:07 pm |October 13, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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With Bradford Beach being a hotspot the last couple of weeks I made a run in to check it out. 2 Ruddy Turnstones were present which is what I had hoped to see as they have been reported on and off there. Also present were 2 Baird’s Sandpipers, ~50 Sanderlings, ~10 Bonaparte’s Gulls, Solitary Sandpiper and more. The Ruddy Turnstones were feeding all the time I was there and they were moving at a very fast pace! There was one time I caught one preening. It was a pleasant day to be out birding on the lakefront and it was also nice to touch base with a few birding friends I have not seen for awhile. Images were taken September 13, 2014.

Ruddy Turnstone

Binomial name: Arenaria interpres

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 9.5” long, 21” wing span

Weight: 3.9 Oz.

Habitat: In the breeding season they can be found on rocky Arctic coasts and tundra. In migration and winters they are found on rocky shores, sand beaches and rocky mudflats. In migration they can also be found on plowed agricultural fields inland.

Diet: Ruddy Turnstones eat a variety of foods such as insects, insect larvae, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, and sometimes berries. They occasionally will eat small fish and bird eggs. Their method of catching their prey may include flipping over of stones, seaweed, and probing with its bill into the sand and mud. They also find food on the surface of rocks.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with some vegetation build by the female. It is sometimes located hidden within rocks or underneath shrubs.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at the Bottle Gentian September 10, 2014

By admin | September 12, 2014 - 11:25 am |June 18, 2015 Bird Categories, Hummingbirds

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The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been visiting the Bottle Gentian plants here. It is amazing how they go for the nectar in these wildflowers. In some situations they probe into the side of the blooms with their bill. At other times they go in from the top with their bill. In my observations, if one method is not possible, they go the other method. They have entered both ways on the bloom clusters weather the blooms are on the inside or outside in the cluster. We have had 3 Rudy-throated Hummingbirds, female, male and a young male, all 3 have hit these Bottle Gentian, Gentiana andrewsii plants. Images were taken in Waukesha Wisconsin September 6-10, 2014.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

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), Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), Butterfly Milkweed (Ascelpias tuberose), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum), Penstemon species, Echinacea species.

Sanderlings at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 10, 2014

By admin | September 10, 2014 - 5:12 pm |October 14, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made a stop at Bradford Beach around noon after a nice variety of shorebirds were reported in the area earlier in the day. At Bradford Beach all that was present were Sanderlings, about 20 of them scattered across the entire length of the beach. They were all feeding continually while I was there. They are always fun to watch running up and down the shoreline following the waves coming in and out. The waves were very high, enough for folks to be out board surfing. A juveniles except for 1 female breeding adult, those images are on the bottom here. Images were taken on September 10, 2014.

Sanderling

Binomial name: Calidris alba

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8” long, 17” wing span

Weight: 2.1 Oz.

Habitat: One of the most common shorebirds in the world, this shorebird is considered one of the “peeps”. Its breeding habitat is the High Arctic tundra in the northern Canadian islands and peninsulas. They winter on the sandy beaches of most of the world.

Diet: Aquatic invertebrates, worms, insects, crab eggs, fish, jellyfish, crustaceans, spiders, moths, flies, mosquitoes and sometimes material from plants.

Nesting: Nests for this species are located out in the open on the dry northern tundra, just a scrape lined with grass, leaves or lichen. Usually close to water and at an elevated site. Typically 4 eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated by both parents and cared for during a period of 24-31 days. Soon after the hatch of the young, they find food on their own.

Cool fact: Sanderlings can be seen racing up and down on the shores of the beaches following waves in and out in search for food.

Sanderling, juv. what they eat.

Sanderling, female breeding adult

Black-bellied Plovers and more at Myers Park Racine Wisconsin September 8, 2014

By admin | September 9, 2014 - 7:22 pm |September 9, 2014 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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Mid morning yesterday after viewing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at South Metro I did a quick run to Myers Park in Racine. The highlight was 2 Black-bellied Plovers, juvenile. There was also a Pied-billed Grebe there, but just as I started walking down to the lower area something flushed the grebe, Mallards and some of the shorebirds that were in the corner by the breakwall. Also present were some Least Sandpipers and Sanderlings. Images were taken on September 8, 2014

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Sanderling, juv.

Sanderling juv.

Black-bellied Plovers, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv. with fruit.

Least Sandpiper, juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek Wisconsin September 8, 2014

By admin | September 8, 2014 - 2:00 pm |September 8, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made the run to the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek Wisconsin very early this morning with hopes the juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper that was reported was still present. It was and it was about 1/4 north of the pier on the shoreline. It was actively feeding most of the time I was present. A real treat to see one close up as the previously Buff-breasted Sandpipers I have viewed were out in fields in and out of grasses, at sod farms and more distant.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Binomial name: Tryngites subruficollis

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8.25” long, 18” wing span

Weight: 2.2 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is on the Arctic tundra in moist areas near water, bogs, and marshes that are open. During their very long migration they are typically found in short grass such as golf courses, pastures, sod farms, airfields, plowed and unplowed agricultural fields, not usually near water. They also can be found on pond or lake edges on sandy beaches. These birds winter at South American pampas, prairies, seasonal flooded areas.

Diet: They stand motionless scanning the ground, then dashing to insects, earthworms, larvae, flies, spiders, midges, beetles and other vertebrates they find. Their diet also sometimes includes seeds from plants.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression, a scrape on the ground from the female. The female lines it with moss, lichen, leaves and sedges. Usually 2-4 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 23-25 days. The female provides the only parental care. Within one day of hatching the young leave the nest, they feed themselves, but the female tends to them.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. feeding.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. with a bug in its mouth.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. resting.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. back view.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Waukesha Wisconsin September 4, 2014

By admin | September 4, 2014 - 5:27 pm |September 6, 2014 Bird Categories, Hummingbirds

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Some recent images taken in Waukesha Wisconsin of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on various plants. Images show a young male and adult female on the flower species Cardinal Flower, Yellow Giant Hyssop and Zinnia’s. Images were taken August 24 through September 4, 2014.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Binomial name: Archilochus colubris

Category: Hummingbirds

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

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.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, young male on Zinnia species with flying nectar!

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female over Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, young male on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, young male on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Yellow Giant Hyssop

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female

Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 2, 2014

By admin | September 2, 2014 - 6:27 pm |September 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I got a report of 2 Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee late morning and made a quick run in there. They were there as reported. Both of them moved about the rock shorelines, the taller prairie grasses and also the mowed areas feeding on insects. I noticed on 2 occasions grasshoppers were taken which looked pretty hard to get down. They smashed them up on the rocks before eating them. Another time one was eating Purple Nightshade berries which did not surprise me as they are known to eat some berries. Cool birds! Some bikers came over the walk bridge at the park and flushed them from the mowed area. They did a large circle flyover of part of the park and headed south. I could not relocate them after that incident. Images were taken on September 2, 2014.

Whimbrels, 2 juv.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. moving about the rocks.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. preening.

Whimbrel, juv. moving about the rocks.

Whimbrel, juv. hunting for insects.

Whimbrel, juv. with a grasshopper.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. hunting for insects.

2 Whimbrel, juv. one with a grasshopper.

Whimbrel, juv. eating Purple Nightshade berries.

Whimbrel, juv.

2 Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv.

Short-billed Dowitcher at Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 31, 2014

By admin | August 31, 2014 - 6:42 pm |September 1, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made an early run to Myer’s Park in Racine this morning to see what birds were present. It was nice to see a Short-billed Dowitcher, juvenile feeding in the puddles when I arrived. Other species present were Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, a Sanderling and Semipalmated Plovers. A beautiful morning to be out birding with clear skies, low winds and mild temps. I checked North Point Beach in Racine, there were no shorebirds present. Images were taken on August 31, 2014.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher

Binomial name: Limnodromus griseus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 11” long, 19” wing span

Weight: 3.9 Oz.

Habitat: At breeding time they prefer moist tundra, open marshes, and bogs in the boreal zone, preferable close to fresh water inland. In migration and during winter they are found on saltwater tidal flats and marshes. They also can be found in flooded agricultural fields and freshwater mud flats.

Diet: Insects, insect larvae, crustaceans, marine worms, snails, mollusks, and aquatic larvae, sometimes seeds too in migration and during the breeding season.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression on the ground usually near water within think vegetation. The nest bowl is lined grasses, mosses, twigs, leaves and ptarmigan feathers. Typically 3-4 eggs olive-buff to brown in color are laid. Both adults incubate the eggs for about 21 days but the male takes care of the young after the hatch.

Cool facts: This bird as it probes up and down for food with its long bill has a sewing machine movement look. Some of the first shorebirds to migrate south, some as early as July and they young typically follow in August.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher preening.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher back view.

Least Sandpipers juv.

Lesser Yellowlegs juv.

Lesser Yellowlegs juv. fluffed up just after preening.

Semipalmated Plover juv.

Semipalmated Plover juv.

Black-bellied Plover

Whimbrel at Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 20, 2014

By admin | August 20, 2014 - 6:57 pm |August 21, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

5 Comments

I decided to make another drive to Racine even though I was there yesterday. A Whimbrel was reported later in the day, it would be a life bird for me. I was there at sunrise. I looked the wetland over for about 10 minutes and did not see movement but then it was getting light. All of the sudden the Whimbrel flew in and landed 100 feet from me. I was still in my car. It moved around a little while I walked down to the wetland. Moments later what I think was a Peregrine Falcon came down and tried to grab the Whimbrel. They both took off like a streak of light over the lake. I felt the Whimbrel was a goner. I found a place to sit and wait. After 45 minutes, the Whimbrel came flying in again to the same area along with the 3 Black-bellied Plovers. I never even knew those birds had left too in all the excitement. I actually felt some relief in my mind that I knew the Whimbrel survived that confrontation. I watched it feed almost continually for some time. It was taking it’s bill and sticking in the ground to its mouth and turning it. It was feeding on tiny worms species, something it eats. It was an exciting day, a life bird, well worth the trip. Images were taken on August 20, 2014.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Whimbrel

Whimbrel feeding catching worm species

Whimbrel with a worm species in bill.

Whimbrel

Whimbrel extracting a worm species

Whimbrel with worm species in mouth.

Whimbrel extracting a worm species.

Whimbrel with a worm species at the end of the bill.

Whimbrel flipping a worm species in the bill for a better bite.

Whimbrel with a worm species in the bill.

Whimbrel with a worms species in the bill.

Whimbrel flipping a worm species for a better bite.

Pergrine Faclon in pursuit of the Whimbrel over Lake Michigan.

Peregrine Falcon in pursuit of the Whimbrel over Lake Michigan.

Whimbrel

Black-bellied Plover Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 19, 2014

By admin | August 19, 2014 - 5:20 pm |August 19, 2014 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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I did some birding today along the Lake Michigan shoreline starting at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee heading south ending up at Myer’s Park in Racine. Overall quiet, with Myer’s Park being the hotspot with the 3 Black-bellied Plovers that have been reported. Other species present were Semipalmated Plovers and Sandpipers, a Sanderling, Least Sandpipers, few Caspian Terns and a Pectoral Sandpiper that took flight just as I entered the property. I hung around there for about 90 minutes, 4 hours later is the report of a Whimbrel by Jennifer! It was a beautiful day out birding with a light breeze, partly cloudy skies, and no rain. The Black-bellied Plovers keep their distance from you, not like some shorebirds that give nice closeup views. Images were taken on August 19, 2014.