I did some birding today along the lakefront in Milwaukee and there was a little excitement. The Snowy Owl was present at the Lake Express and gave nice views. After about 15 minutes it took flight to its normal hangout. Mike W showed up and we hit Jones Island as a place he suggested. Mike picked out a American Wigeon right away. Also present were 5 male Northern Pintails, 4 male American Black Ducks, a male and female Wood Ducks that stayed hung tight together. Other species present about 300 Mallard Ducks, some Common Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaups and Common Mergansers. I hit a few beaches and the normal common gulls. Lakeshore State Park had 3 Glaucous Gulls. All and all a fun day out birding other than the falling snow and winds. Some documentation shots. Images were taken on January 4, 2015.
Glaucous Gull 2nd cycle, Lakeshore State Park doc shot
Glaucous Gull (#1) 1st winter Lakeshore State Park – doc shot
Glaucous Gull 2nd cycle left, Glaucous Gull (#2) 1st winter Lakeshore State Park – doc shot
American Wigeon, rare sighting on this date, doc shot
Thanks again Jim. You were brave to go out. We did not but did have indoor commitments to tend to. The Snowy is still my favorite and you did get nice pics with no pipes in the background. If I recall correctly the Lake Ferry has all kinds of back drop. I may be wrong as we have never been there.
Happy Birding and stay warm!