I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2016. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2016. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!

Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin chasing a Common Raven 1-2-2016

Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin chasing a Common Raven 1-2-2016

Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin 1-2-2016

Slaty-backed Gull at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 1-7-2016

Slaty-backed Gull at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 1-7-2016

Common Redpoll eating alder cone seeds at Frame Park in Waukesha 1-16-2016

Common Redpoll eating alder cone seeds at Frame Park in Waukesha 1-16-2016

Common Redpoll eating alder cone seeds at Frame Park in Waukesha 1-16-2016

Great Black-backed Gull, 2nd cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee 1-16-2016

Great Black-backed Gull, 2nd cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee 1-16-2016

Great Black-backed Gull, 2nd cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee 1-16-2016

Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

Horned Lark at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 2-11-2016

Horned Lark at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 2-11-2016

Northern Cardinal in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 2-13-2016

Tufted Titmouse in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 2-13-2016

Pine Grosbeak, male eating berries in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Pine Grosbeak, male eating berries in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Pine Grosbeak, female eating berries in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Pine Grosbeak, female in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Pine Grosbeak, immature male in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Bohemian Waxwing in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Bohemian Waxwings in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Bohemian Waxwing in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Glaucous Gull, juvenile at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County 2-24-2016

Glaucous Gull, juvenile at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County 2-24-2016

Red-tailed Hawk in Milwaukee County on 2-27-2016

Red-tailed Hawk in Milwaukee County on 2-27-2016

Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Long-tailed Duck, the dive at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Long-tailed Duck, the dive at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Long-tailed Duck, the dive at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Long-tailed Duck, preening that long tail, at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Snow Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

Snow Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

Snow Goose, the stretch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

Snow Goose on a mission at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County 3-15-2016

Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County 3-15-2016

Eastern Screech Owl Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Eastern Screech Owl Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Common Loon, distant shot at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Killdeer in the snow warming up in the sun after a fresh late March snow in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Killdeer in the snow warming up in the sun after a fresh late March snow in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Killdeer in the snow warming up in the sun after a fresh late March snow in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Say’s Phoebe, a rare visitor to the state from the southwest US looking for food at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

Say’s Phoebe a rare visitor at looking for food at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

Say’s Phoebe a rare visitor at looking for food at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

Say’s Phoebe a rare visitor going for something to eat at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

Great Blue Heron, hunting, first of the spring to return at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

Great Blue Heron, just hanging out, first of the spring to return at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

Great Blue Heron, at takeoff time at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

Great Blue Heron, takes to the air, Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

Golden-crowned Kinglet at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-rumped Warbler at Lake Park after a fresh snowfall in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, one of a flock of about 10 stopping in at Lake Park for some running sap in a tree 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, going for some sap in a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, going for some sap in a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, going for some sap in a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, on a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male on a tree looking for some fresh sap in a tree

Winter Wren finding food at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Golden-crowned Kinglet at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Yellow-rumped Warbler at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Yellow-rumped Warbler at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Caspian Tern at the beach at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Caspian Terns at the beach at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Caspian Tern, ready for takeoff at the beach at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Caspian Tern with a flyover at Grant Park in Milwaukee 4-14-2016

Bonaparte’s Gull at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Bonaparte’s Gull at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Bonaparte’s Gulls hanging out in the water at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Western Meadowlark doing the call, at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

Western Meadowlark at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

Western Meadowlark doing the call, at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

Western Meadowlark in flight at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

Western Meadowlark in flight at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

Great Blue Heron, 1st year bird that was born last summer has returned and doing some feeding. At Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-23-2016

Great Blue Heron, more feeding at Greenfield Park 4-23-2016

Great Blue Heron, more feeding at Greenfield Park 4-23-2016

Upland Sandpiper near North Point on Milwaukee’s Lakefront in Milwaukee County 4-24-2016

Purple Martin checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 4-24-2016

Purple Martin checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County. Turns out they never nested here this year 4-24-2016

Smith’s Longspur, male in the corn stubble at Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County 4-25-2016

Smith’s Longspur in the corn stubble at Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County 4-25-2016

Summer Tanager, male, this rare visitor gave stunning views at the Wehr Nature Center in Greenfield in Milwaukee County 4-28-2016

Summer Tanager, male, at the Wehr Nature Center in Greenfield in Milwaukee County 4-28-2016

Summer Tanager, male, at the Wehr Nature Center in Greenfield in Milwaukee County 4-28-2016

Willets, 1 of 4 of them feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Willets feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Willet, just keeping a lookout at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Willet on the move at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Willets feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Willet at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Willet feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Bonaparte’s Gull, immature at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Caspian Terns at the McKinley Marina in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher going for a bug at Lake Park Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher going for a bug at Lake Park Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

Green Heron at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Black-throated Green Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Blackburnian Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Great Horned Owl, owlet at in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Great Horned Owl, owlet at in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Great Horned Owl, owlet in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Barred Owl, owlet perched in a small tree in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Barred Owl, owlet working its way up a small tree, a small step to get up in the canopy of the forest in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Barred Owl, owlet working its way up a small tree, a small step to get up in the canopy of the forest in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Barred Owl, owlet taking a break in a small tree after climbing in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Barred Owl, owlet getting higher up in the forest in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Philadelphia Vireo at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Nashville Warbler at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Baltimore Oriole what appears to be putting the first string around the possible start of a nest at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Magnolia Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Canada Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Common Yellowthroat, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female, calling at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

American Redstart, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

American Redstart, male, with a bug at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

American Redstart, female at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Black and White Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Common Nighthawk sitting on a log on the ground in Marquette County 5-15-2016

Common Nighthawk in Marquette County 5-15-2016

Killdeer, adult in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Killdeer, adult in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Great Blue Heron with nesting young in SE Wisconsin on 5-19-2016

Great Blue Heron with nesting young in SE Wisconsin on 5-19-2016

Great Blue Heron with nesting young in SE Wisconsin on 5-19-2016

Great Blue Heron some of the ~30 nests at this site 5-19-2016

Little Blue Heron looking for food at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Little Blue Heron looking for food at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Little Blue Heron off the perch it goes and heading to the south off shore near the boat landing at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Little Blue Heron heading south at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Little Blue Heron heading south at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

And still heading south as it passes by me…….at Lake Maria 5-20-2016

White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County. Probably the bird farthest from its normal range found in 2016. A eurasian bird that 100’s of birders came to see from the US at this location 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern with a Bonaparte’s Gull at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern with some Caspian Terns at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern on the shore at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

Kirtland’s Warbler, distant shots in Adams County 5-27-2016

Kirtland’s Warbler, distant shots in Adams County 5-27-2016

Kirtland’s Warbler, distant shots in Adams County 5-27-2016

Virginia Rail at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County 5-28-2016

Virginia Rail at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County 5-28-2016

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin’s Gulls, 3 preening at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin’s Gulls interaction at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Ruddy Turnstone at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Ruddy Turnstone working it’s way through the algae bed at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Wood Duck, male in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

Wood Duck, male feeding in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

Wood Duck, male in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

Wood Duck, male in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

Eurasian Collared-Doves in Burlington 6-15-2016

Eurasian Collared-Doves showing affection in Burlington 6-15-2016

Eurasian Collared-Doves showing affection in Burlington 6-15-2016

Eurasian Collared-Dove in Burlington 6-15-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female back view at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male

Great Crested Flycatcher with nesting young, bringing food to the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

Great Crested Flycatcher with nesting young, bringing food to the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

Great Crested Flycatcher with food going to the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

Great Crested Flycatcher feeding the young in Walworth County 6-21-2016

Great Crested Flycatcher leaving the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

Common Loon, adult in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult on nest, view of nesting site in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult on nest in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult on nest

Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult with food in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick preening in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick stretching in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick, walking on the beach in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chicks, training time on the beach in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick heading back out into the water after a short walk on shore in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adults in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult with chicks in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult stretching in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Merlin in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Merlin in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Merlin in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Dickcissel, female in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, male in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, male in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, female with a grasshopper in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, female perched pretty in Franklin 7-8-2016

Chimney Swifts nesting in a silo at a barn in Ozaukee County 7-18-2016

The swift flies into the top of the silo, clings to the silo wall and then drops down just past the nest and then flies up into the nest

Chimney Swifts nesting in a silo at a barn in Ozaukee County 7-18-2016

Where all the nesting took place in Ozaukee County 7-18-2016

White-winged Dove at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

White-winged Dove preening at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

White-winged Dove in flight at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

White-winged Dove, the bird hung out on treetops such as this and flew from top to top at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

White-winged Dove, it was difficult to get much of the top white wing photographed as the bird always flew above me at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

Swallow-tailed Kite, the rare visitor near Fish Creek in Door County 7-27-2016

Swallow-tailed Kite, near Fish Creek in Door County 7-27-2016

Swallow-tailed Kite, the near Fish Creek in Door County 7-27-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, on Royal Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County 7-31-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, on Royal Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County 7-31-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, on Royal Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County 7-31-2016

Black-necked Stilt at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Sora at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Sora at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile, at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Great Egrets at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Great Egret catching a snack at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Great Egret at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Great Blue Heron at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

American White Pelican at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

American White Pelican at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

American White Pelicans feeding at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

American White Pelicans going for the fish in the pelicans mouth at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

American White Pelican in the air at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

Black-crowned Night Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-14-2016

Black-crowned Night Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-14-2016

Black-crowned Night Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-14-2016

Green Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-30-2016

Green Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-30-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird taking a break after feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird leaving the nest after feeding the young in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female perches in a near by tree on a branch within sight of the nest for awhile typically after feeding the chick in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Greater White-fronted Goose with a Canada Goose at the Fox River in Waukesha 9-14-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage in Waukesha County 9-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage in Waukesha County 9-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage in Waukesha County 9-16-2016

Parasitic Jaeger, juvenile at Wisconsin Point in Superior 9-21-2016

American Avocet at Wisconsin Point in Superior 9-21-2016

American Avocets at Wisconsin Point in Superior 9-21-2016

Great Egret hanging out at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Great Egret with a catch at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Great Egret with a catch at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Great Egret incoming at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Great Egret with a catch at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Great Egret all fluffed up and fishing at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Rusty Blackbird at Echo Park in Burlington 10-2-2016

Rusty Blackbird at Echo Park in Burlington 10-2-2016

Purple Gallinule, the rare visiting bird who’s normal range is Florida looking pretty at Mauston in Juneau County 10-13-2016

Purple Gallinule at Mauston in Juneau County 10-13-2016

Purple Gallinule at Mauston in Juneau County 10-13-2016

Western Grebe, still hanging around till this day on the Milwaukee lakefront, first found October 19, 2016 …10-21-2016

Western Grebe, on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-21-2016

Dunlin, 1 of 2 feeding at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

Dunlin at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

Sanderling at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

Dunlin at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

Mute Swan, 1 of 3 at Bay View on the Milwaukee lakefront 11-10-2016

Mute Swan at Bay View on the Milwaukee lakefront 11-10-2016

Mute Swan at Bay View on the Milwaukee lakefront 11-10-2016

Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. This rare hummingbird stayed in Wauwatosa for 49 days before migrating on December 14, 2016, just amazing!

Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County 11-15-2016

Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County 11-15-2016

Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County 11-15-2016

Anna’s Hummingbird getting nectar in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. Notice the band on the leg? 11-15-2016

Anna’s Hummingbird perched between feedings in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. Image taken shortly before the bird migrated on 12-14-2016 after 49 days.

American Kestrel coming in for a landing at the Milwaukee lakefront on 11-30-2016

American Kestrel coming in for a landing at the Milwaukee lakefront on 11-30-2016

American Kestrel on takeoff at the Milwaukee lakefront on 11-30-2016

Townsend’s Warbler, a rare visitor from the western US spent a few days at feeder in a yard in Kewaunee County 12-9-2016

White-breasted Nuthatch in the South Kettle Moraine 12-10-2016

Black-legged Kittiwake, a rare visitor from the east and west coasts of North America spent at least a week at the Fox River Mouth in Green Bay in Brown County 12-12-2016

Black-legged Kittiwake, as it flies, it is usually looking for food near the surface of the water 12-12-2016

Black-legged Kittiwake just making passes in search for food 12-12-2016

Black-legged Kittiwake just making passes in search for food on the water surface 12-12-2016

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon Junco on a rock at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 12-15-2016

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon Junco on a rock at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 12-15-2016

Green-winged Teals, male left, female right at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County 12-26-2016

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 12-27-2016

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 12-27-2016

Common Goldeneye, male at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 12-27-2016

Eastern Screech Owl, adult red morph in Waukesha County 12-28-2016
The End – Happy New Year!
Link to Wisconsin Birding 2015 Year in Review:
www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2015
Link to Wisconsin Birding 2014 Year in Review:
http://www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2014/
Breath taking, each and every one of them. Look forward to your year in review at this time of the year. Now lets jump into spring. Happy New Year and who knows what surprise feathered friends will show up in Wisconsin in 2017!
What a year in review! Your fabulous photos are endless. Thanks so much for sharing, and let’s look forward to the birding surprises awaiting us in 2017. Happy New Year!
Many thanks for sharing your fabulous photos and the great experiences of seeing these incredible birds! What a year- clearly, many wonderful neighbors and visitors to appreciate in Wisconsin…
What a magnificent presentation of spectacular bird portraits! You must spend a great deal of time out among the birds. Thank you for sharing these beauties.
This is one spectacular parade Jim. Wow. You are doing bird lovers a great service.
So gorgeous! I esp liked the visitors that aren’t usually seen in our state.
I so enjoyed seeing birds that I have never seen before! Will make it easier to identify! Thank You!
Thank you! Beautiful photos!
I really enjoy your photos! Thanks so much for sharing them. Happy new year!
Fantastic pictures as always Jim! Especially liked the European Goldfinch, Great Crested Flycatcher with a dragonfly, and the American Kestrel in flight. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Phenomenal captures Jim, unbelievable list of birds, thanks for sharing. Happy new year!
Jim, what an inspiring compilation of your truly special photos. I loved all of the hummingbirds and owls and that you included some “common” birds along with all of the magnificent rarities.
Thank you for sharing this with us and Happy New Year to you!
Wow. Your photography is inspiring. Thank you!
thanks jim, this is the best collection of bird pics i have ever seen. hoping to meet you at the wehr nature center one of these days.
Breathtaking photos, seems like each one is more stunning than the last. My favorites were the Redpoll on the pine cones, the European Goldfinch in flight, the close-up of the Nighthawk, the nesting Loon, and the nesting Chimney Swift. A couple of the birds you said were rare visitors for you there are so common to us here, like the Say’s Phoebe and the Summer Tanager, and the Anna’s Hummingbird which here in Tucson, Arizona is found in every third bush or tree, but I am left marveling at the birds which are common to you there but I would never see here! Thank you for the photos and the comments with them.