American Avocets at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 29, 2017

Birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning the prize birds were the 2 stunning American Avocets. A male and a female were present at the beach area. I was near the park when the report came in that they were there. The birds appeared to be skittish when I arrived with dog walkers and joggers but gave some nice views anyways. They mostly rested while I was present. Been waiting for these to show up and thought we had missed them as they have been reported all over in the last couple of weeks. I did not hang around too long with the cold winds off the lake made it feel like winter. Thanks to John M for finding this bird and Mike W for helping get the word out. Light sun started they morning but gave way to clouds with temps at a cold 41 degrees with winds to 15 mph. I saw continued reports that the birds were still being seen at 1:30 pm. Images were taken on April 29, 2017.

American Avocet

Binomial name: Recurvirostra americana

Category: Stilts and Avocets

Size: 18” long, 31” wing span

Weight: 11 oz

Note: From what birders say, these birds are called one-day-wonders as they usually only hang around for one day when seen in migration.

Note: Both sexes are here. You can distinguish the sex of the American Avocet by the curve on the bill. Greater the curve of these two birds is the female.

Male

Male

Female

Swimming offshore

Something to eat…

Looking for something to eat

Some preening

Open wide…

When I arrived, female on right, male on left. Notice bill curve is greater on right bird making it a female.

One side of the beach to the other with some walkers coming around…

Coming in for a landing…female bird in front

Female, greater curve on bill

Male

Preening

More preening

Close up..

Still shot…

One feeding

Keeping a watch…

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About admin

Window to Wildlife features the photography of Jim Edlhuber. A lifelong native of Wisconsin, Jim has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He considers himself an avid photographer and is always trying to capture nature and wildlife through his lens. He is in several photography clubs and has won numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has focused mostly on birding photography and finds it to be the most challenging.

4 Responses to American Avocets at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 29, 2017

  1. Thomas Wood says:

    Gorgeous birds. Great job, Jim, and thanks for posting.

  2. Nan Wisherd says:

    Beautiful shots of my favorite shorebird. Thanks, Jim!

  3. Annie says:

    Awesome Jim. Love to see all your photos…..a very beautiful bird. Thanks a million.

  4. Rick Terrien says:

    Stunning album Jim. Thank you.

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