While birding Lake Park in Milwaukee I came across a couple of Hermit Thrushes eating Sumac seeds off a tree. I photographed the same species eating seeds at the exact location a couple of years ago, interesting. It was a gloomy day with a cold breeze off the lake. Images were taken on April 13, 2017.
Binomial name: Catharus guttatus
Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies
Size: 6.75” long, 11.5” wing span
Weight: 1.1 oz
Birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning one of the highlights was a FOY Eastern Towhee, male at Lake Park. It was a pretty gloomy day and cool. Other birds to note, a lot of Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets and still a few Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Images were taken on April 13, 2017.
Binomial name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Category: emberizids
Size: 8.5” long, 10.5” wing span
Weight: 1.4 oz
Lake Park in Milwaukee had some Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers today. I probably saw a good half-dozen at the north end of the park. Like usual, if they have some good trees with sap running they return to those trees on and off. Sap looked great today with the warm weather, it was just oozing out. I don’t recall seeing any males, these were females. Last year there were nice numbers too at Lake Park, on April 8th, only two days off from last year. Images were taken on April 10, 2017.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker along with the sap running out of the tree
Binomial name: Sphyrapicus varius
Category: Woodpeckers and Allies
Size: 8.5” long, 16” wing span
Weight: 1.8 oz
Getting that running sap…
Look at all that sap and holes in the tree, the sap is just oozing out…
Working a hole for some sap or future sap
Getting that sap
Getting that sap…
The tongue…
Doing some birding at Lake Park in Milwaukee this morning I came across a stunning White-throated Sparrow. The first of the year for me. I never saw this bright of a yellow on a White-throated Sparrow before. It hung around scratching for food while I was there. Images were taken on April 10, 2017
Binomial name: Zonotrichia albicollis
Category: Emberizids
Size: 6.75” long, 9” wing span
Weight: 0.91 Oz.
Note: Sexes are unknown by colors
Scratching for food, something they do…
Head on
After doing some birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee I decided to head inland. Few birds were seen along the lake, probably because of the high winds that had started occurring and higher winds were expected for the rest of the day. A first stop at Whitnall Park proved almost bird-less. Greenfield Park held the bird of the day, a stunning male Canvasback. It appeared very tired and rested while I was there except for one short swim in the pond. Images were taken on April 6, 2017.
Reflections of a Canvasback Duck…
Binomial name: Aythya valisineria
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 21” long, 29” wing span
Weight: 2.7 lb.
Across the pond…
Looks like one tired duck, I didn’t hang around long…
I have had some requests for information on the construction of the bat roost we have on the front of our garage in Waukesha County. The fake door in the images has an outer covering of sheet aluminum, which just covers the roost itself. There is no entry into the garage. There are 3 chambers open top and bottom in the roost. Inside the 3 vertical chambers is about 8″ x 3/4″ x 54″ long. The outside of this roost is about 42″ x 54″. This roost hangs on the front of the garage. The inside of the roost there is no vinyl siding, it is all cedar. The bat roost was built on the ground and then hung up. This roost faces west and gets all afternoon sun. Bats come in and out from both ends, there is no rhyme or reason to where they are coming out next. I used rough sawn cedar boards for this, and the bats just cling to the face of these boards. They can leave the roost 2-3 or 4 at a time, just amazing. There are a few trees in the front yard. If you are standing on the driveway near the roost which happens once in awhile, the bats just come out and fly around you or over you. If you have parked cars on the driveway, they just come out and go over them, no collisions. The bats have been using this roost every year for probably 15-20 years. Numbers change every year. On the average in summer it has 25 bats in it during the day. When it really gets warm out, 70’s and 80’s it really fills up. When it gets extremely hot, they don’t hang out in the roost, it gets too hot. A typical evening at dusk the roost empties out. They usually empty the place out within 5-10 minutes. Bats are everywhere in the yard flying around catching insects probably mosquito’s. Bats seem to return to the roost at different times. If I am out very early in the morning I notice bats are returning to the roost. I only once found a bat on the ground under the roost, picked it up and let it rest awhile. After a few minutes I picked it up, held out my hand and it flew off. If a mess accumulates under the roost I just hose off the driveway right under the roost. I check the roost everyday and April 2 was the first of the year bats. When weather is cold, they may not leave the roost for a week or two.
Bat leaving the roost at dusk…
1 chamber looking up inside the roost. You can see light at the top where it is open. It appears here I also used a piece of rough sawn cedar plywood.
2 of the 3 chambers looking up
A bat leaving…
The bat, a dark spot area about 1/3 of the way up inside on the right side out of focus. Another view of a chamber looking up. Image taken 4-3-2017
Bat coming out, this image taken in 2011…
I arrived at Goose Pond in Dane County 6:35 am as daylight was becoming real. As I pulled up behind Aaron H on the shoulder, he was waving his arm to show the Brant was taking flight off the west pond. He had nice views moments earlier. The bird flew over us and landed on the east end of the east pond. It was windy, light mist and gloomy but after a few minutes Aaron relocated the bird and Kyle showed up and we all had distant views. I managed a doc shot below. After about 15 minutes, we could not relocate the bird. I was there yesterday and tried for this bird but failed. It was in the area fields some where for most of the day, but birders reported it came back late yesterday. With that said, I felt be there at sun up today for best luck and it worked. Thanks to Tom E who found this rare bird on Arlene’s photo the other day. Nice to get this life bird on my list!
Binomial name: Branta bernicla
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 25” long, 42” wing span
Weight: 3.1 lb
Note: Normal ranges for this bird are the east and west coast of the US
Doing some birding on a rainy day I found a Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha. This is not the same bird that was found the other day in Waukesha on March 22. This bird has a lot more white. I found the bird just south of the baseball field at Frame Park in the city of Waukesha. The exact location was a empty city lot just south of the baseball field on Whiterock Ave. It feed for a couple of minutes as I observed it from the street. Amazing to see two Leucistic American Robins in Waukesha over a 4 day period. Another species seen today, FOY was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Frame Park during the rain. Images were taken on March 25, 2017.
What is Leucism? Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers. Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills. However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.
What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white. However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal. Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes. They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet. Albinism is extremely rare in birds.
Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons. They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators. If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation. Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers. Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather. Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.
That is not a worm!
That is not a worm!
It was nice to see this spring bird, a Leucistic American Robin in Waukesha today. It was on the south side of Waukesha near soccer fields. There were about 20 American Robins present in the area and all were actively feeding. Interestingly they would hold their head still near the ground and listen for worms, etc moving. Once they heard the sound of food they would poke the ground and usually come up with something. I was out birding and around noon in Waukesha area and I got a text from Dan W that he had the bird currently within views with Janet S. Just as I arrived the bird flew out of the area and we could not relocate the bird. After about 20 minutes I relocated the bird near a building lawn. The bird was first found by Jason S yesterday at the same location. A big thank you to both of them for getting the word out and the text today. I saw the report late yesterday afternoon and thought, I doubt an American Robin would spend the night here and be seen the next day, I was wrong. Images were taken on March 22, 2017.
What is Leucism? Leucism is an uncommon condition in birds. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation which prevents pigments, particularly melanin, from being deposited evenly in the bird’s feathers. Leucistic birds have melanin elsewhere in their bodies which is why they may have dark eyes, legs, and bills. However, their true color will be missing or greatly reduced due to the lack of proper pigmentation.
What is Albinism? Leucism is similar to albinism as in both cases the birds may be completely white. However, albinism is defined as a complete absence of melanin in an animal. Truly albino species will have pink eyes as the only color seen will be caused by blood vessels behind their eyes. They will also have pink bills, legs, and feet. Albinism is extremely rare in birds.
Notes: Leucistic birds are extremely uncommon for a number of reasons. They are not thought to live very long because their white feathers make it difficult for them to hide from predators. If they do stay alive, it is difficult for them to find a mate and successfully pass on their genetic mutation. Additionally, the melanin found in regular birds adds strength to the feathers. Leucistic birds lacking melanin have weaker feathers and thus have a more difficult time flying in severe weather. Last, the reflective properties of white feathers may be problematic for birds who rely on solar energy for heat.
Listening for movement, a possible worm
The catch, a worm!
Listening for movement, a possible worm
Looks like maybe a miss?
Another view…
Backview…
Listening for movement, a possible worm
Listening for movement, a possible worm…
One of my last stops birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee today I spotted at Horned Grebe. This adult bird in non-breeding plumage did more resting than diving for food early afternoon while I was there. The rest of the lakefront was pretty quiet. Lakeshore State Park had about 100 winter ducks still hanging around. Images were taken on March 21, 2017.
Binomial name: Podiceps auritus
Category: Grebes
Size: 14” long, 18” wing span
Weight: 1 lb.
Preening…
Resting but always watching…
On the move…
While out birding, I captured a Great Horned Owl with an owlet at a distance. The owlet is pretty good size sitting along side an adult. Image taken in southeastern Wisconsin on March 19, 2017.
A quick walk through Lakeshore State Park provided a couple nice views of the few ducks present there. They were Red-breasted Mergansers. Most ducks have moved north with spring around the corner but there are always a few that linger. A full sun day with temps finally above freezing, low winds made for a nice morning for a stroll through the park. Images were taken on March 16, 2017.
Red-breasted Merganser, female just after preening on the shore
Binomial name: Mergus serrator
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 23” long, 30” wing span
Weight: 2.3 lb
Red-breasted Merganser, male just cruising on by…
I made the run up to North Point Park in Sheboygan this morning with hopes to see the male Barrow’s Goldeneye. I was not disappointed. The Barrow’s Goldeneye rode the large waves coming in like the other ducks present. It dove often for food and sometimes it was hard to relocate with the large waves. This is not a life bird as I photographed one at the exact location back on January 7, 2011. As I have searched high and low through rafts of Common Goldeneye on the Milwaukee lakefront year after year, to see one again is a special treat. From Sheboygan I stopped at Port Washington for a couple of minutes and got a distant shot of 4- Red-throated Loons just east of the harbor entrance feeding on occasion. Thanks to Dan B for finding this uncommon bird for the area and for getting the word out for others to see it. It was about 20 degrees with full sun when I arrived at 9:00 am with steady winds off the lake. It was a bitter cold viewing period. Images were taken on March 15, 2017.
Common Goldeneye, males on both sides with the Barrow’s Goldeneye, male in the middle, also the brown duck being a Common Goldeneye, female
Binomial name: Bucephala islanddica
Category: Duck, Geese, and Swans
Size: 18” long, 28” wing span
Weight: 2.1 lb.
Range: The normal winter range for this duck species is the east and west coasts of the US and Canada. The breeding range in general, is inland along with west coast of Canada well into Alaska south into Wyoming.
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right, Bufflehead male to the left
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male in the middle with a Common Goldeneye, female on the right, Bufflehead males behind, Bufflehead female way back
Barrow’s Goldeneye with some displaying action
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male on the right with a Common Goldeneye, female following, Bufflehead female on the left
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male in the middle with a Bufflehead, male in front
Barrow’s Goldeneye in the middle
Barrow’s Goldeneye on the right with many Common Goldeneye, females around on the left
Barrow’s Goldeneye, male, just being there on the right
4- Red-throated Loons, nonbreeding plumage, distant shot at Port Washington
With a day of falling snow, it was be a great day to check out a few owls. I checked out a few spots with a little luck. The Barred Owl was hunkered down when found, it never moved. The Long-eared Owls sat tight as well. With the snow falling on and off during the day, it made for a winter wonderland atmosphere out in the woods. Images were taken on March 13, 2017
The Barred Owl blends right in, how exciting!
Barred Owl nest hole…
Long-eard Owl with snow…
The Long-eared Owl is hidden pretty well….
I came across some Killdeer today drinking water out of a half frozen puddle in Milwaukee County. Temperatures remained below freezing all day but the Killdeer still found some open water. Watching them in a short grass field they also appeared to find food today, a good thing! A cold and windy day today with some sun, the high for the day was 26 degrees. Images were taken on March 10, 2017.
A brief birding stop this morning at Lakeshore State Park provided nice views of a White-winged Scoter. The female duck was hanging out with Greater Scaup and feeding on mussels in the lagoon. I took a few shots from a distance. As usual with hundreds of duck eyes watching you, they tend to stay away from the shore when you are around. It was a nice way to start the day out birding. Very cold out this morning with full sun but the wind made it feel like January. Images were taken on March 10, 2017.
White-winged Scoter, female with a mussel in the mouth
Binomial name: Melanitta fusca
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 21” long, 34” wing span
Weight: 3.7 lb
A stretch!
A stretch!
With a mussel
Just cruising along
While driving on a back road in Marquette County with my son this morning we spotted a stunning Red-shouldered Hawk sitting on a branch in a wooded parcel about 50 feet off the road. I pulled over and took a couple shots. After about 30 seconds it flew about 50 feet down the road but remained in the woods. The colors on this bird when the wings went up and it flew were incredible! It landed in a heavily branched tree and we left the area. By far the closest I have ever been to this species, my lucky day! Images were taken on March 5, 2017.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Binomial name: Buteo lineatus
Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies
Size: 17” long, 40” wing span
Weight: 1.4 lb
Cool facts: These hawks of the forests hunt prey from mice to frogs and snakes often near rivers and swamps. Considered a secretive bird for this area.
Red-shouldered Hawk
On a birding run today in Milwaukee County I stumbled across a Red Fox hunting. The Red Fox tried to make a catch here but it’s snack got away. It remained in the hunting mode but then moved out of sight. Always makes for a fun day seeing one of these mammals out doing it’s thing!
Before the catch…
It got away!
Pursuing another catch!
Looking and listening
Maybe it got away
Just looking at the photographer
A beautiful coat!
Birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning I came across the Greater White-fronted Goose that was reported yesterday in with a flock of Canada Geese. It would be nice to photograph this beautiful goose in the water but you have to take what you can get. It seemed very comfortable grazing with about 30 Canada Geese near the lagoon. It did a small amount of resting and preening while I watched. It was a clear sky this morning with temps around 30, the wind off the lake made it feel like January. Images were taken on February 27, 2017.
Binomial name: Anser albifrons
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 28” long, 53” wing span
Weight: 4.8 lb
Range: We typically see more of these geese west of Lake Michigan as their migration route north is mainly more west of Wisconsin, Texas through the dakota’s to northern Canada and Alaska. Always a treat to see one on the lakefront in Milwaukee.
With a Canada Goose
Grazing
Grazing
Preening
Preening
Taking a break
Grazing with some Canada Geese
The foot
While birding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County the highlight was a pair of Sandhill Cranes in the snow. They looked cold as temperatures were around 20 degrees. I noticed too a good part of the time I observed them they stood on 1 leg. Maybe they don’t particularly care for standing in the snow. Some preening was done but very little. Before I left the area one stuck it’s head under the wing and rested, but left an eye open. A cloudy day with a few flurries on and off with a steady breeze from the northwest bringing in that cold air. Images were taken on February 25, 2017.
The pair…the painted ones…
One resting with the eye open…
A few snowflakes…
Cleaning the snow out of the toes..
Preening
Preening
