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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.

Fox Sparrow in Marquette County Wisconsin on November 21, 2015

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I spent a short time at a local birding spot in Marquette County Wisconsin and it was very slow. One occasion a Fox Sparrow showed and gave nice views. Red-headed Woodpeckers are still hanging around but I did not pursue them. 5 American Bald Eagles have been hanging around too in the area seeing them regularly. Lots of Blue Jays, they are still grabbing acorns of the oak trees and storing them. At least 2 adults and 4 juveniles, it will be interesting if they will be here in spring. A light snow last night, winter is here. Images were taken on November 21, 2015.

Fox Sparrow made a stop. Typically I bird I usually see on the ground feeding.

Fox Sparrow, typically a bird I usually see on the ground feeding.

Fox Sparrow

Binomial name: Passerella iliaca

Category: Emberizids

Size: 7” long, 10.5” wing span

Weight: 1.1 oz

Note: I have heard it so many times, “Fox Sparrow is my favorite sparrow”

Fox Sparrow, back view

Fox Sparrow, back view

Fox Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay looking back

Blue Jay looking back

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay in the late afternoon sun

American Kestrel at the Lake Express Milwaukee Wisconsin November 19, 2015

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I birded the lakefront in Milwaukee early this morning. One of the highlights was a beautiful male American Kestrel at the Lake Express Ferry. It worked from the fences getting grasshoppers and eating them. It was really focused on food, it must know there is winter storm in the forecast. The rest of the lakefront was very quiet, few ducks. Another highlight was the Northern Shrike at the Milwaukee Community Gardens. When I drove into the gardens, there was the shrike on top of some small deciduous trees in the middle of the garden area. Most likely is the same bird that was reported by Jen on Monday. I stopped and took a distant shot of the bird. I watched it hunt and catch a few things and then it left the area. I hung around an hour it never returned. The Northern Shrike image is last. Images were taken on November 19, 2015.

Northern Shrike with a grasshopper

American Kestrel with a grasshopper after catching it over the fence

American Kestrel

Binomial name: Falco sparverius

Category: Caracaras and Falcons

Size: 9” long, 22” wing span

Weight: 4.1 oz

Cool facts: I’ve also heard it called a sparrow hawk

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

Here the wind gave the bird a rough time but it steadied itself

Here the wind gave the bird a rough time but it steadied itself

Here too, the wind gave the bird a rough time but it steadied itself

Here too, the wind gave the bird a rough time but it steadied itself

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel still eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel still eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel eating the grasshopper

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

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American Kestrel hunting

American Kestrel, image taken 11/20/15

American Kestrel, image taken 11/20/15

Northern Shrike, distant shot

Northern Shrike, distant shot at the Milwaukee Community Gardens 11/19/15

Anna’s Hummingbird in Jefferson County Wisconsin on November 15, 2015

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I made the run out to Waterloo Wisconsin in Jefferson County with hopes to see the reported female Anna’s Hummingbird. When I arrived I had to wait for a while for the bird to show. It had been reported that it showed roughly every hour. It pretty much stayed on track for that for the couple of hours I stayed. It typically favored the feeder port of the hummingbird feeder that was against the house next to the pole which made it difficult for photos, but the bird gave great views! When it got the feeder it stayed there for the duration until it had what it wanted then left to the east. On one occasion I saw it leave and go into a arborvitae type tree to the east. From what I heard today, this was the 6th reported Anna’s for the state of Wisconsin. It was said the bird has been coming to the feeder for about a week, but it took that long to get it all figured out that it was a Anna’s and not a Ruby-throated. The pale white eye-ring and white behind the eyes determines it is a Anna’s. This bird was banded early this morning by Cynthia B, but it did not stop it from returning to one of the feeders in the yard all day long. Not my first Anna’s in the state as I got the stunning male last year in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014. A big thank you to Duane and Kristen for allowing visitors to see the rare visitor to the state and being great hosts! Also, thanks to Tom P for getting the word out on this bird.

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Anna’s Hummingbird

Binomial name: Calypte anna

Category: Hummingbirds

Size: 4″ long, 5.25” wingspan

Weight: 0.15 oz

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Link to images of the MALE Anna’s Hummingbird taken in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014 if you care to view them:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/annas-hummingbird-sauk-county-wisconsin-october-21-2014/

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan Wisconsin on November 12, 2015

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I decided on the way into Milwaukee early morning being still dark with a light mist I would change plans and try for the Black-headed Gull that was reported yesterday by Daryl T in Sheboygan. When I arrived, it was just light. I stopped on the road near North Point and noticed a different gull near the waters edge. It was a Franklin’s Gull in nonbreeding plumage. A life bird for me that has avoided me well for the last few years. I have chased many reports the last couple of years, finally! The images are crude as it was just light, I shot from my parked car with the window down as a dog walker was a few feet away from the Franklin’s and moving towards it. After the bird flushed from the dog walker it flew just off shore for a minute and that was the end of that bird. I hung around for a couple of hours just in case it returned or the Black-headed Gull showed, neither happened. I stopped at Port Washington and a Great Black-backed Gull stood way out near the end of a dock. After I checked the area for other species south of that, returned, it appeared to be sleeping sound in the same place. I checked the Milwaukee Lakefront on the way back as I saw Steve L’s post of the Franklin’s Gulls moving south on the lake. I saw a flock of about 15 at the Lake Express Ferry, they were heading south. When I first saw the flock flying, it was quiet obvious it was a species I had not seen before as the way the flock moved.  I also noticed a flock of about 20 Snow Buntings on the lakefront. A fun day out, weather was really not all that bad, it was not cold. Images were taken on November 12, 2015.

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Binomial name: Larus pipixcan

Category: Gulls, Terns and Skimmers

Size: 14.5” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 10 oz

Franklin's Gull with 2 Ring-billed Gull and Herring Gull

Franklin’s Gull with 3 Ring-billed Gulls and Herring Gull

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Franklin's Gull with a Ring-billed Gull

Franklin’s Gull with a preening Ring-billed Gull

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Franklin's Gull with a Ring-billed Gull being flushed

Franklin’s Gull with a Ring-billed Gull being flushed

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull

Great Black-backed Gull looking around at the Port Washington Marina

Great Black-backed Gull looking around at the Port Washington Marina

Great Black-backed Gull sound asleep at the Port Washington Marina

Great Black-backed Gull sound asleep at the Port Washington Marina

Partial flock of Franklin's Gulls high up and moving south over the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee WI 11/12/15

Partial flock of Franklin’s Gulls high up and moving south over the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee WI 11/12/15

Our feathered friends in Waukesha County Wisconsin on November 8, 2015

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Just had a little fun photographing some of our common feathered friends today. Images were taken in Waukesha County Wisconsin on November 8, 2015.

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Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker back view

Red-bellied Woodpecker back view

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Red-headed Woodpeckers and other birds in Marquette County Wisconsin on November 7, 2015

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I did some birding in Marquette County Wisconsin today. I always enjoy watching the Red-headed Woodpeckers working from sun up to sun down. They get acorns from live trees, break them up in pockets of dead trees and bury the pieces within dead trees or under bark of dead trees. They store these pieces for winter food no matter how deep the snow is, it will always be available. They always seem to store the pieces in trees near nest holes that will probably be used in spring for raising the young. I have a water hole I watch and two of the highlights today were a Brown Creeper and a Red-eyed Vireo. The Red-eyed Vireo is listed as a rare bird for this date in Marquette Co. This bird moved very fast in the couple of seconds I saw it, I just barely got a photo. I have never seen a bird drink like today. It flew across the pond, barely touched the water, opened its bill and grabbed a drink for a second and never slowing down, off it went like a bullet south. Other common birds gave nice shows which is always a treat. Images were taken on November 7, 2015.

Red-headed Woodpecker with a piece of acorn after splitting one up in the top of this dead oak tree.

Red-headed Woodpecker with a piece of acorn after splitting one up in the top of this dead oak tree, early morning sun

With acorn piece

With acorn piece

Hammering a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Hammering a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Hammering a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Hammering a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Hammering a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Just looking around after storing some winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into a crack of the dead tree for winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into a crack of the dead tree for winter food

Putting a piece of acorn into the hole of the dead tree for winter food

Going to put a piece of acorn into a crack of the dead tree for winter food

Splitting up an acorn in the pocket in the dead oak

Splitting up an acorn in the pocket in the dead oak

Splitting up an acorn in the pocket in the dead oak

Splitting up an acorn in the pocket in the dead oak

Don't need this shell of the acorn, out it goes!

Don’t need this shell of the acorn, out it goes!

With a new piece of acorn to go store it for the winter

With a new piece of acorn to go store it for the winter

Red-eyed Vireo, a RARE bird for this date in Marquette Co. WI. 11/7/15

Red-eyed Vireo, a RARE bird for this date in Marquette Co. WI. 11/7/15

Red-eyed Vireo, a RARE bird for this date in Marquette Co. WI. 11/7/15

Red-eyed Vireo, a RARE bird for this date in Marquette Co. WI. 11/7/15

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

Dark-eyed Junco ready for a bath

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco bathing

Dark-eyed Junco bathing

Blue Jay calling

Blue Jay calling

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay calling

Blue Jay calling

Black-capped Chickadee bathing

Black-capped Chickadee bathing

Black-capped Chickadee just out of the water

Black-capped Chickadee just out of the water

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Blue Jay on alert!

Blue Jay on alert!

Blue Jay looking back

Blue Jay looking back

Blue Jay posing

Blue Jay posing

 

Western Kingbird at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on November 3, 2015

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I headed to Warnimont Park early this morning in hopes to see the recently reported Western  Kingbird. The bird is a uncommon visitor to the state. I arrived just after sunrise and David F was doing some looking around for the bird. Judith and Rita arrived shortly there after. We all looked the bluff over well and parts of the golf course too. After about 30 minutes I spotted the Western Kingbird coming from the bluff off the east end of the parking lot. It landed on the top of a large deciduous tree just south of the parking lot. From there the bird continually forged on the bluff edge and the golf course. The bird appeared to find many insects to eat with the warm weather. It gave nice views to many birders that came and went in the couple hours I was present. At one point the bird regurgitated some berries which was interesting. The bird mostly hung around the area from the old gun club building to the parking lot on the north end of the golf course. This bird is said to be a different Western Kingbird than the one that most of us saw at the Milwaukee Community Garden in mid October. Thanks to Bill M for finding this uncommon bird for the area getting the word out for others to see. Thanks to Jen too for her great post and to other who gave updates on this bird yesterday. A fun morning out with some great birding friends. Images were taken on November 3, 2015.

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Western Kingbird

Binomial name: Tyrannus verticalis

Category: Tyrant Flycatchers

Size: 8.75” long, 15.5” wing span

Weight: 1.4 Oz

Natural range: The natural breeding range for this species is western Minnesota west almost to the Pacific Ocean, southern Texas north to lower Canada. Winters in Mexico and south.

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Blurry back shot

Blurry back shot

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment on October 25, 2015

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I made a run early morning down to the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment with hopes to see the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher that was reported yesterday. This uncommon bird for Wisconsin is a common bird in the state of Kansas and south to southern Texas in summer. A few other birders also showed up as the sun came up. We sort of split up after a couple minutes and moments later James F. had located the bird just north of the large wind turbine on a wire. From there the bird pretty much continually forged and ate insects for the few hours I was there in a loop of a freeway ramp. It mainly remained a distance off, but we all really enjoyed the show it put on every time it went for an insect. At the end, it took flight over some tracks and headed south to who knows. It was said today, this is a male bird by the length of the tail, it is very long. One dog walker asked what bird we were looking at, we showed her on the camera and her remark was, that bird was here last year same time. I could not ID it she said, but it had that big long tail! A fun morning out with some great birders and friends. Not a life bird for me as I got the one in Mequon a couple years back. Thanks to Karen M for finding this bird on a routine check in the area and reporting it for others to see. Images were taken on October 25, 2015.

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Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Binomial name: Tyrannus forficatus

Category: Tyrant Flycatchers

Size: 15” long, 14”-15.5″ wing span

Weight: 1.5 oz

Just after a try for an insect

Just after a try for an insect

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Perched high in a tree

Look at those tail feathers!

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Scissor-tail

Here it was a little agitated as some Dark-eyed Juncos had just enter the tree below the bird

Here it was a little agitated as some Dark-eyed Juncos had just enter the tree below the bird

Early morning sun high in the tree

Early morning sun high in a tree

Early morning sun high in the tree

Early morning sun high in a tree

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Early morning sun high in the tree

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Scissor-tailed Flycatcher still hanging around. Images below taken November 1, 2015 at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin

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With grasshopper

With grasshopper

With grasshopper

With grasshopper

Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 15, 2015

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I birded some of the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning and one of the highlights was this Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park. This adult nonbreeding male feed on a path eating seeds that have fallen to the ground. Also present at the beach at Lakeshore State Park was a Black-bellied Plover along with 3 Killdeer hanging out with a group of gulls. It was a mostly cloudy day, on a couple occasions the sun shinned for a minute or two, temps were a little on the cool side with low winds. Images were taken on October 15, 2015.

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Lapland Longspur, adult nonbreeding male

Lapland Longspur

Binomial name: Calcarius lapponicus

Category: Lapwings and Plovers

Size: 6.25” long, 11.5” wing span

Weight: 0.95 oz

Cool facts: This common bird breeds in the Arctic tundra, and winters in open fields across most of the United States and southern Canada.

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Finding and eating seeds off a path

Finding and eating seeds off a path

Finding and eating seeds off a path

Finding and eating seeds off a path

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Finding and eating seeds off a path

Finding and eating seeds off a path

Finding and eating seeds off a path

Stretching

Stretching

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With seed

With seed

With seed

With seed

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Back view

Back view

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Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

With food in bill

With food in bill

Calling

Calling

Calling

Calling

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Western Kingbird at the Milwaukee Community Garden on October 14, 2015

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Making another drive in Milwaukee with hopes of seeing the rare Western Kingbird today was rewarding. This was my 3rd try for this very rare and elusive vagrant for the state of Wisconsin. For some birders it was their 5th try! The bird first found by Tom W on October 9th has kept birders coming and going at this hot spot in Milwaukee County Wisconsin. As birders came and went this morning a few of us were fortunate to be there at the right time. As a hand full of us stood right after the sharp curve on the gravel road going north and I was standing next to Jym M, he says, there is our bird! It had just landed in a one of the taller deciduous leafless trees looking north. It only hung around for a minute or two, then flew southwest out of sight. What an exciting few minutes it was and a state life bird for me. Thanks to Tom W for the first sighting report and those who have kept updated reports on it few showings there. Bird showed at 10:56 am. Images were taken on October 14, 2015.

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Western Kingbird

Binomial name: Tyrannus verticalis

Category: Tyrant Flycatchers

Size: 8.75” long, 15.5” wing span

Weight: 1.4 Oz

Natural range: The natural breeding range for this species is western Minnesota west almost to the Pacific Ocean, southern Texas north to lower Canada. Winters in Mexico and south.

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Birding in Marquette County Wisconsin on October 6, 2015

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I had to make a run up to Marquette County and did some general birding. I found a place where birds were coming and going at a water source and took a few images to share. Flocks of birds were coming through. A large flock of Sandhill Cranes circling above along with some gliding Turkeys Vultures hanging in the area. A large flock of Bluebirds hung around for a few minutes but none stopped for a drink. Some exciting action! Images were taken on October 6, 2015.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Cap May Warbler

Tennessee Warbler bathing

Blackpoll Warbler with Yellow-rump waiting to bath

Tennessee Warbler bathing with Yellow-rump next in line

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay tail spread

Blue Jay tail spread

Bonaparte’s Gull at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 1, 2015

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Birding Lakeshore State Park this morning produced an adult Bonaparte’s Gull, nonbreeding plumage. It was hanging out with about 20 Ring-billed Gulls. All the gulls were flushed with a fire department group coming in for some underwater diving practice. The Bonaparte’s Gull did not return to the area after it headed out over the water. I also had a distant views of 4 Horned Lark but a jogger unknowingly flush the bird and they headed up high and south. Plentiful were Dark-eyed Juncos, White-crowned Sparrows and Double-crested Cormorants. Partly cloudy, stiff winds and cold temps made for winter coat weather on the lakefront. Images were taken on October 1, 2015.

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Bonaparte’s Gull, adult nonbreeding plumage

Bonaparte’s Gull

Binomial name: Larus philadelphia

Category: Gulls, Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 13.5” long, 33” wing span

Weight: 7.0 oz

Bonaparte's Gull with Ring-billed Gulls

Bonaparte’s Gull with Ring-billed Gulls

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull preening

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte's Gull with Ring-billed Gulls

Bonaparte’s Gull with Ring-billed Gulls

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull

Headed over the water, Bonaparte's Gull

Headed over the water, Bonaparte’s Gull

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For Reference Only

Reference only - Bonaparte's Gull in breeding plumage. Image taken at North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin on June 17, 2013

Bonaparte’s Gull in breeding plumage. Image taken at North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin on June 17, 2013

White-crowned Sparrows on the Milwaukee Lakefront on September 30, 2015

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Birding on the Milwaukee lakefront this morning was quiet. The only birds to note were some White-crowned Sparrows, adults and 1st winter birds and I also saw a few small flocks of Dark-eyed Juncos. The White-crowned Sparrows were feeding near a tall grass area and jumped out once in awhile for some weed seeds. I came across a few other birders and results were the same, a slow morning. With the strong northeast winds bringing in the colder temps I thought there might have been a couple of surprise birds this morning. Images of the White-crowned Sparrows were taken on September 30, 2015.

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White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow

Binomial name: Zonotrichia leucophrys

Category: Emberizids

Size: 7” long, 9.5” wing span

Weight: 1 oz

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter

White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter, being alert and standing tall something alarmed it

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter eating weed seeds but
became being alert after it heard something

White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter, eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, adult eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter, eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, 1st winter, eating weed seeds

White-crowned Sparrow, adult

White-crowned Sparrow, adult

Forster’s Tern at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 28, 2015

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I did some birding on the Milwaukee lakefront early this morning and some of the places hit were the Magic Hedge, Bradford and McKinley Beaches, Veterans and Lakeshore State Park, for the most part it was very slow. Yellow-rumped Warblers  were at most locations. The highlight was a Forster’s Tern, juvenile at Bradford Beach on my 3rd stop there this morning.  This little bird among many larger Ring-billed Gulls was present at waters edge. Birds change on the beach often with many walkers of all sorts. It moved around the beach and out of sight for periods of time too. It dived times for food and did catch some fish and often was harassed by Ring-billed Gulls on and off the beach. I saw many chases far out over the water. Sometimes the Ring-billed Gulls let it rest too. It was overcast with mild temps, light winds from the east while I was there this morning. Images were taken on September 28, 2015.

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Forster’s Tern

Binomial name: Sterna forsteri

Category: Gulls Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 13” long, 31” wing span

Weight: 6.0 oz

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Ring-billed Gull harassing

Ring-billed Gull harassing

Ring-billed Gull harassing

Ring-billed Gull harassing

Ring-billed Gull harassing

Ring-billed Gull harassing

Size comparison image with Ring-billed Gull left, Forster's Tern right

Size comparison image with Ring-billed Gull left, Forster’s Tern right

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Forster's Tern

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Forster’s Tern with fish

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Forster’s Tern with fish

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Forster's Tern

Ring-billed Gull chasing the Forster’s Tern

Forster's Tern making a dive for a fish

Forster’s Tern making a dive for a fish

Forster's Tern making a dive for a fish

Forster’s Tern making a dive for a fish

A ring-billed Gull right there after the Forster's Tern tries for food

A Ring-billed Gull right there after the Forster’s Tern tries for a fish

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Before the dive for a fish

Before the dive for a fish

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Birding at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 26, 2015

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I joined the Lake Park bird walk half way through it  after doing some birding on the lakefront. The general lakefront was very quiet with only a few Yellow-rumped Warblers at the Magic Hedge. After I joined the bird walk the highlight was a Gray-cheeked Thrush which only gave views for a couple seconds. Some of the other birds that I saw to note were Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-throated Sparrows, and Chipping Sparrows, White-crowned, Eastern Bluebirds and a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. I’m not sure what the bird walk group saw, and what I missed, but a full report I’m sure will be posted. It was fun to do some birding with friends I have not seen for awhile. It was overcast at the time I was there, just mild temps. Images were taken on September 26, 2015.

Lincoln's Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow

Lincoln's Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird juvenile, some spots

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird juvenile, some spots

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird Juvenile, some spots

Sandhill Cranes in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on September 23, 2015

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Doing some birding out in the South Kettle Moraine today I came across a pair of adult Sandhill Cranes.  I enjoyed the show of two adults as they walked around, feed, went for water and preened. Turning more gray, they are going into their winter plumage. Soon they will congregate in large numbers at staging areas and then migrate to wintering areas in the southern US and Mexico. Other species to note from today, flocks of Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings and Killdeer. For the most part a quiet day birding with warm temps, sunny and next to no wind.  Images were taken on September 23, 2015.

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Drinking

Drinking

Drinking

Drinking

Drinking

Drinking

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Getting out those old feathers!

Getting out those old feathers!

Preening

Preening

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Blue Morph Snow Goose at Veterans Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 18, 2015

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I checked out the Veterans Park this morning in Milwaukee for the Blue Morph Snow Goose that was recently reported. It was present in a flock of about 20 Canada Geese. It did some preening and pulling out some old feathers while I was present. Thanks to Jennifer for finding and reporting this bird for others to see. A beautiful bird! Images were taken on September 18, 2015.

Blue Morph Snow Goose

Blue Morph Snow Goose

Blue Morph Snow Goose

Binomial name: Chen caerulescens

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 28-31” long, 53-56” wing span

Weight: 5.3-7.4 lb

Note: The dark color is controlled from a single gene.

Blue Morph Snow Goose with Canada Goose behind

Blue Morph Snow Goose with Canada Goose behind

Blue Morph Snow Goose eating

Blue Morph Snow Goose eating

Blue Morph Snow Goose with grass in the bill

Blue Morph Snow Goose with grass in the bill

Blue Morph Snow Goose working the feathers

Blue Morph Snow Goose preening

Blue Morph Snow Goose preening

Blue Morph Snow Goose preening

Blue Morph Snow Goose pulling out a feather

Blue Morph Snow Goose pulling out a feather

Blue Morph Snow Goose with a feather

Blue Morph Snow Goose with a feather

Blue Morph Snow Goose

Blue Morph Snow Goose

Blue Morph Snow Goose just getting a drink of water!

Blue Morph Snow Goose just getting a drink of water!

Blue Morph Snow Goose on a trot

Blue Morph Snow Goose on a trot

Blue Morph Snow Goose

Blue Morph Snow Goose

 

Shorebirds at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 18, 2015

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I made a run to the Milwaukee lakefront this morning to see what if any shorebirds were present. My first stop was Bradford Beach and some shorebirds were hanging out. Last nights storms that came through made for some change as it has been slow so far this fall at the lakefront. Just common shorebirds were present, Semipalmated Plovers, Sanderlings, and a couple Least Sandpipers but it made for a fun couple of hours watching them feed and whatever else shorebirds do. At one point about 10 shorebirds stopped feeding around me, laid motionless in the sand for about 5 minutes. I looked around numerous times to see what had them on edge but never saw anything. Obviously something could have been sitting up in a tree watching, possibly a Peregrine Falcon. Things went back to normal in a few minutes and they went right back to feeding like nothing ever happened. Later, three of us Bruce, Jym and I birded for awhile, it was a nice morning to be out with overcast skies, light winds and cool temps. Images were taken on September 18, 2015.

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling with food

Sanderling getting the food

Sanderling getting the food

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper all fluffed up!

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper with the food

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper getting the food

Least Sandpiper getting the food

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover on the move!

Semipalmated Plover on the move!

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover eyeing up the food

Semipalmated Plover eyeing up the food

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover with food in bill

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover with food in bill

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Common Nighthawk at the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha Wisconsin on September 7, 2015

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I checked out the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha for birds this morning. I was surprised how quiet the morning was and walked a large part of the nature center property. The highlight was a Common Nighthawk resting in a good size partially dead ash tree. It never moved and hardly opened its eyes while I was there for just a minute. It was a first for me not seeing this species in flight. Just common yard birds were only other birds around. This image taken today is typical of what they do. They rest during the day in a branched tree or on a fence post and they are hard to see as their colors make them blend in. Image taken on September 7, 2015.

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Common Nighthawk

Binomial name: Chordeiles minor

Category: Goatsuckers

Size: 9.5” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 2.2 oz

Cool facts: These birds are typically seen diving in loop patterns in early mornings or evenings. They forage over open areas near woods and over wetlands for insects. This birds breeding grounds are from the entire US into northern Canada and they migrate to South America in the winter months.

Common Nighthawk from a distance

Common Nighthawk from a distance