admin, Author at Window to Wildlife - Photography by Jim Edlhuber

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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.

Whimbrel at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 22, 2014

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I birded Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee this morning about 7:30. I have not visited the park in well over 2 weeks. I ran into Bruce, and we walked the park for about an hour. We were just talking about the Whimbrel and having not seen it when out from nowhere it glided right over our heads and landed 50 feet away. It gave nice views and preened for some time, getting all the feathers in order. The Whimbrel also ate gravel for it digestive system which I had never saw before. The stones or gravel help in grinding up their food in their stomachs. The second Whimbrel has not been seen for some time. This bird will have been present 3 weeks as of tomorrow. Other species to note, about 10 Double-crested Cormorants were in the waters around the park area. Images were taken on September 22, 2014.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitats can be wet or dry in tundra areas, taiga bogs, and sparse scrub lands across northern Canada and Alaska. This species winters in parts of the southern US and South America on coastal shorelines, in tidal flats, shallow marshes, short grasslands, mangroves, beaches and oyster banks.

Diet: In breeding season they prefer marine invertebrates mainly small crabs, sometimes insects and berries and even flowers. They are also known to eat butterflies. In migration their diet can include crabs, beach flies, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers and oysters.

Nesting: As the snow melts on their nesting grounds they establish territories doing aerial displays. The nest is made up of a scrape on the ground or pressed bowl typically lined with leaves, lichens and grasses. Clutch size is usually 2-5 eggs green in color marked with darker greens and browns. Both sexes incubate the eggs for about 25 days. When the downy chicks hatch, they are ready to walk. Adult birds are known to attack humans if they come too close in their nesting area.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Picking up a stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Picking up a stone.

Scratching!

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Eating a grub, image taken September 26, 2014

Image taken September 26, 2014

Image taken September 26, 2014

Vagrants and rare bird sightings in Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana

By admin | September 19, 2014 - 5:55 pm |September 12, 2016 Uncategorized

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In the last couple of years I have chased a few vagrants or rare birds in Wisconsin and even the midwest. Some are already on my blog, some are not. These are some that are not. Listed below are a few images with species, locations and dates. In some cases doc shots were taken.

Tricolored Heron Findley Jefferson County Wisconsin June 18, 2013

Tricolored Heron at Findley Road VPA in Jefferson County Wisconsin on June 18, 2013

California Gull Johnson Creek Landfill Jefferson County Wisconsin February 23, 2012

California Gull, middle standing, gray legs, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin February 23, 2012

Ross's Gull Red Cliff Iowa December 7, 2013

Ross’s Gull at Lake Red Rock in Iowa on December 7, 2013. Bird is in upper portion of image with wings up in the middle, not will flock of gulls in middle of image. Bird was viewed for about 7 days, this being the last reported date. Bird remained a distance of 3/4 to 1 mile from the closest vantage point, that is the reason for the very distant shot. A couple 100 birders were present to see this spectacular bird that day.

Spotted Redshank Goose Pond Indiana March 29, 2013

Spotted Redshank at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana on March 29, 2013. This bird drew 1,000’s of visitors from throughout the US. After our arrival at 8:00 am we stood patiently along a dike waiting for the bird to come into a pond in front of us as it has a few mornings in the past. After a 15 minute wait, the Spotted Redshank came in an landed in the large pond in front of us as expected but remained a long was away from the dike while viewing. That is the reason for the distant shot.

Tricolored Heron in Manitowac Coounty Wisconsin on May 5, 2013

Tricolored Heron in Manitowac County Wisconsin on May 5, 2013

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Slaty-backed Gull at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on December 22, 2012

Slaty-backed Gull, middle, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on December 22, 2012

Cinnamon Teal with Blue-winged Teals at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County Wisconsin on April 29, 2012

Cinnamon Teal, male with Blue-winged Teals, males at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County Wisconsin on April 29, 2012

Parasitic Jaeger at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 19, 2014

By admin | September 19, 2014 - 5:51 pm |October 11, 2014 Bird Categories

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I made a run down to Bradford Beach about 10:00 am. I did a little looking around and all that was present were 5 Sanderlings and 100 plus or minus gulls coming and going. Jym M showed up and we met Spencer on the beach. We were just doing some bird talk, talked some on jaegers and could they show up there at the beach, etc? Out from nowhere Jym says, jaeger, jaeger, jumping up and down. I thought he was seriously pulling our legs as we were just talking about them. Moments later I realize it was no joke! We stood back and watched this cool bird which I think is a juvenile cruise around the beach area and some over the water trying to get a few shots to take home. We thought it was going to land on the beach, finally it did. Just for a moment, it looked around and off it went. It started heading north and it took a left at north point out of sight. We looked at the beach, it was unreal, there was no bird to be found anywhere, no gulls, no nothing! We were lucky that Jym knows what to look for in a jaeger, a big thanks to him! It was a life bird for Spencer and I. We could have maybe missed the big event if Jym was not present as when the bird first came in off the lake it went right over us, circled above us, before it did some loops on the beach cruising, brief stop and then gone. Beautiful day to be out birding and it will be one of those birding days we will never forget! The bird showed up at 10:42 am, it hung around for a little over 3 minutes. A nice short visit from a uncommon bird to the area. Images were taken on September 19, 2014.

Parasitic Jaeger

Binomial name: Stercorarius parasiticus

Category: Skuas and Jaegers

Size: 16.5″, adult to 20″ long, 46” wingspan

Weight: 1 Lb

Habitat: Breeds on grass areas of the tundra and stone covered ground on inland lakes or the ocean. Breeding range is northern Alaska and northern Canada. They winter in southern hemisphere areas along coasts. Much of their time is spent miles from shore on the ocean.

Diet: Their diet includes insects, smaller birds, eggs from birds, berries and rodents. This bird harasses gulls, kittiwakes and terns then steals their catches.

Nesting: The nest is just a shallow depression on the ground among small rocks or stones lined with grasses or lichen. Both parents incubate usually 2 laid eggs brown-olive in color. The young usually leave the nest within 2 days but stay close by.

Sanderling skirmish at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin September 14, 2014

By admin | September 16, 2014 - 4:23 pm |September 16, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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On Sunday as the Sanderlings were busy feeding on Bradford Beach, I observed a skirmish take place near me. I have not witnessed one of this length before and so full of action, usually it is just a little wing action or poking. When I looked at the images as what all took place in a matter of seconds it was incredible. Amazing that one Sanderling pushes another Sanderling down with its bill to the algae mat. I apologize for any blurry or poor quality images, but I did not want to leave out any of the of action shots. 30 images are in order from start to finish from the event as it happened. Images were taken on September 14, 2014.

Western Sandpiper at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin Sept 14, 2014

By admin | September 14, 2014 - 5:35 pm |September 15, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I decided to make a trip to Bradford Beach this morning in Milwaukee. It was an exciting few hours. When I arrived at the algae mat on the south end of the beach, I noticed what I thought was a Western Sandpiper. Moments later it was out of sight. I walked the beach to the north as there was another good size algae mat. Nothing was there other than Sanderlings. When I returned to the south end of the beach other birders had arrived and they confirmed that a Western Sandpiper was present. It was a juvenile. We had nice views, and it came and went during the day as it was flushed from the areas as many folks were out walking the beach and enjoying the nice weather. At one time I stood near the south mat and a Plover appeared, not sure which one, seconds later it was gone! Moments later a Ruddy Turnstone appeared, that bird was also gone in less than 30 seconds. Bradford Beach has really been bringing in some great shorebirds recently, I hope it continues! It was nice too, to see a few birding friends I have not seen for a while. Images were taken on September 14, 2014.

Western Sandpiper

Binomial name: Calidris mauri

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Description: Brown feathers on back with white underparts. Dark legs and bill.

Size: 5.5” – 6.7” long, 10.2” – 14.6” wingspan

Weight: 0.8 oz. – 1.2 oz.

Habitat: Coastal tundras, shorelines, and mudflats

Diet: Small insects such as flies and beetles as well as spiders, mollusks, and small crustaceans

Nesting: The male builds several nests out of grasses, leaves, and lichens pressed into a mud flat or shoreline. He will then sing to attract a mate, and she will choose the nest. Both parents will incubate the eggs. The typical clutch size is 3-5 eggs. The female may stay and help care for the chicks, or she may leave before the eggs hatch and the male will be the sole caretaker.

Notes: Western Sandpipers breed in Siberia and Alaska, although migration will take them down the West Coast to California. Very rarely are they seen as far east as the Midwest.

Feeding

With food

Feeding

Preening

Resting with eyes open

Resting

With food

Wind blowing from the back on the feathers

Baird’s Sandpiper, left – Western Sandpiper, right

Feeding

Images from a Western Sandpipers visit to Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 11, 2013: Image link

Ruddy Turnstones at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 13, 2014

By admin | September 13, 2014 - 7:07 pm |October 13, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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With Bradford Beach being a hotspot the last couple of weeks I made a run in to check it out. 2 Ruddy Turnstones were present which is what I had hoped to see as they have been reported on and off there. Also present were 2 Baird’s Sandpipers, ~50 Sanderlings, ~10 Bonaparte’s Gulls, Solitary Sandpiper and more. The Ruddy Turnstones were feeding all the time I was there and they were moving at a very fast pace! There was one time I caught one preening. It was a pleasant day to be out birding on the lakefront and it was also nice to touch base with a few birding friends I have not seen for awhile. Images were taken September 13, 2014.

Ruddy Turnstone

Binomial name: Arenaria interpres

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 9.5” long, 21” wing span

Weight: 3.9 Oz.

Habitat: In the breeding season they can be found on rocky Arctic coasts and tundra. In migration and winters they are found on rocky shores, sand beaches and rocky mudflats. In migration they can also be found on plowed agricultural fields inland.

Diet: Ruddy Turnstones eat a variety of foods such as insects, insect larvae, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, and sometimes berries. They occasionally will eat small fish and bird eggs. Their method of catching their prey may include flipping over of stones, seaweed, and probing with its bill into the sand and mud. They also find food on the surface of rocks.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with some vegetation build by the female. It is sometimes located hidden within rocks or underneath shrubs.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at the Bottle Gentian September 10, 2014

By admin | September 12, 2014 - 11:25 am |June 18, 2015 Bird Categories, Hummingbirds

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The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been visiting the Bottle Gentian plants here. It is amazing how they go for the nectar in these wildflowers. In some situations they probe into the side of the blooms with their bill. At other times they go in from the top with their bill. In my observations, if one method is not possible, they go the other method. They have entered both ways on the bloom clusters weather the blooms are on the inside or outside in the cluster. We have had 3 Rudy-throated Hummingbirds, female, male and a young male, all 3 have hit these Bottle Gentian, Gentiana andrewsii plants. Images were taken in Waukesha Wisconsin September 6-10, 2014.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Binomial name: Archilochus colubris

Category: Hummingbirds

Description: Metallic green feathers on back, grayish-white on underparts. Males have a vibrant red throat which may appear dark in poor lighting. Wings are dark gray, almost black. Long, slender bill is black in color and mostly straight with a slight curve at the tip.

Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan

Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.

Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens

Diet: Tree and flower nectar, small insects, and spiders

Nesting: The female provides all parental care, building a nest in a protected tree or shrub on a slightly downward-sloping limb. They favor deciduous trees such as oak, birch, or poplar. The nest is made out of bud scales, lichen, spider silk, and dandelion or thistle down. The same nest may be used year after year with the female making annual repairs. The female will lay 1-3 eggs at a time, laying eggs once or twice per summer. The young remain in the nest for 22-25 days.

Notes: A list of just some of the of native wildflowers we have planted in our yard to attract these exquisite tiny birds are: Red Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Royal Catchfly (Silene regia), Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), Butterfly Milkweed (Ascelpias tuberose), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum), Penstemon species, Echinacea species.

Sanderlings at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 10, 2014

By admin | September 10, 2014 - 5:12 pm |October 14, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made a stop at Bradford Beach around noon after a nice variety of shorebirds were reported in the area earlier in the day. At Bradford Beach all that was present were Sanderlings, about 20 of them scattered across the entire length of the beach. They were all feeding continually while I was there. They are always fun to watch running up and down the shoreline following the waves coming in and out. The waves were very high, enough for folks to be out board surfing. A juveniles except for 1 female breeding adult, those images are on the bottom here. Images were taken on September 10, 2014.

Sanderling

Binomial name: Calidris alba

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8” long, 17” wing span

Weight: 2.1 Oz.

Habitat: One of the most common shorebirds in the world, this shorebird is considered one of the “peeps”. Its breeding habitat is the High Arctic tundra in the northern Canadian islands and peninsulas. They winter on the sandy beaches of most of the world.

Diet: Aquatic invertebrates, worms, insects, crab eggs, fish, jellyfish, crustaceans, spiders, moths, flies, mosquitoes and sometimes material from plants.

Nesting: Nests for this species are located out in the open on the dry northern tundra, just a scrape lined with grass, leaves or lichen. Usually close to water and at an elevated site. Typically 4 eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated by both parents and cared for during a period of 24-31 days. Soon after the hatch of the young, they find food on their own.

Cool fact: Sanderlings can be seen racing up and down on the shores of the beaches following waves in and out in search for food.

Sanderling, juv. what they eat.

Sanderling, female breeding adult

Black-bellied Plovers and more at Myers Park Racine Wisconsin September 8, 2014

By admin | September 9, 2014 - 7:22 pm |September 9, 2014 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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Mid morning yesterday after viewing the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at South Metro I did a quick run to Myers Park in Racine. The highlight was 2 Black-bellied Plovers, juvenile. There was also a Pied-billed Grebe there, but just as I started walking down to the lower area something flushed the grebe, Mallards and some of the shorebirds that were in the corner by the breakwall. Also present were some Least Sandpipers and Sanderlings. Images were taken on September 8, 2014

Black-bellied Plover, juv.

Sanderling, juv.

Sanderling juv.

Black-bellied Plovers, juv.

Black-bellied Plover, juv. with fruit.

Least Sandpiper, juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek Wisconsin September 8, 2014

By admin | September 8, 2014 - 2:00 pm |September 8, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made the run to the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek Wisconsin very early this morning with hopes the juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper that was reported was still present. It was and it was about 1/4 north of the pier on the shoreline. It was actively feeding most of the time I was present. A real treat to see one close up as the previously Buff-breasted Sandpipers I have viewed were out in fields in and out of grasses, at sod farms and more distant.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Binomial name: Tryngites subruficollis

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8.25” long, 18” wing span

Weight: 2.2 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is on the Arctic tundra in moist areas near water, bogs, and marshes that are open. During their very long migration they are typically found in short grass such as golf courses, pastures, sod farms, airfields, plowed and unplowed agricultural fields, not usually near water. They also can be found on pond or lake edges on sandy beaches. These birds winter at South American pampas, prairies, seasonal flooded areas.

Diet: They stand motionless scanning the ground, then dashing to insects, earthworms, larvae, flies, spiders, midges, beetles and other vertebrates they find. Their diet also sometimes includes seeds from plants.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression, a scrape on the ground from the female. The female lines it with moss, lichen, leaves and sedges. Usually 2-4 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 23-25 days. The female provides the only parental care. Within one day of hatching the young leave the nest, they feed themselves, but the female tends to them.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. feeding.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. with a bug in its mouth.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. resting.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. back view.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Waukesha Wisconsin September 4, 2014

By admin | September 4, 2014 - 5:27 pm |September 6, 2014 Bird Categories, Hummingbirds

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Some recent images taken in Waukesha Wisconsin of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on various plants. Images show a young male and adult female on the flower species Cardinal Flower, Yellow Giant Hyssop and Zinnia’s. Images were taken August 24 through September 4, 2014.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Binomial name: Archilochus colubris

Category: Hummingbirds

Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan

Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.21 oz.

Habitat: Broadleaf and pine forests, orchards, meadows, parks, and gardens

Diet: Tree and flower nectar, small insects, and spiders

Notes: A list of just some of the of native wildflowers we have planted in our yard to attract these exquisite tiny birds are: Red Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Royal Catchfly (Silene regia), Butterfly Milkweed (Ascelpias tuberose), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum), Penstemon species, Echinacea species.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, young male on Zinnia species with flying nectar!

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female over Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, young male on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Cardinal Flower

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, young male on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female on Yellow Giant Hyssop

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female

Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 2, 2014

By admin | September 2, 2014 - 6:27 pm |September 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I got a report of 2 Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee late morning and made a quick run in there. They were there as reported. Both of them moved about the rock shorelines, the taller prairie grasses and also the mowed areas feeding on insects. I noticed on 2 occasions grasshoppers were taken which looked pretty hard to get down. They smashed them up on the rocks before eating them. Another time one was eating Purple Nightshade berries which did not surprise me as they are known to eat some berries. Cool birds! Some bikers came over the walk bridge at the park and flushed them from the mowed area. They did a large circle flyover of part of the park and headed south. I could not relocate them after that incident. Images were taken on September 2, 2014.

Whimbrels, 2 juv.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. moving about the rocks.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. preening.

Whimbrel, juv. moving about the rocks.

Whimbrel, juv. hunting for insects.

Whimbrel, juv. with a grasshopper.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. hunting for insects.

2 Whimbrel, juv. one with a grasshopper.

Whimbrel, juv. eating Purple Nightshade berries.

Whimbrel, juv.

2 Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv.

Short-billed Dowitcher at Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 31, 2014

By admin | August 31, 2014 - 6:42 pm |September 1, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made an early run to Myer’s Park in Racine this morning to see what birds were present. It was nice to see a Short-billed Dowitcher, juvenile feeding in the puddles when I arrived. Other species present were Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, a Sanderling and Semipalmated Plovers. A beautiful morning to be out birding with clear skies, low winds and mild temps. I checked North Point Beach in Racine, there were no shorebirds present. Images were taken on August 31, 2014.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher

Binomial name: Limnodromus griseus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 11” long, 19” wing span

Weight: 3.9 Oz.

Habitat: At breeding time they prefer moist tundra, open marshes, and bogs in the boreal zone, preferable close to fresh water inland. In migration and during winter they are found on saltwater tidal flats and marshes. They also can be found in flooded agricultural fields and freshwater mud flats.

Diet: Insects, insect larvae, crustaceans, marine worms, snails, mollusks, and aquatic larvae, sometimes seeds too in migration and during the breeding season.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression on the ground usually near water within think vegetation. The nest bowl is lined grasses, mosses, twigs, leaves and ptarmigan feathers. Typically 3-4 eggs olive-buff to brown in color are laid. Both adults incubate the eggs for about 21 days but the male takes care of the young after the hatch.

Cool facts: This bird as it probes up and down for food with its long bill has a sewing machine movement look. Some of the first shorebirds to migrate south, some as early as July and they young typically follow in August.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher preening.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher back view.

Least Sandpipers juv.

Lesser Yellowlegs juv.

Lesser Yellowlegs juv. fluffed up just after preening.

Semipalmated Plover juv.

Semipalmated Plover juv.

Black-bellied Plover

Whimbrel at Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 20, 2014

By admin | August 20, 2014 - 6:57 pm |August 21, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I decided to make another drive to Racine even though I was there yesterday. A Whimbrel was reported later in the day, it would be a life bird for me. I was there at sunrise. I looked the wetland over for about 10 minutes and did not see movement but then it was getting light. All of the sudden the Whimbrel flew in and landed 100 feet from me. I was still in my car. It moved around a little while I walked down to the wetland. Moments later what I think was a Peregrine Falcon came down and tried to grab the Whimbrel. They both took off like a streak of light over the lake. I felt the Whimbrel was a goner. I found a place to sit and wait. After 45 minutes, the Whimbrel came flying in again to the same area along with the 3 Black-bellied Plovers. I never even knew those birds had left too in all the excitement. I actually felt some relief in my mind that I knew the Whimbrel survived that confrontation. I watched it feed almost continually for some time. It was taking it’s bill and sticking in the ground to its mouth and turning it. It was feeding on tiny worms species, something it eats. It was an exciting day, a life bird, well worth the trip. Images were taken on August 20, 2014.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Whimbrel

Whimbrel feeding catching worm species

Whimbrel with a worm species in bill.

Whimbrel

Whimbrel extracting a worm species

Whimbrel with worm species in mouth.

Whimbrel extracting a worm species.

Whimbrel with a worm species at the end of the bill.

Whimbrel flipping a worm species in the bill for a better bite.

Whimbrel with a worm species in the bill.

Whimbrel with a worms species in the bill.

Whimbrel flipping a worm species for a better bite.

Pergrine Faclon in pursuit of the Whimbrel over Lake Michigan.

Peregrine Falcon in pursuit of the Whimbrel over Lake Michigan.

Whimbrel

Black-bellied Plover Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 19, 2014

By admin | August 19, 2014 - 5:20 pm |August 19, 2014 Bird Categories, Lapwings and Plovers

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I did some birding today along the Lake Michigan shoreline starting at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee heading south ending up at Myer’s Park in Racine. Overall quiet, with Myer’s Park being the hotspot with the 3 Black-bellied Plovers that have been reported. Other species present were Semipalmated Plovers and Sandpipers, a Sanderling, Least Sandpipers, few Caspian Terns and a Pectoral Sandpiper that took flight just as I entered the property. I hung around there for about 90 minutes, 4 hours later is the report of a Whimbrel by Jennifer! It was a beautiful day out birding with a light breeze, partly cloudy skies, and no rain. The Black-bellied Plovers keep their distance from you, not like some shorebirds that give nice closeup views. Images were taken on August 19, 2014.

Black-bellied Plover

Binomial name: Pluvialis squatarola

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 11.5” long, 29” wing span

Weight: 8 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is lowlands on dry Arctic tundra. They spend their winters on beaches and estuarine mudflats. They sometimes are found in flooded fields, agricultural lands, meadows near coasts or inland waters.

Diet: On their breeding grounds, main food source is insects. Their wintering habitat provides worms, bivalves and crustaceans.

Nesting: They prefer a raised area for nesting for good visibility. Nest is a shallow depression made by the male and finished by the female as her job is lining it with pebbles, grass, twigs, lichens and moss. 3-4 eggs are usually laid, one brood per season, both parents incubate them. Within 12 hours, the chicks are usually able to forage and both parents care for them.

Black-bellied Plover

Black-bellied Plover feeding

Black-bellied Plover

Sanderling

Sanderling looking up

Sanderling preening

Sanderling

Semipalmated Plover

Red Knot Hustisford Wisconsin August 16, 2014

By admin | August 16, 2014 - 1:33 pm |August 18, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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This rare visitor to the state, the Red Knot was eating well when I left the river last night just before dark. I decided to make another run up there to Hustisford early morning to get a couple more images in day light. I did not see it when I arrived but Dave S. found it as he arrived a few minutes after I and he had his scope. This bird blends in very well with the habitat there. In fact a few times during my visit along with a couple other birders we lost sight of it and it was right in front of us but behind some thin vegetation. Like yesterday, this bird actively feed the whole time I was there other than it preened once. Nice to see this rare bird once more. Images were taken in Hustisford Wisconsin on the Rock River in Dodge Co. August 16, 2014.

Red Knot

Binomial name: Calidris canutus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 10.5” long, 23” wing span

Weight: 4.7 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat in tundra areas that are drier and hillsides with sparse vegetation. Outside of breeding habitat they are found near coastal inlets, large tidal mudflats, rocky shores and beaches, bays and estuaries.

Diet: Breeding season it eats sedge seeds and shoots from horsetail and grasses. In snow free areas it will include some invertebrates in their diet. They eat marine worms, grasshoppers, horseshoe crab eggs and other invertebrates in their winter range.

Nesting: Their nest is a depression on the ground lined with lichens, grasses and leaves. It is cup shaped and constructed by the male. 3 to 5 of these are male prior to the arrival of the female, she lays 3-4 eggs and they are incubated around 22 days by both parents. Chicks are hatched in downy cryptic feathers. With a day or so the chicks leave the nest and area and they begin foraging with both adults.

Cool facts: One of the most colorful peeps and the largest in North America. There was a time when the Red Knot was the most numerous shorebird in North America. It migration can be one of the longest being up to 10,000 miles one way. The young chicks make their first long journey on their own.

Red Knot with a Semipalmated Sandpiper

Red Knot with a Pectoral Sandpiper

Red Knot

Red Knot with a Lesser Yellowlegs

Red Knot with a Least Sandpiper

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot

Fluffed up Red Knot

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot Hustisford Wisconsin August 15, 2014

By admin | August 15, 2014 - 7:58 pm |August 18, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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After seeing a post this evening of a rare visitor to Wisconsin a Red Knot in Hustisford I made the trip up there just before dark, about 7:00 PM. The bird was present as reported below the wires over the river below the dam. A new life bird for me. Thanks to Tom W. for finding this bird along with the presence of Dave S. Images were taken in Dodge County Wisconsin on August 15, 2014.

Red Knot

Binomial name: Calidris canutus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 10.5” long, 23” wing span

Weight: 4.7 Oz.

Shorebirds at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin August 15, 2014

By admin | August 15, 2014 - 2:11 pm |August 17, 2014 Uncategorized

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I made an early morning run to Bradford Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront with hopes in seeing some shorebirds. There is a nice algae bed forming on the south end. Just some of the more common shorebirds were feeding there. Species present were Semipalmated Plovers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Killdeer. Images were taken on August 15, 2014.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Least Sandpiper

Lesser Yellowlegs

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper scratching

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper feeding

Least Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper with corophium volutator, what they eat.

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper feeding

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper, Juv.

House Wrens gathering food for the young August 12, 2014

By admin | August 12, 2014 - 11:22 am |August 14, 2014 Wrens

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I noticed House Wrens flying back and forth through the yard a couple of days ago and thought I would see what was going on. They were nesting in an older Bluebird house in the yard. Both adults were bringing food to the young in the house. It appeared that a large portion of the food brought in were Daddy Longlegs and amazingly the legs were all moving on them going to or into the house. Earwigs, caterpillars and other insects which are also known to be foods for the House Wrens were also gathered. Unfortunately I was not there at the time when the young left the nest, it would have been exciting to see that!

House Wren with a Grasshopper on its way to the nest.

House Wren

Binomial name: Troglodytes aedon

Category: Wrens

Size: 4.75” long, 6” wing span

Weight: 0.39 Oz.

Habitat: Open forests, woodland edges, farms, city parks, backyards and residential areas. In winter months they are a more secretive bird spending time in thickets, brushy areas, hedgerows and underbrush. Breeding area is most of the US except the south and southern parts of Canada too.

Diet: Typically they prefer insects, daddy longlegs, earwigs, caterpillars and some flying insects as well. They are known to also eat snail shells to help with digestion.

Nesting: House Wrens will use tree cavities, nest boxes, and sometimes odd places such as mailboxes or fence posts for nesting sites. They are known to use old nest cavities form other birds and despite their size chase out other nesting birds for a nest site. They bring small twigs into a nest hole or cavity. The nest cup is lightly lined with grasses, string, hair, plant material and feathers. The female incubates 3-10 eggs for 12-19 days, sometimes 2 broods. The male brings food to the female, they both feed the young. Partners split up after raising the young and find new partners the next year.

Cool fact: Twigs are used for either foundation for the nest cup or used to pile in front of the nest hole opening for predators, cowbirds or weather protection.

House Wren

House Wren with a live Daddy Longlegs on its way to the nest. Interesting how when they have the Daddy Longlegs in their bills and alive that their heads are turning and moving as the Daddy Longlegs are fighting to get away!

House Wren with a live Daddy Longlegs on its way to the nest.

House Wren with an insect on its way to the nest.

House Wren with a live caterpillar on its way to the nest.

House Wren on its way to the nest with a moth.

House Wren with a live Daddy Longlegs.

House Wren passing on a live Daddy Longlegs.

House Wren

House Wren at the nest.

House Wren exiting the house after feeding young.

House Wren

House Wren with a caterpillar on its way to the nest.

House Wren

House Wren with a Earwig on its way to the nest.

House Wren with a live Daddy Longlegs on its way to the nest.

Blue Grosbeak at the Spring Green Preserve August 9, 2014

By admin | August 9, 2014 - 4:05 pm |August 9, 2014 Bird Categories, Piranga Tanagers and Allies

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I made the run up to the Spring Green Preserve-west SNA in Sauk County Wisconsin with hopes to see the beautiful Blue Grosbeak and get a life bird too. This uncommon bird for the state has been reported on and off all summer long at this location. I was not let down as it only took a few minutes to locate this bird by its distinct call. I viewed it multiple times on top of the tall white pines running east. I also viewed the bird from a distance on the short oaks northeast of the Pearl Road dead end. A few other birds to note were Eastern Towhee’s, Indigo Buntings, 1st summer male and female Baltimore Orioles which I thought they were Chats with the early morning sun hitting them had gold color like I never saw before. Images were taken on August 9, 2014.

Blue Grosbeak, male

Blue Grosbeak

Binomial name: Passerina caerulea

Category: Cardinals, Piranga Tanagers and Allies

Size: 6.75” long, 11” wing span

Weight: 0.98 Oz.

Habitat: Open forests and shrub habitats of south North America. These areas can be corridors, hedgerows, old fields, logged areas, power line right-of-ways, some savanna areas, forest edges, pine forests in the south. Blue Grosbeaks typically migrate south into Mexico and Central America and as far south as central Panama. Normal range for this bird is south of Wisconsin.

Diet: Insects, sometimes seeds from grains.

Nesting: Females typically build the nest, the males help on occasion. The nest is cup shaped 2-3” across built with materials such as twigs, bark material, cotton, leaves, rags, snake skin, plant material and newspapers. Nests are usually located in open areas, along roads and woodland edges. 3-5 eggs are laid with incubation of 12-13 days.