Birding Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County this morning I came across some Bobolinks, 5 of them, males and females. They are nesting at this location so I did not hang around for more than a minute or two as I did not want to disturb the feeding of the young. Amazing grassland birds they are. I noticed what appeared to be one of the males eating Yellow Coneflower seeds still on an old seed head from last year. They are seed eaters. A beautiful morning out, no other birds to note other than common species. Sunny skies with a light breeze blowing, keeping the Bobolinks working steady to stay on the old plant canes from last year as perches. Images were taken on June 16, 2020.
Bobolink, male
The Bobolink, male calling…
Bobolink, female with food in the bill, looks like a Daddy Long Legs…and something else…on it’s way to the nest…
Bobolink, female…with food for the young…
Flying about their habitat, the grassland..
Bobolink, female with the wind blowing, trying to hang on…
Bobolink, male, with the wind blowing trying to hang on, they must be very use to this…
Interesting how they grab a clump of old canes from last years Yellow Coneflower to make one stronger perch…
Eating seeds from last years Yellow Coneflower plant, a strong Wisconsin native.
Just looking at the seed head here…
Bobolink with food in the bill on its way to the nest…
Hanging on in the wind…
Just perched and calling like what a Bobolink does…
A balancing act, perched on the old cane with the wind blowing…
Just looking…
Exciting photo series Jim:))
Bobolinks- What a wonderful bird !!
Spectacular as usual.
So vivid your photos, Jim, I can hear their springy song bubbling over the grasses.. The male’s yellow cap covering black body looks like he came from a monastery. Isn’t she a beauty in that wing-waving shot. Really appreciate these intimate images. Maybe you might return to capture the baby Bobolinks?
Just unbelievable ! You are so talented! Thank you for sharing !
Love, love, love the bobolinks at Retzer! Such a beautiful bird, along with a wonderful song. They migrate such a long distance to grace us with their presence!
Absolutely beautiful photos of one of my favorite birds. Again, thanks for sharing your fantastic talent with us.