Category Archives: Bird Categories

Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers and more at the Milwaukee lakefront in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on September 8, 2024

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A couple of stops on the Milwaukee lakefront provided great looks at some migrating shorebirds. Lakeshore State Park had 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers and 3 Black-bellied Plovers. Pebble Beach near McKinley Beach had 5 Semipalmated Plovers, 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers and 2 Sanderlings. The shorebirds at Lakeshore State Park moved around from the beach to the inland short grass area a couple of times near the beach while I was there. Nice to see these birds stopping along the lake on a beautiful morning with some sun and cool temps around 50 degrees. Images were taken on September 8, 2024.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper…

Buff-breasted Sandpiper…

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, something in the bill…

Black-bellied Plover…

Black-bellied Plover, preening…

Black-bellied Plover, shaking off…

Black-bellied Plover, finding things to eat…

Buff-breasted Sandpiper bathing…

Buff-breasted Sandpiper …

Buff-breasted Sandpiper after bathing…

Semipalmated Sandpiper…

Semipalmated Sandpiper finding things to eat…

Semipalmated Sandpiper, just looking pretty…

Semipalmated Plover…

Sanderling…

Sanderling…

Sanderling…

Pileated Woodpecker feeding young in Delafield in Waukesha County Wisconsin on June 11, 2024

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I received a tip on Pileated Woodpeckers feeding their young in a natural cavity at Lapham Peak in the south Kettle Moraine State Forest in Waukesha County. I checked it out and it was an exciting event to witness. There were the two adult birds and 4 young, I only saw 2 young when i was there as some had already left the nest. The adults came in many times in the time I was there to feed the young. The feeding time was about 20-30 seconds long. The feeding took place roughly 3/4 to 1 1/2 hours apart. It was a gorgeous weather with plenty of sunshine, cool temps early on and low winds. The birds had all fledged as of June 14th. Images were taken on June 11-14, 2024.

Pileated Woodpecker adult feeding a young male…

Pileated Woodpecker adult feeding a young male…

Young male waiting for food…

The young, female on top, male below waiting for an adult for food…

Adult Pileated Woodpecker, male just landed on the nest hole tree with young below…

Young male waiting for an adult for food…

Young male top, female bottom waiting for an adult for food…

Here a young male is leaving the nest, just coming out…1 second later it was heading into the woods around me…

Killdeer chicks in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on June 3, 2024

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While birding the Milwaukee County lakefront I came across a couple of Killdeer chicks. 2 adults were close by with one sitting on a nest. It was a beautiful morning with plenty of sunshine, cool temps early and low winds. Images were taken on June 3, 2024.

Killdeer chick stretching…

Adult Killdeer on the nest close by…

Killdeer adult just in the area…

Crested Caracara at Marengo in Ashland County Wisconsin on May 29, 2024

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I got a report that the Crested Caracara was seen a second day at Marengo in Ashland County. This bird is so rare to Wisconsin as this is only the 2nd state record! The bird’s normal range is southern Texas, Mexico and south into South America, it is a long way from home! My wife Deb and I were traveling to central Wisconsin from Waukesha when the report came in. She said, let’s just go try for the Crested Caracara! I’m on board so we continued on the ride for the total 5 1/2 hour trip. Upon arriving at the known location, the bird was in a tree on the other side of a large field. After about 20 minutes it flew to the north to another field and landed as it was onto something. I never saw it pick anything up. After another 25 minutes or so, the Crested Caracara flew farther away and landed in a dead tree on the other side of the field it was in. After a few minutes we decided it was time to head south and continue on our daily plan. It was a beautiful morning with plenty of sunshine, low winds and a pleasant temperature at around 60 degrees. It was so exciting and another Wisconsin life bird #380!

The Crested Caracara…

 

Laughing Gull at South Shore Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on May 24, 2024

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One of my birding stops this morning gave nice views of a 1st year Laughing Gull. This gull was not in full breeding plumage yet being a 1st year but still a cool gull to find. This location was at the beach at South Shore Park in Bay View. Laughing Gulls come up as a rare bird for this area, typically see a couple every year here in Southeastern Wisconsin. It was a morning with some sun, light breeze, mild temps. Images were taken on May 24, 2024.

The 1st year Laughing Gull…

Preening…

Scratching…

More preening…

And more preening…

Blue Grosbeak at Warnimont Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on May 3, 2024

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I was on the lakefront in Milwaukee birding this morning at Lake Park when I heard that a pair of Blue Grosbeaks were being seen at Warnimont Park. This location was south of the golf course off the Oak Leaf Trail. When I arrived the female Blue Grosbeak was being seen but quickly was out of sight. After a few minutes the male Blue Grosbeak appeared high in a tree but then it moved around for the next 20 minutes, just giving looks. Then the bird perched again with a chance for a photo. Stunning bird!!! A rare bird for the state but it seems like we see them every year now. A big thank you to Greg O for finding this bird and getting the word out! The female was not again while I was there other than it’s first appearance when I arrived. A beautiful day with full sun, light winds and pleasant temps. Images were taken on May 3, 2024.

The Blue Grosbeak, male singing…

Just perched pretty…

Swainson’s Hawk in Oak Creek Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 29, 2024

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I got a report this morning that a Swainson’s Hawk was just found in Oak Creek. The Swainson’s Hawks normal range is the Dakota’s south to Texas and west. A bird I needed for my life list so I had to try my luck to see if it was still there. After the 45 minute drive I arrived at the location. No bird in sight but heard it flew into a wooded area there. After what seemed to be a long wait the bird came out of the wooded area and perched in a dead tree. It gave good looks for a long time. A big thank you to Brad B for finding the awesome rare bird for Wisconsin and getting the word out for others to see it. Wisconsin life bird #378. It was a cloudy morning with stiff winds but warm temps. Image was taken on April 29, 2024.

Great Horned Owl Owlets in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 25, 2024

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I have been following a couple of pair of Great Horned Owls with their owlets. Stopping in at a couple of locations and taking a couple of images. For the most part these owlets do nothing other than sit there and look at you if they are not sleeping. They are fed by an adult but I was never around when that took place. An adult Great Horned Owl is always in view of the owlets and the nest if there is an owlet that has not fledged. Images were taken over the last 2-3 weeks. The owlets do move around when your not there so the images are of just a few different birds.

Two owlets still in the nest…

I think it is waiting for food…

Just a fuzz ball…

The adult Great Horned Owl off in a distance within views of the nest and owlets…

American Avocets at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 24, 2024

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Word was out that American Avocets were moving north along the Milwaukee Lakefront. They had made very brief stops, just for moments at Grant Park, South Shore Yacht Club, Pebble Beach and finally taking a rest and doing some feeding at Bradford Beach. It was very cold, 37 degree, windy and cloudy too. I heard 37 birds were present and they all hung out in one area. The gulls were constantly in their faces so for the most part they were a tight group. Images were taken on April 24, 2024.

Some of the group of the American Avocets…

Such beautiful birds!!!

One here with something to eat in the bill…

Finding things to eat…

Some up, some down…

Greater White-fronted Goose at Jackson Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 19, 2024

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Driving through Jackson Park in Milwaukee gave nice looks at a Greater- White-fronted Goose. It was hanging around with about 25 Canada Geese.  It has been reported on and off the last week and I thought I would try my like at seeing it, it was there when I was there. When I was present and dog walker not knowingly moved the geese into the pond. It must be a common thing at the city park. It was a nice sunny day with pleasant temps around 45 degrees. Images were taken on April 19, 2024.

The Greater White-fronted Goose on shore near the Canada Geese…

Feeding with the Canada Geese…

After getting into the pond to avoid any dog…

Preening…

Off it goes to the middle area of the pond…

Great Horned Owl owlets on the nest in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 10, 2024

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I went to a location of where a Great Horned Owl has been sitting on a nest to see how far things have moved along. The owlets are very visible, moving around and probably will be leaving the nest soon. They gave some nice views today while I was there. An adult Great Horned Owl was off in a distance high in a tree keeping an eye on the nest. It was a beautiful morning with full sun, 60 degrees and low winds. Image was taken on April 10, 2024.

3 Great Horned Owl owlets in the photo if you can see them…

This little one has the mouth open wanting something to eat from an adult…

Profile view…

Killdeer on the nest in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 10, 2024

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While out birding I came across a Killdeer walking along a road. I looked around and saw and adult Killdeer sitting on the nest. The bird stood up and I saw the eggs, two of them. I immediately left the area not to disturb anything. A couple photos here showing both birds, the one on the nest and the other about 75 feet away from the nest. It was a beautiful morning with full sun, 60 degrees and low winds. Image was taken on April 10, 2024.

The Killdeer on the nest but stood up when I drove by…

The other adult bird away from the nest…

Closeup…

Pine Warbler at Lake Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 10, 2024

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One of my birding stops today was Lake Park in Milwaukee County. There were some nice birds seen but the highlight was this Pine Warbler, male that gave nice looks as I was just strolling around. There were a few Kinglets, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned and also some Yellow-rumped Warblers to name a few. It was a beautiful morning with full sun, 60 degrees and low winds. Image was taken on April 10, 2024.

Pine Warbler, male…

Wood Ducks in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 28, 2024

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It was a fun day photographing the beauty of the Wood Ducks in Milwaukee County. They were very active at times and sometimes just doing nothing but hanging out. It was mostly sunny with steady north winds making it cold with temps at 36 degrees. Images were taken on March 28, 2024.

Wood Duck, this male stretching…

Wood Duck, female, that color on the head…just up from a dive…

Just looking pretty…

Beautiful male Wood Duck…

Stunning female Wood Duck…

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This female Wood Duck just up from a dive under…

Hooded Merganser, female at the Fox River in Waukesha County March 10, 2024

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A stop this morning at the Fox River in Waukesha provided nice views of a I’m assuming female Hooded Merganser. Also present was a female Common Merganser. They swam around the river finding things to eat. The pedestrian traffic along the river usually keeps visiting ducks in the middle of the river. I got a break once when this  cutie was a little closer to the shore.  It was a cold morning with temps around 30 degrees and pretty good winds out of the north coming down the river. The full sun did not help warm things up till mid morning. Images were taken on March 10, 2024.

The female Hooded Merganser…

The female Hooded Merganser…

Has a fish and ate it too…

The female Common Merganser…

Windy day, feathers up…

Another …

Eastern Bluebirds in Southeastern Wisconsin on March 1, 2024

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I had a opportunity to photograph a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and did not turn it down. The pair found things to each, one insect was what looked like a centipede. Insects are starting to move around with the warmer temperatures. It was a cool morning with sunny skies and a little bit of a breeze. Images were taken on March 1, 2024.

The male Eastern Bluebird…

The female Eastern Bluebird…

At take off…

The female Eastern Bluebird…calling…

The male with a centipede…

There was a breeze, feathers were blowing in the wind…

Coming in for a landing…

Looking for more insects below…

Perched pretty…

Fieldfare at Prentice Park in Ashland County Wisconsin on February 21, 2024

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I saw reports of this rare bird being seen in Ashland County for about a week. The Fieldfare, a super rare bird for Wisconsin, a 1st state record is native to Europe. I obviously need it for my state life list. It was being seen all week, but not everyday which made it a hard decision to drive 6 hours one way to try for it. I finally decided, I might as well try for it and made the run up to Ashland leaving the house at midnight to get there when the sun comes up. After everyone, 40 birders and I were wandering around for over an hour the bird suddenly appeared and put on a very brief appearance for the 40 birders and I, some from as far away as Montana and Maine, at Prentice Park in Ashland Co. When this bird has been seen during the week, it is only giving looks from roughly 7-8:30 am daily, then disappearing for the rest of the day. I walked away with a very distant shot at about 500 feet as the bird perched on the other side of a large field. A big thank you to the finders of this bird and getting the word out for others to see it. Life Bird for Wisconsin #377. It was a cool morning to start with temps around 26 degrees, a slight breeze and mostly cloudy skies. Image was taken on February 21, 2024.

Glaucous-winged Gull at Prairie du Sac Dam in Sauk County Wisconsin on February 18, 2024

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Late Saturday afternoon I got wind of a very rare for Wisconsin, an adult Glaucous-winged Gull, being reported at the Prairie du Sac Dam in Sauk County. This gull noamally winters on the west coast of California and breeds along the west coast of Canada and Alaska in the summer. I needed this bird for my Wisconsin life list so I thought I might as well try for it. I arrived there at the dam early morning with plenty darkness. As it got lighter more birders showed up. It was seen by a couple of birders about 30 minutes after it got light but I did not get my eyes on it. There were easily 200 plus gulls flying over the Wisconsin River so it was very challenging to spot for this gull. After another hour or so had passed, it was once again re-found and I got some distant photos shooting into the sun just below the dam. It gave nice views but photos were another story. It was seen for 5 minutes and then it was out of sight again. It was a sunny morning with mild temps with a little bit of a breeze. Photos taken on February 18, 2024. Wisconsin life bird #376.

Northern Saw-whet Owls in Southeastern Wisconsin February 11-17, 2024

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During the winter months I bird locations all over southeastern Wisconsin with hopes to find a Northern Saw-whet Owl. I dig here and there and it has been a quiet winter until last week. I have come across 2 of them just recently. They are so tiny, cute and motionless in the trees when I found them, and are that way when I leave. One had a vole in it’s talons. They may be cute with their catlike face and quiet looking, but they are highly nocturnal with activity beginning at late dusk. I always tell anyone who asks how to find them, I tell them look in pine trees, even if it is just one out in the open. It has been cold weather with some light snow, temps this morning around 10 degrees

Northern Saw-whet Owl…

The Northern Saw-whet Owl with the vole…