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

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…

 

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

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.

Common Nighthawk at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on August 27, 2022

I made a stop at Greenfield Park this morning and the bird of the day there was a Common Nighthawk. It was perched in a deciduous tree giving great looks. While I watched it, it preened a short time, nice to see it with its eyes open. These days right now, mid to the end of August this species migrates through the state and looking up into the sky before dark you may see them flying in all directions but slowly moving south. Not uncommon to see 100 at a time. I heard peak day for migration is August 25th. I saw many last night over Waukesha County up high in the sky just looking for a few minutes. It was a day of sun with passing clouds, temps around 80 degrees, low winds. Images were on August 27, 2022.

The Common Nighthawk perched pretty…

Some of that tail showing…

Some preening…

More preening…

Another shot…

Peregrine Falcon at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 11, 2020

As I was birding Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee a darker subject caught my eye out in the open field on the ground. I knew this was too dark for a gull, it was a Peregrine Falcon! Peregrine Falcons are reported by some to be the fastest bird in the world, what a beautiful bird. There actually was a gull there too, but it was just the remains of a Ring-billed Gull, as the Peregrine Falcon had just finished eating most of the gull that it eats. I hung around from a distance and took a few shots. It moved a few feet from the gull killing site at one point but then eventually took to the sky. The park was loaded with bikers, walkers, joggers, even had a Yoga class going nearby. I photographed the remains of the gull for documentation,  interesting how the bird sorted out the body parts of the gull. “Dana” is this name of this beauty. (See more information on Dana at the bottom of this page) A cloudy day but temps were pleasant. Images were taken on October 11, 2020.

***** Warning, some images are graphic *****

Where I observed the Peregrine Falcon just finishing up the eating of the Ring-billed Gull…

Looking at me…

Looking around at all the park visitors…

Flies a short distance…

Leg bands are seen…

Looking at me again, mouth some what open…

Mouth closed…

The killing site…

Feathers galore, you know there was some struggling and plucking going on here…

Parts sorted out…

Distant shot leaving the area…

This information was provided to me by Greg Septon of Falconwatch.
This is a female named “Dana” (b/blu) 79/W. She was produced in 2019 at the St. Mary’s Hospital nest site in Chicago, IL. She turned up at the Veolia Water site in Milwaukee on March 31 this year as a brown immature bird. She was courted by the resident male “Rounder” (b/g) B/38 who was produced in 2007 at Milwaukee’s Miller Brewery site.
Dana laid 2 eggs between April 30 – May 2. Both eggs hatched on June 6, I banded them on June 25, and, both successfully fledged.

 

Northern Harrier in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin on March 21, 2020

Birding out in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County today I had the pleasure of watching a pair of Northern Harriers. As I watched them at a distance they did some serious hunting and maybe captured something to eat on the ground as they all of the sudden they disappeared. Also called Marsh Hawks, I captured only a fraction of the great show they put on as their hunting activities moved to far away for decent photos. It was a cold morning starting out at 21 degrees, even the full sun did not warm things up because of the stiff wind out of the northwest. Images were taken on March 21, 2020.

Northern Harrier…

Coming down to what be something to eat…

Eyes on something…

Getting closer…

Red-tailed Hawk at the Christmas Bird Count at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 15, 2019

It was a fun morning for everyone counting birds for the Christmas Bird Count at the Wehr Nature Center. The highlight during my counting was a stunning adult Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree hunting. The hawk gave nice views for a few moments with eyes always moving around waiting to find the next meal. Bird counts were slow for the day but still fun getting together with some good friends birding. It was a chilly morning starting out at about 18 degrees, little wind, but had sun which gave some warmth. Images were taken on December 15, 2019.

Red-tailed Hawk perched looking for its next meal…

Mouth stretching…

Looking around the woods, waiting for something to move…

In search of food….waiting…

Mississippi Kite in Wisconsin on August 16, 2019

After a tip from a friend about a Mississippi Kite here in Wisconsin, I decided to check it out. I arrived early and found this male bird perched in a dead tree in the area it might be found. I watched it for awhile as it repeatedly went for large flying insects and dragonflies or it perched. It preened a lot and when it was not preening it just remained perched looking for something to eat. Once I saw it fly and could see why it got the name “kite”. The bird was trying to get something on the side of a leafed out deciduous tree and it was flying like a kite would look, both top of the wings facing me, make like small radius’s in a figure-eight. Pretty cool to see! Obviously a life bird. Sorry, I can not share this location. The early morning started out cloudy but soon gave way to some sunshine. Images were taken on August 16, 2019.

The Mississippi Kite is found perched in a tree after looking sometime for it…

The Mississippi leaves the perch and does some flying around in the area, always looking for things to eat…

Always searching for food…

Must have excellent vision as it went for an insect about 500 feet away from the perch at the bottom of tree…

Cruising low in search of things to eat…

Close by overhead…

Returning to the perch, it flies over me…

After some time the Mississippi Kite returns to the area…soaring low, always looking for something to eat…

Searching…

Searching…

Off a ways in search of…

A pass over me…

Soaring around the area…

Here the bird appears to be onto something that I could not see.

Canada Jay, Red Crossbills, Broad-winged Hawks and more in Forest County on August 19, 2019

I saw a recent report of the Canada Jay and Boreal Chickadee species in Forest County Wisconsin. I had the urge to try for these species once again to get them on my Wisconsin life list.  An earlier winter trip a couple of years ago for these species was a bust. Mike Wanger wanted to join me as he needed the Boreal Chickadee. We met at 2:30 am in Milwaukee and made the run up. Arriving at 7am, it was 48 degrees, clear as a bell, quiet as a mouse and it pretty much remained like that for that till noon. We birded up and down Sheltered Valley and Pine River Roads, known areas for these species to be seen. Every 5-10 minutes or so we would park, get out and walk up and down the road quietly for 10-30 minutes, look and listen. After and hour or so we found a Canada Jay in a Tamarack tree a little ways off the road. It only hung around for a second after spotting it.  I got a horrible shot of the Canada Jay, but was enough for a ID. We came across some Red Crossbills eating cone seeds on a Tamarack tree. Two juvenile Broad-winged Hawks put on a show at one location, they were looking for food. We saw a few small flocks of warblers feeding, they were moving around. It was amazing that we both could walk a ways out on a bog on a possible deer trail and there were no mosquitoes or flies!  It was a exciting day for the both of us! No Boreal Chickadee was seen or heard, I guess it will be another trip another day. I have attached Mike’s ebird report for species at that location (below).

It just was not a great day for photos, but the photos show some of the species seen.

Broad-winged Hawk, juvenile

Broad-winged Hawk, juvenile

Red Crossbill, male

Canada Jay, doc shot

Broad-winged Hawk, juvenile

Black-billed Cuckoo 1 (heard)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Common Loon 1 (heard)
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawks 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Canada Jay (Northern) 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1 (heard)
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 6
Red Crossbill 2
American Goldfinch 5
Song Sparrow 2
Lincoln’s Sparrow 1
Nashville Warbler 5
Common Yellowthroat 2
Cape May Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 3
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Indigo Bunting 2

Cooper’s Hawk bathing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on October 22, 2018

A stop at Greenfield Park this morning produced a stunning show of a Cooper’s Hawk bathing. It bathed in a grass flooded area at the park for a good 5 minutes. The Cooper’s Hawk did not seem to mind me being there. It was a gorgeous morning with temps in the upper 40’s, full sun, low winds. Images were taken on October 22, 2018.

Cooper’s Hawk just up from bathing, splashing…

Going in…

Taking a look around just after bathing…

Splashing in the water…

A look to the right…

Another dip in…

Bathing…

Shaking off…

More shaking off…

More shaking off…

Just before exciting the water hole, then it flew into the woodland edge…

Faces of a Red-tailed Hawk Hunting at Bender Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on August 31, 2018

One of my birding stops this morning was Bender Park on the south side of Milwaukee County. The highlight there was nice views of a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk sitting a top a small oak tree hunting. The Red-tailed Hawks eyes caught or heard something a short distance off and it took to the air. Unfortunately I was not able to capture what it caught as it flew into some tall grass in a field close by. A beautiful morning out birding with full sun, mild temps early and low winds. Images were taken on August 31, 2018.

The Red-tailed Hawk, perched and hunting for something to eat…

A look back…

It sees or hears something…

Off it goes…going to hopefully capture something…

Red-tailed Hawk eating its prey at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 17, 2017

One of the highlights this morning along the lakefront in Milwaukee was watching a Red-tailed Hawk capture its prey, a vole and then consuming it. It was a cold morning with cloudy skies and some good winds but pretty good for this time of year. Images were taken at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 17, 2017.

At this point the Red-tailed Hawk spots the vole…

Going for the vole…

Taking the hair off, then breaks into the meat after the kill…

Removing hair and getting to the meat…

The Red-tailed Hawk is always looking around for predators as it eats…

Pulling apart the vole, out comes some of the guts……it drops the guts in the next image on the post…

Looking around as it eats…

Eating…

Looking around…

Eats that big piece with the hair on it…

This bird cleans the area of any left food it may have missed, lets nothing go to waste…

Still cleaning up the area …

Shaking off….

Then the poop!

Off to a new location for the next meal or to rest…

 

Red-shouldered Hawk in Marquette County Wisconsin on March 5, 2017

While driving on a back road in Marquette County with my son this morning we spotted a stunning Red-shouldered Hawk sitting on a branch in a wooded parcel about 50 feet off the road. I pulled over and took a couple shots. After about 30 seconds it flew about 50 feet down the road but remained in the woods. The colors on this bird when the wings went up and it flew were incredible! It landed in a heavily branched tree and we left the area. By far the closest I have ever been to this species, my lucky day! Images were taken on March 5, 2017.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Binomial name: Buteo lineatus

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 17” long, 40” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lb

Cool facts: These hawks of the forests hunt prey from mice to frogs and snakes often near rivers and swamps. Considered a secretive bird for this area.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

American Kestrel at the Milwaukee Lakefront on November 30, 2016

Birding along Milwaukee’s lakefront this morning, the highlight was an adult male American Kestrel coming in for a landing to a tree. The rest of the lakefront was very quiet with only a few winter ducks. The King Eider was still being seen off of Northpoint but very far out.

American Kestrel coming in for a landing

American Kestrel coming in for a landing

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

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It did not hang around!

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Swallow-tailed Kite at Fish Creek in Door County Wisconsin on July 27, 2016

I had not been on the computer all day yesterday until late afternoon and what a nice surprise to see a Swallow-tailed Kite was found in Door County. I arrived at sun up near Fish Creek and the 1st 3 hours were very quiet. Then I followed what I thought was a birder in a car and stopped her as she was turning around in a drive. It was Ann Gamble, the finder of this awesome Swallow-tailed Kite. We just talked for a minute and she said that the location we were at was the main place she had seen the Swallow-tailed Kite. In less then a minute, there the kite was gracefully gliding high up. Probably catching insects on the fly or just enjoying the thermals.  It did this for at least 1 hour and for the most part remained distant. The male kite put on a phenomenal show. Talking with Ann, she said the bird has maybe been there a month already as her sister talked of a bird fitting the kite description awhile back. Ann has been following the bird on and off approximately the last 10 days. Thanks to Ann for finding this bird, getting some shots of it, getting the ID, and getting the word out for others to see. A life bird for me and an exciting one at that! This bird typically breeds in Florida, and winters for the most part in South America. Images were taken on July 27, 2016.

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Swallow-tailed Kite

Binomial name: Elanoides forficatus

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 22” long, 51” wing span

Weight: 15 oz

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Top view

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Top view

Top view

Top view

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Merlins in Sawyer County Wisconsin on July 2, 2016

I found a nesting pair of Merlins last week while up in Sawyer County. These birds remained at tree tops when I saw them waiting for prey. I can see why they call this bird a small powerful falcon as it must hear or see prey off in a distant and then they take off like a bullet from the tree tops, they are out of sight in a couple of seconds. Amazing to see this bird in action, but it was very difficult to photograph it with tall pine trees in the area. I saw it fly to the nest on numerous occasions with prey and in the nest too, likely feeding young. Amazing birds! Images were taken the last week in June 2016.

These images are not very sharp but I wanted to share this amazing bird.

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Merlin

Binomial name: Falco columbarius

Category: Caracaras and Falcons

Size: 10” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 6.5 oz

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Just before takeoff

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Typically perched on a tall pine tree close to the nest tree

The nest up very high

The nest up very high

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Red-tailed Hawk soaring in the sky at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 27, 2016

The highlight of the day birding was this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk soaring in the sky at Lakeshore State Park. Even though it was a beautiful day weather wise today, birding appeared to be slow, at least where I looked along the lakefront. A Great Black-backed Gull was the only other bird to note. Images were taken on February 27, 2016.

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Red-tailed Hawk

Binomial name: Buteo jamaicensis

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 19” long, 49” wing span

Weight: 2.4 lb

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Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin and the Ivory Gull in Duluth Minnesota on January 2, 2016

I made the run up to Superior Wisconsin and Duluth Minnesota along with Jenny, Rita and John. We arrived a few minutes before sun up. The 2 target birds for us for the day were the rare Gyrfalcon (currently in WI) and the very rare visiting Ivory Gull (currently in MN). It was an exciting day watching both species in action. The Gyrfalcon chased and Common Raven, then the Common Raven appeared to chase the Gyrfalcon. What a show it was! The Ivory Gull was there at sun up with many spectators, ate and on occasion, flew at some high speeds with Herring Gulls. Life birds for all of us on a cold morning and full sun, with low winds. A fun trip for the 4 of us and with friends and birders from around the state. Images were taken on January 2, 2016.

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven?

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven, images taken at about 1/4 mile from birds

Gyrfalcon

Binomial name: Falco rusticolus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 47” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Notes: Breeds in the Arctic, wintering in northern Canada south to the northern US.

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Binomial name: Pagophila eburnea

Category: Gulls

Size: 17” long, 37” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lb

Notes: Typically spends it’s life in the high Arctic. The Ivory Gull nests are sometimes eaten by caribou.

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Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

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Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

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Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

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Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

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Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

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Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

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Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon

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Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon

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Gyrfalcon, the chase ends!

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Gyrfalcon cruising near a build roof top from a 1/4 mile away

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Gyrfalcon

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

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Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

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Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

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Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Red-tailed Hawk catching its prey in Waukesha County on July 29, 2015

Checking out a few birding spots this morning I encountered the Red-tailed Hawk once again looking for prey and this time capturing it. The Red-tailed Hawk got a frog, chipmunk, and a very large insect while I observed from a distance. For the chipmunk, the Red-tailed Hawk sat in a tree near a fence. The chipmunk came out once and went right back into the tree trunk, knowing the hawk was present. The next time, a few minutes later the chipmunk came out the Red-tailed Hawk landed on it, spread it wings on the ground and held it down for a few minutes. The Red-tailed Hawk then flew off to a nearby tree and proceeded to have its meal. It does not always score but it had a good streak going while I was present. At one point it appeared to play with a piece of root, tossed it, pounced on it from 2 feet off the ground. Not sure what this was all about. Images were taken on July 29, 2015.

Warning: Some of the following images are graphic in nature and might be disturbing to some viewers.

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the chipmunk!

Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the chipmunk!

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk, poor thing!

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

Flying up and then pouncing

Flying up and then pouncing

flying up and pouncing

flying up and pouncing

Just looking around

Just looking around

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Just pouncing around

Just pouncing around

Just pouncing around

Just pouncing around

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gopher here

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gopher here

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here

Ready to takeoff for the next event!

Ready to takeoff for the next event!

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Red-tailed Hawk in Waukesha County on July 28, 2015

On a walk this morning I encountered an adult Red-tailed Hawk that was standing on and trying to hold down what I think was a snake. Though I never saw the actual snake, I could tell by the actions of the Red-tailed Hawk that is probably what it was, and the snake got away. These are a few images I took while observing from a distance. Images were taken on July 28, 2015.

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk

Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk

Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk

Northern Goshawk near the Horicon Marsh on January 22, 2015

I made a run up to the area north of Horicon Marsh in Fond du Lac County Wisconsin. Ryan S joined me for the run up with hopes to see the reported Northern Goshawk. When we arrived at 7:20 am the bird was present for about 10 minutes distant from the road. We left the area for a short time waiting for better light but when we returned we could not relocate the bird. We birded the general area till 1:00 pm but could not relocate the Northern Goshawk after 7:20-7:30 am viewing. A nice life bird for Ryan and I. Thanks to Dave G for finding this uncommon bird and those who helped in the ID’ing of it. Other species present 2 Snowy Owls, 1 Merlin, 2 Northern Shrikes, numerous Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks. It was a fun day birding!

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Northern Goshawk

Binomial name: Accipiter gentilis

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 21” long, 41” wing span

Weight: 2.1 lb

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