Category Archives: Bird Categories

Hooded Merganser at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin on January 22, 2017

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A stop at the Fox River in Waukesha late morning today gave nice views of a Hooded Merganser, male. It hung around with a large flock of Mallards at times. Once it came up on the shore as someone had tossed out some corn, it appeared to eat a piece. It stood there as the Mallards ate the corn, like it did not know what it was suppose to do there. One time on the water I saw it eat a crayfish. For the most part it felt right at home with the Mallards. Not much else was on the river where I was other than a few Canada Geese. What a beautiful duck! It was a very gloomy day, with the mild temps it did not feel too bad for January. Images were taken from January 22, – February 6, 2017

Hooded Merganser, male

Hooded Merganser, male

Hooded Merganser

Binomial name: Lophodytes cucullatus

Category: Duck, Geese, and Swans

Size: 18” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lb

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Hood up

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Hood up

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Hood down

With corn

With corn

Hood down before a dive

Hood down before a dive

The dive

The dive

The dive

The dive

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

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Hood up

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Hood down

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At you

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Crayfish snack!

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Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

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Hood is up!

Hood is up!

Hood is up!

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On the ice

On the ice

Best friends! The Hooded Merganser follows the Mallard, female all day. The little Hooded is always at her side..:)

Best friends! The Hooded Merganser follows the Mallard, female around all day, he is always at her side..:)

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Hood is down!

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Hood is up, just a walk on shore following around the female Mallard

Stretching

Stretching

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Hood is down!

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A quick drink!

Sandhill Cranes in Waukesha County Wisconsin on January 19, 2017

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On my way home from doing some birding in Milwaukee County it was a big surprise to see 2 Sandhill Cranes. They were foraging on a hilltop far off the roadway in old hay field on the south end of Waukesha, I stopped for a couple of distant shots. There were a pair of them. Considered rare birds for this time of year at this location. It was a day of fog, never did see the sun, on a few occasions it got brighter. The mild temps of near 40 felt great as we are only in January. The mild temps Images were taken on January 19, 2017.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane, one of the pair

Sandhill Crane

Binomial name: Grus canadensid

Category: Cranes

Size: 46” long, 77” wing span

Weight: 10.6 lb

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

 

Red-breasted Mergansers at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on January 17, 2017

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I did some birding along the lakefront this morning in Milwaukee. Many diving ducks were present in the harbor and a few Red-breasted Mergansers were within lens range. Other ducks and 100’s of them were Greater Scaup and Common Goldeneyes. Ice just left the harbor in the last day or so with rain that moved in so ducks were very active feeding on mussles. It was a dark gloomy day and temps were around 33-34 degrees. A light wind made it feel winter like. Images were taken on January 17, 2017

Red-breasted Merganser, male, shaking off!

Red-breasted Merganser, male, shaking off!

Red-breasted Merganser

Binomial name: Mergus serrator

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 23” long, 30” wing span

Weight: 2.3 lb

Red-breasted Merganser, female

Red-breasted Merganser, female

Red-breasted Merganser, male

Red-breasted Merganser, male

Red-breasted Merganser, male, partial stretch

Red-breasted Merganser, male, partial stretch

Red-breasted Merganser, male

Red-breasted Merganser, male

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Red-breasted Merganser, female

Red-breasted Merganser, male at takeoff!

Red-breasted Merganser, male at takeoff!

Wisconsin birding, the year in review 2016. Includes vagrants, special visitors or just the beautiful birds that either nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin.

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I have put together a collection of some of the Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2016. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2016. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!

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Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin chasing a Common Raven 1-2-2016

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Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin chasing a Common Raven 1-2-2016

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Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin 1-2-2016

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Slaty-backed Gull at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 1-7-2016

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Slaty-backed Gull at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 1-7-2016

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Common Redpoll eating alder cone seeds at Frame Park in Waukesha 1-16-2016

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Common Redpoll eating alder cone seeds at Frame Park in Waukesha 1-16-2016

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Common Redpoll eating alder cone seeds at Frame Park in Waukesha 1-16-2016

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Great Black-backed Gull, 2nd cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee 1-16-2016

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Great Black-backed Gull, 2nd cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee 1-16-2016

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Great Black-backed Gull, 2nd cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee 1-16-2016

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Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

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Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

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Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

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Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on 1-28-2016

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European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

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European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

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European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

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European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

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European Goldfinches in Kenosha County 2-9-2016

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Horned Lark at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 2-11-2016

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Horned Lark at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County 2-11-2016

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Northern Cardinal in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 2-13-2016

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Tufted Titmouse in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 2-13-2016

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Pine Grosbeak, male eating berries in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak, male eating berries in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

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Pine Grosbeak, female eating berries in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Pine Grosbeak, female

Pine Grosbeak, female in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

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Pine Grosbeak, immature male in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

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Bohemian Waxwing in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

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Bohemian Waxwings in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

Bohemian Waxwing

Bohemian Waxwing in Eagle River in Vilas County 2-20-2016

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Glaucous Gull, juvenile at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County 2-24-2016

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Glaucous Gull, juvenile at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County 2-24-2016

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Red-tailed Hawk in Milwaukee County on 2-27-2016

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Red-tailed Hawk in Milwaukee County on 2-27-2016

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Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

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Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

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Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

The dive!

Long-tailed Duck, the dive at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

The dive!

Long-tailed Duck, the dive at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

The tail!

Long-tailed Duck, the dive at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

Preening that long tail!

Long-tailed Duck, preening that long tail, at Bender Park in Milwaukee County 3-7-2016

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Snow Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

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Snow Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

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Snow Goose, the stretch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

On a mission!

Snow Goose on a mission at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 3-12-2016

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Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County 3-15-2016

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Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County 3-15-2016

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Eastern Screech Owl Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

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Eastern Screech Owl Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

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Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Common Loon, distant shot

Common Loon, distant shot at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Killdeer in the snow!

Killdeer in the snow warming up in the sun after a fresh late March snow in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Killdeer

Killdeer in the snow warming up in the sun after a fresh late March snow in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

Killdeer

Killdeer in the snow warming up in the sun after a fresh late March snow in Milwaukee County 3-25-2016

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Say’s Phoebe, a rare visitor to the state from the southwest US looking for food at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

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Say’s Phoebe a rare visitor at looking for food at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

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Say’s Phoebe a rare visitor at looking for food at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

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Say’s Phoebe a rare visitor going for something to eat at Goose Lake Park in Dane County 3-29-2016

Hunting

Great Blue Heron, hunting, first of the spring to return at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

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Great Blue Heron, just hanging out, first of the spring to return at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

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Great Blue Heron, at takeoff time at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

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Great Blue Heron, takes to the air, Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-1-2016

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Golden-crowned Kinglet at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

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Yellow-rumped Warbler at Lake Park after a fresh snowfall in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, one of a flock of about 10 stopping in at Lake Park for some running sap in a tree 4-8-2016

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, going for some sap in a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, going for some sap in a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, going for some sap in a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, on a tree at Lake Park in Milwaukee 4-8-2016

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male on a tree looking for some fresh sap in a tree

Winter Wren

Winter Wren finding food at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

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Golden-crowned Kinglet at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler at Whitnall Park 4-14-2016

Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern at the beach at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Caspian Terns

Caspian Terns at the beach at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern, ready for takeoff at the beach at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

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Caspian Tern with a flyover at Grant Park in Milwaukee 4-14-2016

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Bonaparte’s Gull at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Bonaparte's Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

Bonaparte's Gull hanging out in the water

Bonaparte’s Gulls hanging out in the water at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

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Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 4-14-2016

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Western Meadowlark doing the call, at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

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Western Meadowlark at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

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Western Meadowlark doing the call, at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

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Western Meadowlark in flight at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

In flight!

Western Meadowlark in flight at Bender Park in Oak Creek 4-18-2016

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Great Blue Heron, 1st year bird that was born last summer has returned and doing some feeding. At Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County 4-23-2016

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Great Blue Heron, more feeding at Greenfield Park 4-23-2016

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Great Blue Heron, more feeding at Greenfield Park 4-23-2016

Upland Sandpiper

Upland Sandpiper near North Point on Milwaukee’s Lakefront  in Milwaukee County 4-24-2016

Purple Martin checking out the house

Purple Martin checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 4-24-2016

Purple Martin checking out the house

Purple Martin checking out the house at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County. Turns out they never nested here this year 4-24-2016

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Smith’s Longspur, male in the corn stubble at Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County 4-25-2016

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Smith’s Longspur in the corn stubble at Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County 4-25-2016

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Summer Tanager, male, this rare visitor gave stunning views at the Wehr Nature Center in Greenfield in Milwaukee County 4-28-2016

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Summer Tanager, male, at the Wehr Nature Center in Greenfield in Milwaukee County 4-28-2016

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Summer Tanager, male, at the Wehr Nature Center in Greenfield in Milwaukee County 4-28-2016

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Willets, 1 of 4 of them feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Willets feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Willet, just keeping a lookout at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Willet on the move at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Willets feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Willet at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Willet feeding at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Bonaparte’s Gull, immature at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park

Horned Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Caspian Terns at McKinley Marina

Caspian Terns at the McKinley Marina in Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher seeing what it wants to eat

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher going for a bug at Lake Park Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher going for what it wants at Lake Park

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher going for a bug at Lake Park Milwaukee County 4-29-2016

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Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

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Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

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Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

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Canada Geese gosling at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 5-2-2016

Green Heron

Green Heron at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

Blackburnian Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-5-2016

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Great Horned Owl, owlet at in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Great Horned Owl, owlet at in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Great Horned Owl, owlet in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Barred Owl, owlet perched in a small tree in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Barred Owl, owlet working its way up a small tree, a small step to get up in the canopy of the forest in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Barred Owl, owlet working its way up a small tree, a small step to get up in the canopy of the forest in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Barred Owl, owlet taking a break in a small tree after climbing in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

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Barred Owl, owlet getting higher up in the forest in Milwaukee County 5-9-2016

Philadelphia Vireo

Philadelphia Vireo at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Nashville Warbler

Nashville Warbler at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Baltimore Oriole what appears to be putting the first string around the possible start of a nest

Baltimore Oriole what appears to be putting the first string around the possible start of a nest at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Magnolia

Magnolia Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-13-2016

Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Canada Warbler, male

Canada Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Common Yellowthroat, male

Common Yellowthroat, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female, calling

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female, calling at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

American Redstart, male

American Redstart, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

American Redstart, male, with a bug

American Redstart, male, with a bug at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

American Redstart, female

American Redstart, female at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Black and White Warbler, male

Black and White Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female

Chestnut-sided Warbler, female at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County 5-14-2016

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Common Nighthawk sitting on a log on the ground in Marquette County 5-15-2016

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Common Nighthawk in Marquette County 5-15-2016

Adult

Killdeer, adult in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Adult

Killdeer, adult in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

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Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

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Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

Chick

Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

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Killdeer, chick in Milwaukee County 5-18-2016

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Great Blue Heron with nesting young in SE Wisconsin on 5-19-2016

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Great Blue Heron with nesting young in SE Wisconsin on 5-19-2016

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Great Blue Heron with nesting young in SE Wisconsin on 5-19-2016

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Great Blue Heron some of the ~30 nests at this site 5-19-2016

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Little Blue Heron looking for food at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

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Little Blue Heron looking for food at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Off the perch it goes and heading to the south off shore near the boat landing

Little Blue Heron off the perch it goes and heading to the south off shore near the boat landing at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Heading south

Little Blue Heron heading south at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

Heading south

Little Blue Heron heading south at Lake Maria in Green County 5-20-2016

And still heading south as it passes by me.......

And still heading south as it passes by me…….at Lake Maria 5-20-2016

White-winged Tern

White-winged Tern at the  Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County. Probably the bird farthest from its normal range found in 2016. A eurasian bird that 100’s of birders came to see from the US at this location 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern

White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

Bonaparte's Gull with the White-winged Tern

White-winged Tern with a Bonaparte’s Gull at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

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White-winged Tern at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern, in the middle with Caspian Terns

White-winged Tern with some Caspian Terns at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

White-winged Tern on the shore

White-winged Tern on the shore at the Manitowoc Impoundment in Manitowoc County 5-21-2016

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Kirtland’s Warbler, distant shots in Adams County 5-27-2016

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Kirtland’s Warbler, distant shots in Adams County 5-27-2016

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Kirtland’s Warbler, distant shots in Adams County 5-27-2016

Virginia Rail

Virginia Rail at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County 5-28-2016

Virginia Rail

Virginia Rail at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County 5-28-2016

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Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin's Gulls, 3 preening

Franklin’s Gulls, 3 preening at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin's Gull

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

Franklin's Gulls

Franklin’s Gulls interaction at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

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Ruddy Turnstone at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

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Ruddy Turnstone working it’s way through the algae bed at North Point in Sheboygan 5-31-2016

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Wood Duck, male in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

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Wood Duck, male feeding in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

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Wood Duck, male in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

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Wood Duck, male in Waukesha County 6-2-2016

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Eurasian Collared-Doves in Burlington 6-15-2016

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Eurasian Collared-Doves showing affection in Burlington 6-15-2016

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Eurasian Collared-Doves showing affection in Burlington 6-15-2016

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Eurasian Collared-Dove in Burlington 6-15-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, blurry back view

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female back view at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male at Wyalusing State Park 6-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male

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Great Crested Flycatcher with nesting young, bringing food to the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

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Great Crested Flycatcher with nesting young, bringing food to the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

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Great Crested Flycatcher with food going to the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

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Great Crested Flycatcher feeding the young in Walworth County 6-21-2016

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Great Crested Flycatcher leaving the nest hole in Walworth County 6-21-2016

Common Loon, adult

Common Loon, adult in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult on nest, view of nesting site

Common Loon, adult on nest, view of nesting site in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult on nest

Common Loon, adult on nest in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult on nest

Common Loon, adult on nest

Common Loon, chick

Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick

Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

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Common Loon, adult with food in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick preening

Common Loon, chick preening in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult

Common Loon, adult in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick stretching

Common Loon, chick stretching in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick, walking on the beach

Common Loon, chick, walking on the beach in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chicks, training time on the beach

Common Loon, chicks, training time on the beach in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, chick heading back out into the water after a short walk on shore

Common Loon, chick heading back out into the water after a short walk on shore in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adults

Common Loon, adults in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult with chicks

Common Loon, adult with chicks in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult stretching

Common Loon, adult stretching in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Common Loon, adult

Common Loon, adult in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

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Merlin in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

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Merlin in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

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Merlin in Sawyer County 7-2-2016

Dickcissel, female

Dickcissel, female in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, male

Dickcissel, male in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, male

Dickcissel, male in Franklin 7-8-2016

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Dickcissel, female with a grasshopper in Franklin 7-8-2016

Dickcissel, female

Dickcissel, female perched pretty in Franklin 7-8-2016

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Chimney Swifts nesting in a silo at a barn in Ozaukee County 7-18-2016

Dropping down below the nest a little then it flies up into the nest

The swift flies into the top of the silo, clings to the silo wall and then drops down just past the nest and then flies up into the nest

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Chimney Swifts nesting in a silo at a barn in Ozaukee County 7-18-2016

Where the nesting is all taking place!

Where all the nesting took place in Ozaukee County 7-18-2016

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White-winged Dove at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

Preening

White-winged Dove preening at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

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White-winged Dove in flight at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

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White-winged Dove, the bird hung out on treetops such as this and flew from top to top at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

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White-winged Dove, it was difficult to get much of the top white wing photographed as the bird always flew above me at Argyle in Lafayette County 7-17-2016

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Swallow-tailed Kite, the rare visitor near Fish Creek in Door County 7-27-2016

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Swallow-tailed Kite, near Fish Creek in Door County 7-27-2016

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Swallow-tailed Kite, the near Fish Creek in Door County 7-27-2016

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, on Royal Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County 7-31-2016

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, on Royal Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County 7-31-2016

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, on Royal Catchfly in the yard in Waukesha County 7-31-2016

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Black-necked Stilt at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

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Sora at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

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Sora at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile

Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile, at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

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Great Egrets at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

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Great Egret catching a snack at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

Great Egret

Great Egret at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

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Great Blue Heron at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County 8-5-2016

American White Pelican

American White Pelican at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

American White Pelican

American White Pelican at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

Time to re-group, move to another location and try again

American White Pelicans feeding at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

I'm not giving it up!

American White Pelicans going for the fish in the pelicans mouth at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

And just continuing on its way

American White Pelican in the air at Lake Sinissippi in Dodge County on 8-10-2016

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Black-crowned Night Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-14-2016

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Black-crowned Night Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-14-2016

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Black-crowned Night Heron at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-14-2016

Fishing

Green Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-30-2016

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Green Heron fishing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee 8-30-2016

The feeding begins

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

The feeding continues...

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

The feeding continues...

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

pp

Ruby-throated Hummingbird taking a break after feeding the young in the nest in Walworth County 9-4-2016

I will be back soon

Ruby-throated Hummingbird leaving the nest after feeding the young in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Female perches in a near by tree on a branch within sight of the nest for awhile typically after feeding the chick

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female perches in a near by tree on a branch within sight of the nest for awhile typically after feeding the chick in Walworth County 9-4-2016

Greater White-fronted Goose with a Canada Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose with a Canada Goose at the Fox River in Waukesha 9-14-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage in Waukesha County 9-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage in Waukesha County 9-16-2016

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Scarlet Sage in Waukesha County 9-16-2016

Parasitic Jaeger, juvenile

Parasitic Jaeger, juvenile at Wisconsin Point in Superior 9-21-2016

American Avocet

American Avocet at Wisconsin Point in Superior 9-21-2016

American Avocets

American Avocets at Wisconsin Point in Superior 9-21-2016

Hanging out

Great Egret hanging out at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

The catch!

Great Egret with a catch at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Another catch and to the top of the dam

Great Egret with a catch at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

Incoming

Great Egret incoming at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

The close-up

Great Egret with a catch at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

A fluffed up!

Great Egret all fluffed up and fishing at Echo Park in Burlington on 9-29-2016

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Rusty Blackbird at Echo Park in Burlington 10-2-2016

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Rusty Blackbird at Echo Park in Burlington 10-2-2016

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Purple Gallinule, the rare visiting bird who’s normal range is Florida looking pretty at Mauston in Juneau County 10-13-2016

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Purple Gallinule at Mauston in Juneau County 10-13-2016

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Purple Gallinule at Mauston in Juneau County 10-13-2016

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Western Grebe, still hanging around till this day on the Milwaukee lakefront, first found October 19, 2016 …10-21-2016

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Western Grebe, on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-21-2016

Feeding

Dunlin, 1 of 2 feeding at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

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Dunlin at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

Sanderling

Sanderling at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

Dunlin

Dunlin at the McKinley Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront 10-27-2016

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Mute Swan, 1 of 3 at Bay View on the Milwaukee lakefront 11-10-2016

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Mute Swan at Bay View on the Milwaukee lakefront 11-10-2016

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Mute Swan at Bay View on the Milwaukee lakefront 11-10-2016

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Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. This rare hummingbird stayed in Wauwatosa for 49 days before migrating on December 14, 2016, just amazing!

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Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County 11-15-2016

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Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County 11-15-2016

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Anna’s Hummingbird in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County 11-15-2016

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Anna’s Hummingbird getting nectar in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. Notice the band on the leg? 11-15-2016

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Anna’s Hummingbird perched between feedings in Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. Image taken shortly before the bird migrated on 12-14-2016 after 49 days.

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American Kestrel coming in for a landing at the Milwaukee lakefront on 11-30-2016

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American Kestrel coming in for a landing at the Milwaukee lakefront on 11-30-2016

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American Kestrel on takeoff at the Milwaukee lakefront on 11-30-2016

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Townsend’s Warbler, a rare visitor from the western US spent a few days at feeder in a yard in Kewaunee County 12-9-2016

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch in the South Kettle Moraine 12-10-2016

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Black-legged Kittiwake, a rare visitor from the east and west coasts of North America spent at least a week at the Fox River Mouth in Green Bay in Brown County 12-12-2016

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Black-legged Kittiwake, as it flies, it is usually looking for food near the surface of the water 12-12-2016

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Black-legged Kittiwake just making passes in search for food 12-12-2016

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Black-legged Kittiwake just making passes in search for food on the water surface 12-12-2016

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon Junco on a rock at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 12-15-2016

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Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon Junco on a rock at Grant Park in Milwaukee County 12-15-2016

Green-winged Teals, male right, female right at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County 12-26-2016

Green-winged Teals, male left, female right at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee County 12-26-2016

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Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 12-27-2016

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Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 12-27-2016

Common Goldeneye, male

Common Goldeneye, male at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee County 12-27-2016

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Eastern Screech Owl, adult red morph in Waukesha County 12-28-2016

The End – Happy New Year!

Link to Wisconsin Birding 2015 Year in Review:

www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2015

Link to Wisconsin Birding 2014 Year in Review:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2014/

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 27, 2016

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I started birding the lakefront in Milwaukee mid morning and my first stop moving south was the Petroleum Pier. Lots of ducks but nothing odd. I ran into Jym M there and he said he just saw a Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club. After hitting a few more places I stopped at the SSYC and the Kumlien’s Iceland was still present but out a ways by itself. After awhile it came in closer and gave some nice views. After a dog walker flushed everything away I left. Other birds to note there, 6 Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shoveler, Common Goldeneyes and many Greater Scaup. This is the 3rd year in a row a Kumlien’s Iceland Gull has been at the club in winter. A beautiful bird! I walked from McKinley Marina to Lakeshore State Park and it was 1,000 plus ducks that were mainly Greater Scaup and Common Goldeneyes. Images were taken on December 27, 2016.

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Kumlien’s Iceland Gull

Binomial name: Larus glaucoides

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 54” wing span

Weight: 1.8 lb

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Eating mussels

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Eating mussels

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Eating mussels

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Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club 2015-2016 winter images link:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/kumliens-iceland-gull-at-the-shore-yacht-club-in-milwaukee-wisconsin-on-december-15-2015/

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at South Shore Yacht Club 2014-2015 winter images link:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/kumliens-iceland-gull-great-black-backed-gulls-south-shore-yacht-club-milwaukee-wisconsin-february-8-2015/

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Ring-necked Duck, male

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler – female

Common Goldeneye, male

Common Goldeneye, male

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon Junco at Grant Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on December 15, 2016

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On a routine bird run along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning the highlight was the Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon Junco) at Grant Park in Milwaukee County. It was mixed in with about a dozen Common Dark-eyed Juncos. The Oregon is a subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco who’s normal range is from central Iowa to the west coast. It was cool to see this bird as I have never seen one before. Not considered a countable bird as it is a subspecies. Images were taken on December 15, 2016.

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon

Binomial name: Junco hyemalis

Category: Emberizids

Size: 6.25” long, 9.25” wing span

Weight:  .67 oz

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Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon, on a rock

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Black-legged Kittiwake at the mouth of the Fox River in Green Bay Wisconsin on December 12, 2016

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I made the run up to Green Bay early morning to see if the juvenile Black-legged Kittiwake was still present. It was at light broke in the bay area. The bird circled around the east side of the river opening near the old pier walk structure. Typically what I noticed this morning was after a few circles around, it sat out in the water farther out by itself. It did that for 15-20 minutes then did some more hunting and feeding around the structure. For almost an hour it was no where to be seen. As it got towards 10 am I watched it fly way out and landed in with a couple hundred Ring-billed Gulls on a sheet of ice. That is  probably where it was earlier when it was not around as I thought I saw it a few feet off the ice with those gulls but it was very far out confirm. A fun but cold morning, stiff wind made it feel like January. The sun shinned for only for a minute or two. Very cool life bird that I can finally add to my life list. The normal range for this bird is breeding in the arctic on the coasts and winters on the eastern and western US coasts. A big thank you to Willson Gaul for finding this exciting bird and getting the word out to the birding community. Images were taken on December 12, 2016.

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Black-legged Kittiwake

Binomial name: Rissa tridactyla

Category: Gulls, Tern, and Skimmers

Size: 17” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 14 oz

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Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

A quick dip in the water

A quick dip in the water

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Takeoff

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Townsend’s Warbler at Kewaunee in Kewaunee County Wisconsin on December 9, 2016

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I made the trip up to Kewaunee this morning with hopes to see the very rare visitor to Wisconsin, the Townsend’s Warbler. It has been visiting a feeder in a yard there for at least a week now. It is not seen often but visits daily. This bird is a 1st year female. The host Pam S. has many feeders in her yard and this is one of the places this bird visits. I say that as her sister lives 5 blocks away, this bird also visits her feeder too, along with many feeders that can be seen looking up and down the street. A small group of us showed up at the start of the day today which visitors are not allowed till 10:00 am thru 4:00 pm. Surprisingly the bird had stopped in the early morning but showed briefly at about 10:05 am. We all got looks, but images were a different story with his brief visit. Most left but Jay W and I hung around till noon. As I started heading to my car about 12:02, Jay yelled, it is back. We both got nice views and a few shots as it took a drink at the heated bird bath in the yard. This bird has been eating seeds at the feeders. The visit was brief again, we thought it headed up into a large spruce tree on the property. We were both happy with what we got, very cold and headed out. I heard this was the 6th Wisconsin state record for this species, a western bird far from it’s normal range of the north American west coast. What a stunning bird! A big thank you to Pam S. for sharing this amazing bird with the birding community. With very cold temps coming in the state and a big snow blanket coming along with that it will be interesting to see how long it hangs around. An awesome life bird that I just did not think I would be getting anytime soon, but as birding goes, one never really knows. Weather was high in the mid 20’s, some sun with clouds and a lot of north wind, very cold! If visiting for this bird, Pam asks that you view from the driveway. Images were taken on December 9, 2016.

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Townsend’s Warbler

Binomial name: Dendroica townsendi

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5” long, 8” wing span

Weight: 0.31 oz

Getting a drink

Getting a drink

The gulp

The gulp

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Back view

Back view

Townsend's Warbler inside the feeder looking out to the right

Townsend’s Warbler inside the feeder looking out to the right, with an American Goldfinch in front

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Just another shot of this cool bird!

Anna’s Hummingbird continues day 42 in Wauwatosa Wisconsin on December 7, 2016

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I got a email late morning from Jennifer the homeowner of the rare Anna’s Hummingbird that was reported in Wauwatosa the earlier part of November. It was still present today December 7th she said, wow! That would make at least 42 day there. Jennifer first saw the bird on October 27, 2016, it may have been there earlier as she was out of town before that. I stopped in for a few documentation photos for her today. I was there a short time mid afternoon. The bird was present the whole time I was there within 10-15 feet of the nectar feeders she has up. When not at the nectar feeder it perched on a couple of branches in a honeysuckle.  Amazing that it is still hanging around and no more flowers in her yard appeared to be blooming.  Jennifer is not taking any visitors at this time to view the bird. Once again, a big thank you to her for sharing this bird earlier in late November with the birding community when she could. It will be interesting if it hangs around with the very cold weather coming with minus temps. A mostly cloudy afternoon with temps below freezing with light winds. Images were taken on December 7, 2016.  UPDATE: The Anna’s Hummingbird was last seen on December 14, 2016. The Anna’s Hummingbird stayed at least 49 days in the Wauwatosa yard!

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Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

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This image shows the band on the leg, this bird was banded on November 14, 2016 in the yard

Wing stretch

Wing stretch

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A link to the earlier blog post of the Anna’s Hummingbird I put up when it first showed up in November 2016 if you care to view it:

Anna’s Hummingbird at Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on November 15, 2016

American Kestrel at the Milwaukee Lakefront on November 30, 2016

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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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Anna’s Hummingbird at Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on November 15, 2016

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I got an email from a friend Kathi R. that a Anna’s Hummingbird was visiting her friend Jennifer’s yard in Wauwatosa Wisconsin. This rare visiting bird is a young male. Jennifer wanted images of the bird and asked me to try for some. Jennifer for many reasons could not have the general public stopping over at this time. Now she has given permission for others to come see this stunning Anna’s Hummingbird 11/18/16. I felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to do this and did not pass it up. Jennifer said she noticed the Anna’s Hummingbird in her yard going back to at least October 27, 2016, so who knows how long the bird has been there? This bird was banded on November 14, 2016 by Cynthia B along with her assistant Paula S. in Jennifer’s yard. I arrived the day after the banding on November 15 and the bird was present for most of the time I was there from 8am-1pm. The bird only hit the nectar feeders once in that period. Amazingly, Jennifer still had very many blooming plants in her yard for this bird to get nectar from. For the time I was there, the bird mostly perched on a telephone line or in a honeysuckle bush, preening and resting. It feed a few times on some flowering plants out of view, and a couple times in the more open. Jennifer considers herself a hummingbird, butterfly and bee enthusiast, her small yard is filled with plants and acts as an oases for hummingbirds in the fall, probably why the Anna’s Hummingbird is there, and hung around so long. All her hard work with habitat in her yard has paid off with the reward of an Anna’s Hummingbird! The morning started out foggy and then turned to cloudy skies with cool winds from the west for the duration of my visit. I did not see this bird in the sunlight, I bet it sparkles to no end! The normal range for this bird is west coast of the US, western Canada up into southern Alaska. 1 or 2 Anna’s seem to be seen here in Wisconsin every fall, but I am not sure on those numbers. Images were taken on November 15, 2016.

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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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Mute Swans at Bay View in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on November 10, 2016

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3 Mute Swans have been hanging around along the lake shore on Lake Michigan in Bay View the last few days. I actually stumbled across them feeding while birding today. Took a few shots to share as not much else was going on today along the lake. This exotic species was brought over from Europe in the 1800’s for ornamental additions to parks and estates. The species is now heavily managed in Wisconsin and other states in USA. Beautiful day out there along with full sun, mild temps for November with a stiff wind. Images were taken on November 10, 2016.

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Mute Swan

Binomial name: Cygnus olor

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 60” long, 75” wing span

Weight: 22 lb

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They eat underwater vegetation

They eat underwater vegetation in shallow water

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They eat underwater vegetation in shallow water

They eat underwater vegetation in shallow water

Preening

Preening

More preening

More preening

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Preening

Preening

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Dunlins and a Sanderling at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 27, 2016

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I made a run to the lakefront early this morning to see what was going on. McKinley Beach had 2 Dunlins and a Sanderling. I hung out there for awhile as the feed along the beach, preened, etc. After a while it just looked like these birds were ready for a nap. They moved up to a log on the beach, preened and then 2 were sleeping when out of the corner of my eye a pedestrian was coming, the birds flushed out over the water and I could not see where they were headed. I checked back awhile later after doing the Magic Hedge and all 3 birds were no where to be seen. It was a nice show they put on for the time I was there. Another species new today were ~25 Greater Scaups at the Petroleum Pier. It was a gloomy day with low winds and mild temps for this time of year. Images were taken on October 27, 2016.

Dunlin

Dunlin

Dunlin

Binomial name: Calidris alpina

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8.5” long, 17” wing span

Weight: 2.1 oz

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The pair

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Feeding

Feeding

Feeding

Feeding

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Was feeding

Sanderling

Sanderling

Feedinig

Feedinig

Feeding

Feeding

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Sanderling

Sanderling with a wave in the background

Feeding

Feeding

The pair

The pair

Feeding

Feeding

Preening

Preening

Up at the log they are preening

Up at the log they are preening and getting ready for a snooze!

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

Preening

2 of 3 are sleeping

2 of 3 are snoozing

Western Grebe at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 24, 2016

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I made a run down to Milwaukee’s lakefront this morning to see if the Western Grebe was still present. It was, and I located the bird east of Discovery World but it was on the move and headed south. It spent the rest of the morning at the south end of Lakeshore State Park on the lake side. The bird has hung around now for at least 6 days. It typically hangs out with American Coots but sometimes was seen near Mallards too. A stunning bird out of it’s normal range from the dakotas and west just visiting our area. How long will it hang around? I guess time will tell. A sunny morning with some clouds early, cold northeast winds off the lake, it felt like winter is coming. Images were taken on October 24, 2016.

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Western Grebe

Binomial name: Aechmophorus occidentalis

Category: Grebes

Size: 25” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 3.3 lb

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Preening

Preening

Best friends!

Best friends!

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Preening

Preening

Coming around the corner

Coming around the corner

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Western Grebe in the Milwaukee Harbor at Veterans Park on October 21, 2016

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I had wanted to see the Western Grebe that was recently reported on Milwaukee’s Lakefront but was tied up until today. I went down to the lakefront early this morning and found the Western Grebe northeast of the Art Museum. The normal range for this bird is the dakotas and west which makes well out its of its range and a great visitor. It never came close to the shore but stayed a distance to give nice views with binoculars. The grebe really did no diving for food the first hour, but then that changed for the next couple hours as it did some diving. With pedestrians walking the walk along the shore for the time I was there I think that kept it from coming in close, my opinion. A few fishing boats that came into the harbor moved it around the area too, sometimes moving it pretty far out. The bird seemed nervous at times, who knows why. Not a life bird for me as I got the one at Bradford Beach back on 11/2010. Thanks to Lorri for finding this cool bird, and sharing it. A sunny sky to start the day but it then soon clouded over with stiff winds and cold temps from the north. Images were taken on October 21, 2016.

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Western Grebe

Binomial name: Aechmophorus occidentalis

Category: Grebes

Size: 25” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 3.3 lb

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Back view

Back view

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Preening

Preening

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The stretch!

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Brings up a fish and goes back under water with it?

Brings up a fish and goes back under water with it?

Purple Gallinule at Mauston in Juneau County Wisconsin on October 13, 2016

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The beautiful adult Purple Gallinule was present when I arrived in Mauston this morning. The normal range for this bird is Florida, so very rare for Wisconsin. Someone said, was it the recent hurricane? The Purple Gallinule hung with a couple of Mallard Ducks and an Indian Runner Duck. At times it was far from the mallards eating along the shores within the brush in the ditch. At times too it was not in sight, hidden in the grasses and not moving around much. The colors on this bird are breathtaking. I did see it fly twice, just an amazing bird blue bird in the air. Thanks to Jeri for finding this rare bird and sharing, obviously a life bird for me! It was mostly cloudy in Mauston while I was present with mild temps, no wind. Images were taken on October 13, 2016.

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Purple Gallinule

Binomial name: Porphyrula martinica

Category: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Size: 13” long, 22” wing span

Weight: 8 oz

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Typically it was feeding in the brush along the ditch shore

Typically it was feeding in the brush along the ditch shore

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Indian Summer Duck??

Indian Runner Duck

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Indian Runner Duck

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Early morning sun in the grasses

Early morning sun in the grasses

Early morning sun in the grasses

Early morning sun in the grasses

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Rusty Blackbird at Echo Park in Burlington Wisconsin on October 2, 2016

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While watching the Great Egrets at Echo Park in Burlington Wisconsin this morning we were side tracked by a bird at the edge of a grassy small island. Janet S spotted the bird, thank you! When it came out into the open more I immediately knew it was a Rusty Blackbird by those cool colors.  A really great find, as this bird is just not seen often enough. The bird moved towards the dam, behind some grass and they flew east into a tall tree on the bigger island and that was the last we saw of it. On such a dreary, misty and rainy day, this was the highlight and a nice one! Images were taken on  October 2, 2016.

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Rusty Blackbird

Binomial name: Euphagus carolinus

Category: Blackbirds

Size: 9” long, 14” wing span

Weight: 2.1 oz

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Looking for small bugs on the leaf I would think

Looking for small bugs on the leaf I would think

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Takeoff!

Going to another rock!

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