Category Archives: Bird Categories

Hooded Mergansers at the Fox River in Waukesha on February 27, 2018

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Birding along the Fox River in downtown Waukesha today produced a pair of adult Hooded Mergansers, males. They briefly gave nice views when hanging out with Mallards, but then at times moved short distances up and down the river by themselves. There were still ~50 Common Goldeneye on the river along with some Lesser Scaup, pair of Bufflehead and 100+ Mallards. A short birding run along the lakefront in Milwaukee from Bayview to Bradford Beach produced fewer birds than previous days, nothing to note other than previously reported birds. It seemed like the many large rafts of winter ducks had moved north. I saw many large flocks of ducks flying north over the water yesterday. It was a beautiful spring like day with temps well into the 40’s, sunny skies, low winds. Images were taken on February 27, 2018.

Hooded Merganser, male with crest up…

The pair of male Hooded Mergansers…

Hooded Merganser…

Hooded Merganser some displaying…

Hooded Merganser more displaying…

Hooded Merganser, male with crest down…

Hooded Merganser just floating along…

Hooded Merganser with the wind blowing from behind…

Cruising along…

Hooded Merganser with the crest partially down…

Hooded Merganser male, such a beautiful duck!

Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on February 26, 2018

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A stop at Bender Park in Milwaukee County this morning gave nice views of a adult female Long-tailed Duck. Considered a diving duck, this duck dove for food most of the time while I was present. I think a cool looking duck anytime of the year. Other stops I made along the lake were very quiet except I did see large flocks of winter ducks moving north far out in the water. Another note, later in the day in Waukesha County I saw very many large flocks of Sandhill Cranes flying north. It was a mild day with temps in the 40’s, low winds and plenty of sunshine. Images were taken on February 26, 2018.

The Long-tailed Duck just up from a dive…

Long-tailed Duck

Binomial name: Clangula hyemalis

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 16.5” long, 28” wing span

Weight: 1.6 lb

Cool Fact: This duck was once known as Oldsquaw, the female Long-tailed Duck does not get the long tail, just the adult male.

Just up from a dive, a weed still hanging on its bill…

White-winged Scoters at South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 25, 2018

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While birding some of the Milwaukee lakefront this morning I came across 6 White-winged Scoters near the South Shore Yacht Club. Males and females we present. They were diving and feeding on mussels along with other ducks. No other ducks to note other than a Hooded Merganser and Redhead, both males that were out a ways seen with my bins. It was very windy with temps about 32 which made for a chilly morning, the sun showed but did not seem to help with the high winds. Images were taken on February 25, 2018.

White-winged Scoter, male, with orange on bill tip…

White-winged Scoter,  male Stretching

White-winged Scoter, male stretching

White-winged Scoter, female with a mussel

White-winged Scoter, female

White-winged Scoter, male

Common Goldeneye, male was in the area…

Greater Scaup, male

Greater Scaup, female

American Robins at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on February 22, 2018

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My first birding stop of the year at Greenfield Park provided nice views of a flock of about 20 American Robins. They were spread out in a short grass area eating fallen berries. I would assume these are migrants and the first of the year for me of birds moving northward. Other than that a pretty quiet day birding for Milwaukee County at places I stopped at. Images were taken on February 22, 2018.

American Robin getting a grip on the berry before eating…

Getting the berry off the ground…

Berry going down…

Berry in the bill…

Looking for the next berry…

The berry before eating…

Gulp!

More food…

Just looking around…

Barred Owl in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on February 18, 2018

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While birding today in Milwaukee County I discovered a Barred Owl resting on a limb. Nice to see them just relaxing in their space and blending in with the surroundings. I took a few shots and left the area. A beautiful February day with full sun and mild temps in the 30’s with low winds. Images were taken on February 18, 2018.

Clark’s Nutcracker in Oneida County Wisconsin on February 17, 2018

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A very rare visitor to the state, the Clark’s Nutcracker has been visiting a feeder in Oneida County. The normal range for the Clark’s Nutcracker is central MT, CO, WY, NM and west. To my understanding it has been around for well over 6-7 weeks now. The bird has been feeding off of fat on a deer carcass at a residence. Arriving at about 10:00 am, the bird made its first appearance about 10:35. That appearance was near the top of a deciduous tree about 30 feet up. After a couple minutes it dropped down to the carcass and continually feed on suet from in and about the carcass. Feeding was for about 2-3 minutes. After that it left the area. To my knowledge, the last  know time this species was reported in the state of Wisconsin was about 45 years ago. A very big thank you goes out to homeowners for allowing visitors in to see this bird, and they were such wonderful hosts. Another big thank you goes to those who made this all happen with the communication with the homeowners to let visitors in the see the bird. It was a very exciting day getting this life bird on my Wisconsin life list.  A great time it was! Images were taken on February 17, 2018.

Clark’s Nutcracker

Binomial name: Nucifraga columbiana

Category: Jays and Crows

Size: 12” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 4.6 oz

Cool facts: A bird that usually lives in places remote from human contact, near treeline on windy peaks. Surprisingly when around people they seem fearless. Their main diet is pine seeds, some fresh or otherwise stored. They also enjoy nuts, berries, insects, snails, voles, ground squirrels, chipmunks, toads, eggs and young of other birds, carrion.

Clark’s Nutcracker

Eastern Screech Owl in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on February 14, 2018

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Doing some birding today in Milwaukee County I came across a Eastern Screech Owl, gray phase. It was resting in a natural captivity. After a couple minutes I looked again, and it was gone, probably went back in the hole. Almost felt like spring with plenty of sunshine and the warm temps around 40, next to no wind, very pleasant. Images were taken on February 14, 2018.

Belted Kingfisher in Waukesha County Wisconsin on February 8, 2018

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While birding a remote area in Waukesha County I came across a Belted Kingfisher. The bird flew up and down the river with my presence there fishing at a few locations. Another species present I have not seen for awhile was a Great Blue Heron. It was fishing from a log across a creek and out of my lens reach for a decent image. A cold day out but a few birds were seen so it was a good day birding. Images were taken on February 8, 2018.

Belted Kingfisher fishing…

Townsend’s Solitaire at the UW Arboretum in Madison in Dane County Wisconsin on January 31, 2018

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I decided to make a run up to the UW Arboretum in Madison Wisconsin. My target bird was the Townsend’s Solitaire. It was present shortly after I arrived, but only gave brief views before disappearing. A couple hours later it was back and doing some feeding in conifers and once feeding on the ground. I was told the Townsend’s Solitaire was first seen there back on December 12, 2017. Wow, with all the food there I can see why it has not moved on. Usually there are a couple of Townsend’s Solitaires found at Devil’s Lake State Park every year. I think it has been awhile since one has been reported here. Another bird to note for the day but was not present, was a Northern Saw-whet Owl that was seen yesterday. Numerous birders showed up for that prize bird while I was there but it could not be found in the time I was there. It was a nice day out birding with some sun, mild temps and low winds. It was nice too to see some birders I have not seen for some time and exchange some birding notes with them. Images were taken on January 31, 2018

Townsend’s Solitaire perched pretty…

Townsend’s Solitaire

Binomial name: Myadestes townsendi

Category: Thrushes

Size: 8.5” long, 14.5” wingspan

Weight: 1.2 Oz.

Townsend’s Soliataire on the ground going for some conifer berries that fell…

Looking around …

Berry in the bill…

Berry going down…

Berry gone!

Northern Saw-whet Owl in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on January 19, 2018

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The last few weeks I looked extensively for the elusive Northern Saw-whet Owl. Recently while out birding, I was checking out some more trees. I was excited to find a fresh pellet on the ground, then a short distance away, a cute Northern Saw-whet Owl was staring at me. I have never seen a Northern Saw-whet Owl before, captive or wild so this was a real treat and a life bird too. Not moving much, I put my camera up, took a few shots of this beautiful owl. I would tell anyone who asks, how do you find a Northern Saw-whet Owl? Look in the pine trees around you. You just might be surprised to find one like I was and be rewarded too with a photo. A mostly cloudy day, temps in the mid 40’s, with steady winds.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Binomial name: Aegolius acadicus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 8” long, 17” wing span

Weight: 2.8 oz

Cool facts: Smallest owl in North America with a cat like face that is highly nocturnal and seldom seen.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

The found pellet…

Red Crossbills Feeding on Cone Seeds at Grant Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on January 21, 2018

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I was birding along the lakefront this morning and I came across some Red Crossbills feeding on some cone seeds on some spruce trees. I saw 2 males and 2 females. I only saw 4 of these birds and they moved around to a couple of different clumps of spruce trees while I was there. It started to drizzle so I left, and the Red Crossbills were still present. That was the birding highlight for the day. A cloudy day with fog and very light drizzle. The temps were mild, that felt great for a change. Images were taken on January 21, 2018.

Red Crossbill, male eating cone seeds on a spruce tree…

Red Crossbill

Binomial name: Loxia curvirostra

Category: Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies

Size: 6.25” long, 11” wing span

Weight:  1.3 oz

Red Crossbill, male eating cone seeds on a spruce tree…

Red Crossbill, male eating cone seeds on a spruce tree…

Red Crossbill, male, seed in the bill!  Eating cone seeds on a spruce tree…

Red Crossbill, male, seed in the bill, perched…

Red Crossbills, male (red), 2 females (yellow-green)

Red Crossbill, female

Red Crossbill, female on the ground

Red Crossbill, female

Red Crossbill, female

Glaucous and Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County Wisconsin on January 18, 2018

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I went out to Johnson Creek, just north of the Kohl’s store out lots to check out a few gulls. Lots of gulls present, could have been ~300. Two gulls I could ID were the Glaucous Gull and a Lesser Black-blacked Gull. The Glaucous Gull, what I think is a 1st cycle, I only saw for a short time. It had a piece of what looked like meat from the landfill across the highway. A couple other Herring Gulls were close by wanting a piece of that meat. After some interaction, the Glaucous Gull took to the sky with the meat and that was the last I saw of it. The Lesser Black-backed Gull just sat or stood at a distance, stayed by it self. It was a bright sunny day with temps getting near 30 degrees, it felt good to see a warm up coming. Fun to watch a little gull action for a change. Images were taken on January 18, 2018.

Glaucous Gull, 1st cycle with a piece of meat in the snow in front of it with Herring Gulls around…

Glaucous Gull checking out the meat…

Glaucous Gull taking a look around…

Glaucous Gull, going to get out of here with this prize…

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull, going to the sky, the last I saw of this bird …

Lesser Black-backed Gull, adult

Lesser Black-backed Gull, adult

Lesser Black-backed Gull, adult

Lesser Black-backed Gull, adult

Greater Scaup at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on January 14, 2018

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A stop at Lakeshore State Park this morning provided a couple of nice views of some Greater Scaup. For the most part everything is frozen but there are a couple of spots still with open water. These ducks were diving for mussels on occasion for something to eat. It was a very cold morning with temps around 10F when I left for birding this morning, the sun at times made it feel pretty nice out there. Images were taken on January 14, 2018.

Greater Scaup, male adult

Greater Scaup, female adult

Greater Scaup, male adult, just a little surface drinking…

Greater Scaup, female adult with a drip…

Greater Scaup, male adult

Greater Scaup, female adult

Greater Scaup, female adult just posing…

Red-bellied Woodpeckers at Grant Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on January 12, 2018

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I watched a pair of male and female Red-bellied Woodpeckers moving around on a Red Pine tree at Grant Park. I captured the two and put together a collage for comparing the two sexes. Such beautiful birds. Images taken on January 12, 2018.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers, the male left, female on the right in a collage photo…

Red-bellied Woodpecker, female

Red-bellied Woodpecker, male

Long-eared Owls in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on January 8, 2018

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I came upon some Long-eared Owls today while birding in Milwaukee County. They gave nice views from a distance. It was an extremely cold day with temps in the lower teens for highs, some good winds, made it feel like arctic circle. Images were taken on January 8, 2018.

Long-eared Owl

Binomial name: Asio otus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 15” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 9 oz

Common Redpolls at Grant Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on January 6, 2018

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Doing some birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning, the highlight was the Common Redpolls at Grant Park. I stopped by this morning where the feeder was present last year, and that is where Common Redpolls were. The Common Redpolls in numbers of 2-4 showed up for short periods in that area on and off why I was there. It appeared some bird seed was present on the ground from who ever there and that was the attractant for the Common Redpolls. Off the feeder, I have enjoyed watch this species eating cone seeds of the Alder Trees in the state. Other species present at Grant Park, Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, both White and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and very many Mourning Doves. It was a bright sunny day with low winds, temperature was about -1 F at the feeder. Images were taken on January 6, 2018.

Common Redpoll

Common Redpoll

Binomial name: Carduelis flammea

Category: Redpolls

Size: 5.25” long, 9” wing span

Weight: .46 oz

Common Redpoll

A pair…

Common Redpoll just off a ways…

Common Redpoll

Common Redpoll

Common Redpoll on the ground looking for seeds…

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Wisconsin birding, the year in review 2017. 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 2017. 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 2017. 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!

Eastern Screech Owl, red morph in Milwaukee County January 3, 2017

Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin on January 6, 2017

Red-breasted Merganser, male at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County January 6, 2017

Red-breasted Merganser, female at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on January 6, 2017

Sandhill Crane in Waukesha County on January 17, 2017

Hooded Merganser in Waukesha County on January 22, 2017

Hooded Merganser, this male was always keeping male Mallards away from his companion friend, a female Mallard on the Fox River in Waukesha County on January 22, 2017

Best friends! The Hooded Merganser follows the female Mallard all day, everyday, even leaving the area for a few days, they would return and the Hooded Merganser was still at her side. At the Fox River in Waukesha County on January 22, 2017

Hooded Merganser, male on the grass near the Fox River in Waukesha County on January 22, 2017

Harlequin Duck, male at Lakeshore State Park on January 24, 2017

Ross’s Goose was found feeding along with some Canada Geese in Bay View in Milwaukee County on January 29, 2017

Glaucous Gull, 1st cycle at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County Wisconsin on February 3, 2017

Glaucous Gull, adult at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County Wisconsin on February 3, 2017

Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon Junco at Grant Park in Milwaukee County on February 8, 2017

Slaty-backed Gull, this rare gull was found at Northridge Lakes in Milwaukee County on February 3, 2017

Sandhill Crane in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 19, 2017

Killdeer, some open water in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 22, 2017

Sandhill Cranes painting themselves to blend in, in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 22, 2017

Sandhill Crane painting itself with mud to blend in, in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 22, 2017

Sandhill Crane painting itself with mud to blend in, in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 22, 2017

Barred Owl in Milwaukee County on February 23, 2017

Downy Woodpecker working hard in Milwaukee County on February 23, 2017

Sandhill Cranes in the snow in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 27, 2017

Sandhill Cranes in the snow getting something to eat in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on February 27, 2017

Greater White-fronted Goose was found feeding along with some Canada Geese at Veterans Park in Milwaukee County on February 27, 2017

Red-shouldered Hawk found perched in a tree driving the back roads in Marquette County on March 5, 2017

White-winged Scoter, female with a mussel in the mouth at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on March 10, 2017

Killdeer with some open water in Milwaukee County on March 10, 2017

The Barred Owl in the falling snow, blends right in, in Milwaukee County on March 13, 2017

Long-eard Owl in the snow, in Wisconsin on March 13, 2017

Long-eard Owl in the snow, in Wisconsin on March 13, 2017

Common Goldeneye on both sides with the rare, Barrow’s Goldeneye in the middle in Sheboygan on March 15, 2017

Horned Grebe at Grant Park in Milwaukee County March 21, 2017

Horned Grebe, the close up at Grant Park in Milwaukee County March 21, 2017

American Robin, leucistic, found in the city of Waukesha on March 22, 2017

American Robin, leucistic, a different bird than above found near Frame Park in the city of Waukesha on March 25, 2017

Brant, a distant shot of this rare visitor to the state at Goose Pond in Dane County on March 31, 2017

Canvasback, this bird hung around for less than a day and slept most of the time it was here. Must have had a long flight and was just totally tuckered out, at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on April 6, 2017

White-throated Sparrow at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 10, 2017

White-throated Sparrow, the close up at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 10, 2017

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 10, 2017

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, the close up at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 10, 2017

Getting that running sap…Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 10, 2017

Eastern Towhee found feeding on the ground at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 13, 2017

Hermit Thrush eating sumac seeds at Lake Park in Milwaukee on April 13, 2017

Black-crowed Night-Heron at Veterans Park in Milwaukee on April 14, 2017

In flight, Black-crowed Night-Heron at Veterans Park in Milwaukee on April 14, 2017

Ruddy Duck, male at the Milwaukee lakefront on April 17, 2017

Blue-winged Teal stretching at Horicon Marsh on April 18, 2017

Pied-billed Grebe posing at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on April 19, 2017

Great Egret with morning snack at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County on April 19, 2017

American Bittern in Oak Creek in Milwaukee County on April 20, 2017

American Bittern in Oak Creek in Milwaukee County on April 20, 2017

Brown Thrasher with something to eat at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on April 21, 2017

American Robin eating the sumac seeds at Lake Park in Milwaukee on May 21, 2017

Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Lake Park on May 22, 2017

American Avocet at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on April 29, 2017

American Avocets in flight at Lakeshore State Park, female in front with more upturned bill in Milwaukee on April 29, 2017

American Avocet, mouth stretching, at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on April 29, 2017

Marbled Godwits (2) in the front with Willets in the back at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on April 30, 2017

Black-bellied Plover at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on April 30, 2017

Marbled Godwit at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on April 30, 2017

Willets coming in for a landing along with a Marbled Godwit with American Avocets wading in the back at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on April 30, 2017

Bonaparte’s Gull at Grant Park in Milwaukee County on May 1, 2017

Bonaparte’s Gulls, by the 1,000’s in migration at Grant Park in Milwaukee County. It was an amazing sight to see on May 1, 2017

Bonaparte’s Gulls, by the 1,000’s in migration at Grant Park in Milwaukee County. Here some are resting far out on the water on May 1, 2017

Le Conte’s Sparrow at the “Magic Hedge” on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee County on May 2, 2017

Le Conte’s Sparrow, with a seed in the bill at the “Magic Hedge” on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee County on May 2, 2017

Piping Plover finding things to eat at Bradford Beach on the Milwaukee lakefront on May 2, 2017

Piping Plover found feeding at Bradford Beach along Milwaukee lakefront on May 2, 2017

Grasshopper Sparrow at the “Magic Hedge” along Milwaukee’s lakefront on May 3, 2017

Sanderling at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 3, 2017

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on May 5, 2017

Calling, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on May 5, 2017

Wild Turkey sneaking through the ground cover feeding at Lake Park in Milwaukee on May 5, 2017

Glossy Ibis in flight…at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County on May 7, 2017

Prothonotary Warbler in Milwaukee County on May 11, 2017

Prothonotary Warbler in Milwaukee County on May 11, 2017

Chestnut-sided Warbler in Milwaukee County on May 11, 2017

Black-and-white Warbler in Milwaukee County on May 11, 2017

Magnolia Warbler in Milwaukee County on May 11, 2017

Palm Warbler Warbler in Milwaukee County on May 11, 2017

Gray Catbird at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County on May 12, 2017

Ovenbird at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on May 17, 2017

Eastern Kingbird eating sumac berries at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on May 16, 2017

Eastern Kingbird perched pretty at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on May 16, 2017

Baltimore Oriole calling at Lake Park in Milwaukee County on May 16, 2017

Greater White-fronted Goose at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 19, 2017

Blackpoll Warbler, male in Milwaukee County on May 22, 2017

Wilson’s Warbler, male in Milwaukee County on May 22, 2017

Mourning Warbler, male in Milwaukee County on May 22, 2017

Canada Warbler, male in Milwaukee County on May 22, 2017

Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Milwaukee County on May 22, 2017

Ruddy Turnstone finding things along the rocks to eat at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017

Ruddy Tunrstone, the close up with something to eat at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017…

Dunlin at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017

Dunlin, the close up at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017

Piping Plover at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017

Sanderlings at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017

Sanderling at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on May 23, 2017

Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County on May 27, 2017

Black-billed Cuckoo at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County on May 27, 2017

Trumpeter Swans with cygnets at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County on June 6, 2017

Trumpeter Swans cygnets at Horicon Marsh in Dodge County on June 6, 2017

American White Pelicans, 100’s at North Point in Sheboygan on June 12, 2017

American White Pelican circling around to land at North Point in Sheboygan on June 12, 2017

American White Pelicans coming in for a landing at North Point in Sheboygan on June 12, 2017

American White Pelican, the landing at North Point in Sheboygan on June 12, 2017

Dickcissel, male at the “Rock” in Franklin, in Milwaukee County on June 15, 2017

Dickcissel, male perched pretty at the “Rock” in Franklin, in Milwaukee County on June 15, 2017

Bobolink, male at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County on June 19, 2017

Bobolink, female at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County on June 19, 2017

Savannah Sparrow stretching and calling at the Milwaukee County Grounds on June 20, 2017

Savannah Sparrow perched pretty at the Milwaukee County Grounds on June 20, 2017

Great Blue Heron gets its catch, a crayfish at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on July 2, 2017

Green Heron, the catch, a nice fish at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on July 11, 2017

Green Heron, with a catch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on July 11, 2017

Wood Duck, juvenile female at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on July 31, 2017

Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the Royal Catchfly in Waukesha County on August 8, 2017

Ruby-throated Hummingbird getting nectar on the Royal Catchfly in Waukesha County on August 8, 2017

Black-crowned Night Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on August 8, 2017

Green Heron, juvenile at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on August 5, 2017

Least Sandpiper at Lakeshore State Park on August 23, 2017

Semipalmated Plover at Lakeshore State Park on August 23, 2017

Semipalmated Plover, the close up at Lakeshore State Park on August 23, 2017

Semipalmated Sandpiper at Lakeshore State Park on August 23, 2017

Green Heron, juvenile, the close up at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on August 25, 2017

Double-crested Cormorant at Lakeshore State Park on August 30, 2017

Opening of the pen for the young Whooping Cranes training begins at White River Marsh SWA in Berlin Wisconsin on August 31, 2017

The young whoopers training at White River Marsh SWA in Berlin Wisconsin on August 31, 2017

Taking off, the young whoopers at White River Marsh SWA in Berlin Wisconsin on August 31, 2017

Up, up, and away the young whoopers in training at White River Marsh SWA in Berlin Wisconsin on August 31, 2017…

Ruddy Turnstone, the adult in nonbreeding plumage at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on September 3, 2017

Ruddy Turnstone, the close up, the adult in nonbreeding plumage at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on September 3, 2017

Black-crowned Night Heron, immature at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2017

Black-crowned Night Heron, immature with something to eat at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2017

Great Blue Heron, crossing the channel and going down at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on September 4, 2017

Green Heron stretching at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on September 9, 2017

Sanderling chasing off another Sanderling in the area McKinley Beach on September 9, 2017

Black-bellied Plover, taking small steps at Lakeshore State Park on September 15, 2017

Black-bellied Plover, the close up with something to eat at Lakeshore State Park on September 15, 2017

Black-bellied Plover, coming in for a landing at Lakeshore State Park on September 15, 2017

Great Blue Heron with a double catch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on September 22, 2017

Great Blue Heron with a quick catch at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee County on September 22, 2017

Killdeer on its way south in migration stopping at the Milwaukee lakefront on October 3, 2017

Sanderling trying to avoid the waves at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on October 6, 2017

Sanderling stopping for a moment at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on October 6, 2017

Franklin’s Gull at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on October 8, 2017

Lapland Longspur in a short grass area on the Milwaukee lakefront on October 10, 2017

Lapland Longspur finding weed seeds on the Milwaukee lakefront on October 10, 2017

Lesser Yellowlegs in front with Greater Yellowlegs behind at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on October 15, 2017

House Finch, male with an apple piece on the Milwaukee lakefront on October 17, 2017

Horned Lark at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on October 18, 2017

Horned Lark, the close up at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee County on October 18, 2017

Lesser Yellowlegs, wadding at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on October 23, 2017

Ring-necked Duck in the golden water at the Fox River in Waukesha on October 26, 2017

Eastern Meadowlark on the Milwaukee lakefront on October 28, 2017

Short-eared Owl over Lake Michigan at Lakeshore State Park on October 28, 2017

Short-eared Owl at Lakeshore State Park on October 28, 2017

Golden-crowned Kinglet with fall colors at Lake Park Milwaukee County on October 30, 2017

Cedar Waxwing eating berries near the Fox River in Waukesha County on November 1, 2017

Snowy Owl with the American Coot for something to eat at the Milwaukee lakefront in Milwaukee County on November 6, 2017

Long-tailed Ducks at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County on November 6, 2017

Blue Jay, one of our feather friends in Marquette County on November 9, 2017

Red-breasted Nuthatch, one of our feather friends in Marquette County on November 9, 2017

Blue Jay, one of our feather friends in Marquette County on November 9, 2017

Black-capped Chickadee, one of our feather friends in Marquette County on November 9, 2017

Dark-eyed Junco, one of our feather friends in Marquette County on November 9, 2017

Snowy Owl found sitting in the planter box on the Milwaukee lakefront on November 14, 2017

Red-tailed Hawk in Milwaukee County enjoying a vole the breakfast on November 17, 2017…

Snowy Owl at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on November 28, 2017

Snowy Owl at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on November 28, 2017

Snowy Owl at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee on November 28, 2017

Purple Sandpiper, I saw this bird fly from point to point, just over the top of the water from Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County. I knew it had to be a rare Purple Sandpiper. I followed it down the shoreline for awhile as it fed. No one else saw this bird as it flew southward. To my knowledge, the only Purple Sandpiper seen in the state of Wisconsin in 2017.

Purple Sandpiper, the close up at Lakeshore State Park on November 28, 2017

Purple Sandpiper, just sitting pretty at Lakeshore State Park on November 28, 2017

Snow Bunting at the Milwaukee lakefront on December 3, 2017

Snowy Owl snoozing with the moon on the Milwaukee lakefront on December 8, 2017

Snowy Owl, resting on the Milwaukee Lakefront on December 9, 2017

Snowy Owl, focused on something, on the Milwaukee Lakefront on December 9, 2017

Long-tailed Ducks, 12 of them at Lakeshore State Park on December 15, 2017

Long-tailed Ducks at Lakeshore State Park on December 15, 2017

Long-tailed Ducks, the close up at Lakeshore State Park on December 15, 2017

Snowy Owl just after landing at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee County on December 15, 2017

Snowy Owl, just off its perch going for its prey on the Milwaukee lakefront on December 26, 2017

Snowy Owl, it was just smooth sailing for this Snowy Owl going for its prey on the Milwaukee lakefront on December 26, 2017

Thank you for visiting!

The End – Happy New Year!

Link to Wisconsin Birding 2016 Year in Review:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2016-includes-vagrants-special-visitors-just-beautiful-birds-either-nest-migrate-state-wisconsin/

Link to Wisconsin Birding 2015 Year in Review:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2015-includes-vagrants-special-visitors-just-beautiful-birds-either-nest-migrate-state-wisconsin/

Link to Wisconsin Birding 2014 Year in Review:

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