Bird Categories Archives - Page 39 of 45 - Window to Wildlife

Snowy Egret at Fort Atkinson in Jefferson County Wisconsin May 29, 2014

By admin | May 29, 2014 - 8:03 pm |June 20, 2014 Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

The ride paid off for the report of the Snowy Egret at Fort Atkinson in Jefferson County. It was still present when I arrived at 3:25 pm far off the road in a flooded field. This location is just east of the city on Hwy 106, south side of the highway. A life bird for me which made it exciting. Images were taken on May 29, 2014.

Great Egret – left, Snowy Egret, right

Snowy Egret

Binomial name: Egretta thula

Category: Bittern, Herons, and Allies

Size: 24” long, 41” wing span

Weight: 13 oz.

Habitat: Typically they are found on most coasts of the US and Mexico but sometimes can be found breeding inland in wetland areas, mudflats and beaches. They forage in both freshwater and marine habitats preferring shallow sheltered estuarine areas. The breeding range is from the lower Great Lakes and southwestern US to South America.

Diet: Fish, crustacean, insects and smaller reptiles.

Nesting: They nest in colonies, usually with other wading birds. They like platform type nests made of sticks in trees or shrubs. The nests are flat 14”-18” across, 8”-13” high, lined with rushes, grasses, sedges and twigs. 3-4 eggs are incubated by both adults before the young leave the nest which is 20-25 days.

Snowy Egret

2 Great Egrets – left, Snowy Egret – right

Great Egret – right, Snowy Egret – left

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret, down under!

Snowy Egret – left, Great Egret – right

Snowy Egret

Wild Turkey nest with eggs Marquette County Wisconsin May 24, 2014

By admin | May 24, 2014 - 7:26 pm |May 24, 2014 Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys, and Old World Quail

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While doing some birding in Marquette County today I accidentally flushed a Wild Turkey from its nest. I did not realize the nest was there with a turkey sitting on eggs. It was well hidden unless you were standing right in front of it. Interesting that the nest is in an open field with little vegetation other than this patch of native grass in an 8 foot circle, grasses 3 feet high. The nest was made of dead grasses. I quickly took a few images of the nest and eggs and left the area. This nest contained 13 eggs. In some images near the bottom of this post a came across a Wild Turkey nest back in May of 2011. This was on the same piece of land, but a heavily wooded area, nest was in a broken off older tree top laying on the ground next to a log. That nest also held 13 eggs but was made of leaves. The size of Wild Turkeys eggs are 1.6″ -1.9″ wide by a length of 1.9″- 2.7″. Typically Wild Turkeys build their nests on the ground, in a 1″ deep scrap made of material in the area of the nest site.

Wild Turkey nest with eggs Marquette Co. WI. May 24, 2014

Wild Turkey eggs in nest Marquette Co. WI. May 24, 2014

Wild Turkey Nest with eggs, more distant shot, Marquette Co. WI. May 24, 2014

Wild Turkey nest with eggs, more distant shot of nest site, Marquette Co. WI. May 24, 2014

Wild Turkey nest with eggs Marquette Co. WI. May 24, 2014

Wild Turkey eggs in nest, Marquette Co. WI. May 24, 2014

Wild Turkey head, image taken August 23, 2010 in Waukesha Co.

Wild Turkeys, image taken on January 31, 2010 in Waukesha Co.

Wild Turkey nest with eggs Marquette Co. WI. May 27, 2011.

American Redstart

By admin | May 21, 2014 - 6:23 pm |May 22, 2014 Wood-Warblers

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American Redstarts have been present at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin for the last couple of weeks. The American Redstart is a warbler species that some birders are not aware of. One of the most active warblers, it always amazes me how they fly so fast through the trees and brush in 2’s never hitting a thing! I have put together a few images of both the males and females. Images were taken May 13-18, 2014.

American Redstart – Male

American Redstart

Binomial name: Setophaga ruticilla

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5.25” long, 7.75” wingspan

Weight: 0.29 oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat, deciduous, second growth woodlands with moisture. Habitat can include alder and willow thickets, shrubs, treefall areas situated with old growth forests. They will also use thickets in orchards in fencerows. Breeding range is eastern US, northern parts of the west, well into Canada, winters in parts of Central and South America.

Diet: Insects by flushing by fanning their tail and flashing their wings. They do this from the ground to near the top of the canopy catching insects off limbs, leaves and branches. In fall they may eat berries or fruit that are small.

Nesting: The male shows the female possible nest sites during early courtship and the female tests them out and finally settles on one. It is located on a main trunk of a tree or shrub in a camouflaged location. The female builds her own nest in 3-7 days. The nest is constructed of tightly woven bark strips, feathers, animal and milkweed hairs, lichens, twigs, pine needles, rootlets, leaves and sometimes wasp nest paper material. It is cup shaped 2”-3” wide, 2”-1.5” deep. Typically 2-5 eggs are laid and incubated for 10-13 days by the female.

American Redstart – Female

American Redstart – Male

American Redstart – Female

American Redstart – 1st year male, note black on front of breast.

American Redstart – Female, at takeoff!

American Redstart – Male

American Redstart – Female

American Redstart – Male, calling!

American Redstart – 1st year male, note black dots on front of breast.

American Redstart – Female

Bay-breasted Warbler

By admin | May 20, 2014 - 6:44 pm |May 21, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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Bay-breast Warblers at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin. While birding here today it started out slow but by mid-morning warbler action had picked up with 10 warbler species were present. Numbers of each warbler species has dropped from a couple days ago. The Bay-breasted Warblers both male and female with their beautiful colors gave nice views for short periods of time. Other warbler species present were Palm, Yellow, American Redstart, Magnolia, Blackpoll, Blackburnian, Yellow-rumped, Wilson’s and Chestnut-sided. With the very warm day today with temps at 85, the trees are filling out fast. Images taken on May 20, 2014.

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male, calling!

Bay-breasted Warbler

Binomial name: Setophaga castanea

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5.50” long, 9” wingspan

Weight: .44 oz.

Habitat: Coniferous forests

Diet: Insects and spiders

Nesting: The nest is usually made of twigs, bark and dry grasses placed on a horizontal limb on the bottom 1/3 of a dense spruce or fir tree. The natural lined cup shaped nest usually holds 4-7 eggs that are spotted or speckled and

Notes: One of the biggest warblers in size.

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male

Bay-breast Warbler – Female

Bay-breasted Warbler – Female getting insect!

Bay-breasted Warbler – Female

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male, looking up at insect!

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male, calling!

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male, going for the insect!

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male

Philadelphia Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler and more at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha May 19, 2014.

By admin | May 19, 2014 - 6:25 pm |May 29, 2014 Vireos, Wood-Warblers

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I birded the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin mid-morning today. Two new species at the river today, the Philadelphia and Warbling Vireos. They gave nice views as they both continually foraged through the trees along the river. The warbler action started out a little slow but then picked up with a total of 12 warbler species. Some of the warbler highlights were a 30 second view of a Prothonotary, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Northern Parula and Wilson’s. This place just amazes me! Images were taken on May 19, 2014.

Philadelphia Vireo

Binomial name: Vireo phildelphicus

Category: Vireos

Size: 5.25” long, 8” wingspan

Weight: 0.42 oz.

Philadelphia Vireo

Philadelphia Vireo – Looking up!

Warbling Vireo

Prothonotary Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler – Male

Bay-breasted Warbler – Male

Chestnut-sided Warbler – Female

Chestnut-sided Warbler – Female, going for an insect!

Chestnut-sided Warbler

By admin | May 18, 2014 - 4:54 pm |May 18, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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I did a short birding run today of 1 hour at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin early this morning. The Chestnut-sided Warbler gave the best views of the 11 warbler species present. Lower numbers of each compared to a couple of days ago. The other warbler species present were Blackburnian, Palm, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white, Magnolia, American Redstart and Wilson’s. It was a fun 1 hour with nice blue skies and mild temps of almost 50 at 8:00 am. Images are of males. Images were taken on May 18, 2014.

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Binomial name: Setophaga pensyvanica

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5” long, 7.75” wingspan

Weight: .34 oz.

Habitat: Open young second growth deciduous woodlands and woodland edges.

Diet: Insects and spiders, fruit and seeds occasionally

Nesting: The small cup shaped nest is usually located in the vertical fork of a shrub or vine tangle usually no higher than 2’ off the ground. The nest is of woven construction of weed and plant parts along with grasses and bark pieces. 3-5 cream colored with brown speckles are incubated for about 12 days.

Warbler has a insect in the bill.

Warbler has just eaten the insect.

Warbler is going for the next insect.

Warbler is grabbing the next insect off the branch.

Warbler is eating that insect.

Blackburnian Warbler

By admin | May 16, 2014 - 6:54 pm |May 18, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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I stopped briefly at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin late morning today. There was a nice selection of 9 warbler species present. The one that caught my eye was a male Blackburnian Warbler with the flaming-orange throat. The color of the throat was almost unbelievable. It was foraging in the grasses in the water for insects. At one time it came up onto a bridge and picked insects off the railing. It appears this little guy has a wood tick on the forehead. Other warbler species present were Palm, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Magnolia, American Redstart, Wilson’s and Chestnut-sided. It was a fun hour or so there as the warbler action continues. It was another cloudy day, temps in the 50’s, but a nice hour or so out birding. Images were taken on May 16, 2014.

Blackburnian Warbler

Binomial name: Dendroica fusca

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5” long, 8.5” wingspan

Weight: 0.34 oz.

Going for the next insect!

Got that insect!

Insect on the end of the bill!

Insect on the end of the bill!

On the bridge with cob webs all over the face picking off insects from underneath the bridge railing !

On the bridge looking for insects!

Insect on bill end, on the bridge!

On the bridge!

Looking for the next insect on the bridge!

Yellow Warbler

By admin | May 15, 2014 - 8:05 pm |May 16, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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The Yellow Warblers have been present along with many other species of warblers at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin. They continually forage like the rest of them up and down the trees hanging over the water. Like the others too, they always are flying back and forth across the river there as their eyes pick up flying insects above the water. Other warbler species present were Blackburnian, Palm, Northern Parula, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, American Redstart and Chestnut-sided. Images were taken on May 14, 2014. The images appear to be males, so I added some at the bottom (last 4) that should be females taken at Wehr Nature Center back in 2013 for identifying females.

Yellow Warbler

Binomial name: Setophaga petechia

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5” long, 8” wingspan

Weight: .33 oz.

Habitat: Moist thickets along streams, wetlands, ponds, and swampy areas. They also inhabit dry areas such as, orchards, farmlands, forest edges, berry patches and gardens.

Diet: Mostly insects they pick from foliage and capture in flight.

Nesting: Typically a nest is built about 10’ from the ground but sometimes higher. Nests are located in the vertical fork of a bush or trees such as willow, dogwood or honeysuckle. The nest is cup size build with materials such as grasses, bark strips, and nettle plant material. The nest is wrapped with spider webs, plant down and fiber material. The inside lining can consists of materials such as dandelion, willow, cattail seeds, feathers and deer hair. The female lays 4-5 eggs, incubation last 10 to 14 days. The nesting period can be from 8 to 12 days.

Notes: Look for Yellow Warblers near the tops of small trees and tall shrubs.

Yellow Warbler - Male Wehr Nature Center May 13, 2013

Yellow Warbler – Female, little red streaking on breast if any, Wehr Nature Center May 13, 2013

Yellow Warbler - Female Wehr Nature Center May 13, 2013

Yellow Warbler – Female, little red streaking on breast if any, Wehr Nature Center May 13, 2013

Northern Parula

By admin | May 15, 2014 - 9:13 am |May 15, 2014 Wood-Warblers

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Northern Parulas at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin. In the couple of hours I spent birding there, a couple of Northern Parulas showed and gave nice views as they were foraging through the trees on insects. Other warbler species present were Blackburnian, Palm, Yellow, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, American Redstart and Chestnut-sided. It was a overcast day, dark day at times, 50’s, but still a nice day to be out viewing all the warbler action. It appears all the images are of males. Images taken on May 14, 2014.

Northern Parula

Binomial name: Parula americana

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 4.5” long, 7” wingspan

Weight: 0.3 oz.

Magnolia Warbler

By admin | May 15, 2014 - 7:00 am |May 15, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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Magnolia Warblers at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin. In the couple of hours I spent birding there, the Magnolia Warbler was the most common of the species. Both males and female were present. Other warbler species present were Blackburnian, Palm, Yellow, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped, Northern Parula, American Redstart and Chestnut-sided. One of the highlights was a Tufted Titmouse. It was a overcast day, dark day at times, 50’s, but still a nice day to be out viewing all the warbler action. It appears all the images are of males. Images taken on May 14, 2014.

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Magnolia Warbler

Binomial name: Dendroica magnolia

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5” long, 7.5” wingspan

Weight: .30 oz.

Habitat: Breeds in open coniferous stands, sometimes mixed forest.

Diet: It primarily eats insects off of tree needles, leaves, and twigs, also finds food from the undersides of plants and behind the bark of trees.

Nesting: Nests are usually located in lower tree branches or twigs, in very dense forest areas less than 10’ off the ground. They are made usually carelessly, some what messy with grass, weeds, hay and twigs. The female lays 3-5 brown-spotted or speckled white to light cream colored eggs once a year. Hatching time 11 to 13 days.

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Magnolia Warbler – Male, looking for the next insect.

Magnolia Warbler – Male, seeing the insect.

Magnolia Warbler – Male, leaping for the insect.

Magnolia Warbler – Male, going for the insect.

Magnolia Warbler – Male, seeing the insect and flying to the next branch!

Magnolia Warbler – Male, look at the black lines!

Magnolia Warbler – Male, going for the next insect!

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Magnolia Warbler – Male

Tennessee Warbler

By admin | May 14, 2014 - 7:49 pm |May 14, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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Tennessee Warblers at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin. When I arrived around 11:00 Tennessee Warblers were plentiful, but then numbers dropped in a short period of time. All that I viewed were adult males. Other warbler species present were Cape May, Palm, Yellow, Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Yellow-rumped, Northern Parula, and Chestnut-sided. The best day I ever had at this location for warblers. Images taken on May 13, 2014.

Tennessee Warbler

Binomial name: Vermivora peregrina

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 4.75” long, 7.75” wingspan

Weight: 0.35 oz.

Going for the bug!

Stretching for the bug!

Going for the bug!

Scarlet Tanager

By admin | May 14, 2014 - 6:39 am |May 29, 2014 Piranga Tanagers and Allies

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Scarlet Tanagers have been present recently and I photographed a female at the Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary yesterday. We also had a male this week in the yard. On the river, this female acted like a flycatcher continually flying out on the river catching flying insects. Obviously that is what they do. A few images of the 2 events plus a couple images from Lake Park Milwaukee last year to the exact date.

Scarlet Tanager – Female Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary May 13, 2014

Scarlet Tanager

Binomial name: Piranga ludoviciana

Category: Kinglets

Size: 7.25” long, 11.5” wing span

Weight: 0.98 Oz.

Scarlet Tanager – Female Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary May 13, 2014

Scarlet Tanager – Male Waukesha May 10, 2014

Scarlet Tanager - Male Lake Park MKE May 10, 2013

Scarlet Tanager – Male Lake Park MKE May 13, 2013

Cape May Warbler

By admin | May 13, 2014 - 7:41 pm |May 14, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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Cape May Warblers at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin. While birding here today, many warbler species were present. The Cape May Warblers both male and female with their striking colors gave nice views for short periods of time. Other warbler species present were Tennessee, Palm, Yellow, Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Yellow-rumped, Northern Parula, and Chestnut-sided. Images taken on May 13, 2014.

Cape May Warbler – Male, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cape May Warbler

Binomial name: Dendroica tigrina

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5” long, 8.25” wingspan

Weight: 0.39 oz

Cape May Warbler – Male, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cape May Warbler – Female, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cape May Warbler – Male, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cape May Warbler – Female, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cape May Warbler – Male, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cape May Warbler – Female, Back view, Waukesha Fox River Sanctuary

Cattle Egret at the Waukesha Fox River Parkway South May 13, 2014

By admin | May 13, 2014 - 6:20 pm |May 13, 2014 Bird Categories

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Cattle Egret at the Fox River Parkway South in Waukesha County Wisconsin. With heavy rains last night water is just about everywhere in the county. The low area at the park that holds water in wet times of the year was a great place for this species to spend some time to rest and hopefully find some food. The Cattle Egret originated in Africa, appeared in North America in 1953 and spread across the entire continent. Thanks to all birders who got the word out about the presence of the Cattle Egret, an uncommon visitor to this part of the state. A few distant images taken there today in the late afternoon May 13, 2014.

Cattle Egret

Binomial name: Bubulcus ibis

Category: Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

Description: White plumage with cream-colored feathers on its chest, head, and tail during breeding season. Yellow bill and gray legs.

Size: 18”-22” long, 35” – 38” wingspan

Weight: 9.5 oz. – 18 oz.

Habitat: Pastures, grasslands, meadows, and wetlands

Diet: Insects (grasshoppers and crickets), spiders, amphibians, and worms

Nesting: Cattle Egrets nest in colonies, typically near a body of water. Both males and females build the nest; males collect twigs and sticks while the female assembles them into jumbled pile in a tree or shrub. It is common for these birds to steal nest materials from others. The female will lay 1 to 5 eggs and raise 1 brood each season. Both parents incubate the eggs. Chicks are born with down feathers but are still helpless. The fledglings leave the nest after about 45 days.

Notes: Cattle Egrets are appropriately named as they tend to forage for food near cattle or other large, grazing animals. They eat insects and other vertebrates spread by these animals. The birds have also been known to forage behind farm machinery. Farmers may welcome these birds to their pastures as Cattle Egrets will help control fly and tick populations among cattle.

Cattle Egret - Fond dc lac County WI May 13, 2013

Cattle Egret – Fond du lac County WI. May 13, 2013

Cattle Egrets - Fond dc lac County WI May 13, 2013

Cattle Egrets – Fond du lac County WI. May 13, 2013

Cattle Egret – Fond du lac County WI. May 13, 2013

Prothonotary Warbler at the Wehr Nature Center in Franklin Wisconsin May 11, 2014

By admin | May 11, 2014 - 6:16 pm |June 20, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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I did some birding at Wehr Nature Center today in hopes to do well on Warblers. A couple of years ago this place did very well and I thought I would give it a shot. The stream area was really birdie when I arrived around 11:00 am. Warbler species present were Wilson’s, Chestnut-sided, Canada, American Redstart, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, and Common Yellowthroat. After about 30 minutes a warbler appeared and the striking color on this bird shocked me! I knew it was not a warbler that I had ever saw before. It did not take me but a few seconds to realize it was a Prothonotary Warbler with that bright golden-yellow head. The way the bird foraged along the stream bank waters edge feeding almost off the top of the water from branch to branch confirmed my ID thoughts. It left the area I was at and returned 3 more times in the 2 hours I was there. It was an exciting time getting this uncommon visitor to this part of the state finally on my life list!

Prothonotary Warbler – Male

Prothonotary Warbler

Binomial name: Protonotaria citrea

Category: Wood-Warblers

Size: 5.5” long, 8.5” wingspan

Weight: 0.56 oz.

Habitat: Breed in wooded swamps, lake or pond edges, woody streams and wooded river bottoms. Breeding habitat range is the southern US from east Texas to the east coast, north in southern Wisconsin. This species winters in parts of West Indies, Central and South America.

Diet: Forages along low vegetation, dead wood and stumps on rivers, streams, swamps, lakes and ponds. They feed on insects, snails, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, mayflies and spiders annually found on logs, branches, tree trunks and on the ground. After the breeding season they have been also known to eat seed, fruit and nectar.

Nesting: The male locates at least one cavity in a tree, sometimes digging their own in a tree 3 to 10 feet from the ground, but most often woodpecker holes are used. They can be found over water. Nest boxes are also used along with and artificial cavities such as cans, jars, pipes, etc. The male puts moss inside the nest cavities and the female finishes the foundation construction with materials of more moss and liverwort. While finishing the nest construction the male protects the female. The nest cup is constructed of grape plants, rootlets, plant down and some of the materials it is lined with are grasses, sedges, leaves bark material, tendrils and sometimes even fishing line has been used. Size of the nest cup is approximately 2” wide. Typically 3-7 whitish brown spotted eggs are laid and both adults tend to feed the young after incubation of 12 days by the female.

Cool facts: On occasion the Prothonotary Warbler will visit hummingbird feeders for nectar. The male will set up fake nest holes and display in front of them, this is not fully understood.

Prothonotary Warbler – Male

Prothonotary Warbler – Male with insect.

Prothonotary Warbler – Male

Prothonotary Warbler – Male, looking for food.

Prothonotary Warbler – Male

Prothonotary Warbler – Male, looking for food.

Canada Warbler – Male

Chestnut-sided Warbler – Male

Wilson’s Warbler – Male

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Warblers and more at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin, May 10, 2014

By admin | May 10, 2014 - 7:26 pm |May 11, 2014 Bird Categories

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I spent a few hours at Lake Park in Milwaukee this morning into mid-afternoon. I saw some nice warbler action but nothing like a couple of days ago. Warbler species and numbers were down, but still a great day to be out birding. Some of the warblers that I had looks at were Black-throated Green, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Palm, Nashville, Blackburnian, Cape May and possible Tennessee. Birds seemed higher up today in the trees. The nice sunny day with warm temps brought out a lot of birders there at the park.

Black-throated Green Warbler – Male

Black-throated Green Warbler – Male Preening

Black-throated Green Warbler – Male

Black-throated Green Warbler – Male eating well.

American Redstart – Male

Common Yellowthroat – Female

Common Yellowthroat – Female with insect.

Palm Warbler

Tennessee Warbler ??

Cape May Warbler

Ovenbird

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Warblers and more at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin, May 8, 2014

By admin | May 8, 2014 - 7:29 pm |May 9, 2014 Bird Categories, Wood-Warblers

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I birded Lake Park in Milwaukee this morning into mid-afternoon. I saw some great warbler action with 16 warblers species and 73 total species for the day. Some of the FOY warblers were Wilson’s, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Blue-winged, Northern Parula, Bay-breasted, and American Redstarts. Some of the other highlights from the day, Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Bluebirds, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Towhee and Gray Catbirds. Interesting to see a Ruby-throated Hummingbird within 50 feet of a Dark-eyed Junco. It was a very cold morning with strong NE winds and mostly cloudy but early gave way to some sun and warmer temps that were expected.

Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroat going for the gnat!

Common Yellowthroat

Least Flycatcher

Least Flycatcher looking for the next snack!

Least Flycatcher in flight!

Least Flycatcher

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Ovenbird

Magnolia Warbler

Eastern Towhee – Female

Eastern Towhee – Male

Black-and-white Warbler

Gray Catbird with gnat in bill.

Gray Catbird with gnat in bill.

Gray Catbird

Clay-colored Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

American Robin

White-throated Sparrow

By admin | May 3, 2014 - 6:36 pm |May 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Emberizids

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I recently did some birding at the Fox River Parkway South in Waukesha Wisconsin. There where numerous White-throated Sparrows present with nice views. A flock of approximately 6-12 birds at different times moved around the woods while I was there. The sparrows scratched the ground finding seeds to eat that have worked their way under leaves and surface ground cover over the winter. Photographs taken on April 29, 2014.

White-throated Sparrow – adult white and black striped variation.

White-throated Sparrow

Binomial name: Zonotrichia albicollis

Category: Sparrows

Size: 6.75” long, 9” wing span

Weight: 0.91 Oz.

Habitat: Woods, forest edges, pond edges and tree lines in brushy under growth. Breeding range is the far northern areas of the Midwest states in the US and the lower two-thirds of Canada. The winter range for this species is Southern US from New Mexico through northern IN to the east coast of the US.

Diet: Mainly seeds from grasses and weeds, sometimes fruits seeds.

Nesting: The nest is constructed by the female usually and on the ground, it is cup shaped. The location is usually under a bush, shrub or dead vegetation but concealed by leaves. Materials used are mosses, sticks, pine needles, and grasses. 1-6 eggs pale green and spotted are laid and incubated from 10-14 days, 1-2 broods.

Cool Facts: There are two forms of this sparrow. One is the white and black striped head, the other tan and black striped head regardless of sex. Young birds and females are just duller in color. They both variations have the white colored throat. A frequent visitor to the backyard feeder in migration to some parts of the US.

White-throated Sparrow – adult white and black striped variation with seed in mouth.

White-throated Sparrow – adult tan and black striped variation.

White-throated Sparrow – adult white and black striped variation – back view.

White-throated Sparrow – adult white and black striped variation with seed in mouth.

White-throated Sparrow – adult tan and black striped variation.

White-throated Sparrow – adult white and black striped variation, scratching for seeds.

White-throated Sparrow – adult white and black striped variation.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

By admin | May 2, 2014 - 7:19 pm |May 2, 2014 Kinglets

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Ruby-crowned Kinglets were in abundance at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It was a 1st for me to be able to see and photograph the striking raised scarlet crown on the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. It only lasted for about 10 seconds. Small insects were thick in the trees hanging over the river and the Ruby-crowned Kinglets just continually moved from tree to tree picking them off. I think the river water temp and the humidity there allows for continued hatching of these insects, probably gnats. It seems typically if these birds are not resting, they are looking for or flying to their next food. Some of the other species present were Yellow, Black-and white, and Yellow-rumped Warblers along with Brown Creepers and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Images were taken on April 30, 2014.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Binomial name: Regulus calendula

Category: Kinglets

Size: 4.25” long, 7.5” wing span

Weight: 0.23 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is spruce, tamarack, and fir trees found in dense conifer forests. During migration they can be found in deciduous trees, bushes, and thickets found in parks, woodlands and along rivers and shores of lakes. Breeding range is northern US, Canada and Alaska.

Diet: Typically they hover in and around twigs and leaves fly catching small insects. Their diet also includes spiders, bark beetles and eggs that are usually found on and around twigs and leaves. Winter they will eat berry parts, sap and seeds.

Nesting: The female picks the location and builds the nest in a period of about 5 days. The location of the nest can be as high as 100 feet off the ground, usually hidden with overhanging foliage and found near the interior of the tree. A globe shape nest is constructed of spider-webs and cocoon silk wrapped around feathers, grasses and mosses. The inside is lined with fir and fine plant material. These materials allow the nest to increase in size as the brood grows and continued maintenance is required. Up to 12 eggs are laid in the nest for 1 brood.

Cool Facts: The male displays the striking scarlet crown when aroused. One of the smallest birds in the US is easily identified by the distinct white eyering and constant wing flickering that they do. Young males look similar to females as they lack the scarlet crown.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – flying to the insect.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – looking for food.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – getting the insect.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary - male - flying for the food.

Image taken on April 16, 2014 at the Fox River Sanctuary – male – flying for the insect.

Garganey

By admin | May 1, 2014 - 7:40 pm |December 31, 2014 Ducks, Geese, and Swans

3 Comments

Garganey at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area in Grantsburg, Wisconsin on May 1, 2014. The male Garganey will be a 1st state record for this species in the state pending acceptance. The normal range for this species is quite large covering much of Eurasia in breeding season and winters in southern Africa and Asia. Within a couple of minutes after arriving at Crex about 7:00am the bird was located near to where it has been reported over 1 week ago. That location was south and east of the intersection of County Road F and Abel Road. A couple of hours later we relocated the duck just north of that spot in the Erickson Flowage with more distant views. At that time it was very active for awhile as it moved around to numerous spots on the flowage. The duck has been hanging out with Blue-winged Teal. It was a cloudy and cold day with steady winds making it feel like winter. Still some snow on the ground in a couple of places. A new life bird!

Garganey

Binomial name: Anas querquedula

Category: Duck, Geese, and Swans

Size: 15.5” long, 24” wing span

Weight: 13 Oz.

Habitat: Common breeding habitat for this species is small shallow ponds and lakes with floating vegetation like in swamps, fields of water and freshwater marshes.

Diet: Wide range of plant seeds, pondweeds, grasses, as well some insects by skimming the water.

Nesting: The nests are in a shallow depression underneath tall plant material usually less than 100 feet from waters edge.