Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Window to Wildlife

Marbled Godwit at Dane County Wisconsin on August 11, 2015

I stopped on the way home from up north this afternoon at County V ponds to see if the Marbled Godwit that has been reported was still present. As I pulled up behind another birder in his car there, I got out and asked him. The kind birder showed me right where it was hanging out behind some vegetation, thank you! Moments later it came out and gave nice but distant views. It feed the time I was there probing in the muck. It remained far from the road but stayed pretty much out in the open. After awhile it took flight to the east, landed, but then a few minutes later I could not relocate the bird. I’m sure it was still there. A big thank you to who found this bird and reported it for others to see. It was a warm day with clouds and sun. Images were taken on August 11, 2015 in Dane County.

Marbled Godwit

Binomial name: Limosa fedoa

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 18” long, 30” wing span

Weight: 13 oz

Marbled Godwit with Lesser Yellowlegs in front

Probing for food!

Takeoff with Killdeer in front, Lesser Yellowlegs to the left.

After the flight around the pond, it lands!

Wilson’s Phalarope, American White Pelicans, Great Egrets and more at the Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin on April 30, 2015

By admin | April 30, 2015 - 5:41 pm |May 1, 2015 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made the first trip up to Horicon Marsh this spring early morning today. I was there at sun up and it was a beautiful morning. I stopped on Hwy 49 and there was nothing special going on that I could see. I hit the auto tour next a couple of times and it provided some nice views of American White Pelicans, Great Egrets and a few Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Mixed in with the yellowlegs was a beautiful male Wilson’s Phalarope. Other than that common ducks that have been reported, Sandhill Cranes, Double-crested Cormorants, etc. I hit Dike Road and it was pretty quiet, all I could come up with was a Great Blue Heron for something special. Nice morning to be out with 38 degrees to start with sun, but after a couple of hours the clouds rolled in and I headed south. Images were taken in the early morning sun on April 30, 2015.

Wilson’s Phalarope

Binomial name: Phalaropus tricolor

Category: Sandpipers and Phalaropes and Allies

Size: 9.25” long, 17” wing span

Weight: 2.1 oz

Wilson’s Phalarope

American White Pelican

American White Pelican preening

American White Pelicans

American White Pelican

American White Pelicans

American White Pelican

American White Pelicans resting

American White Pelican

Great Egret

Great Egrets

Great Egret preening

Great Egret

Sandhill Crane

Greater Yellowlegs

Whimbrel at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 22, 2014

By admin | September 22, 2014 - 6:28 pm |September 26, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I birded Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee this morning about 7:30. I have not visited the park in well over 2 weeks. I ran into Bruce, and we walked the park for about an hour. We were just talking about the Whimbrel and having not seen it when out from nowhere it glided right over our heads and landed 50 feet away. It gave nice views and preened for some time, getting all the feathers in order. The Whimbrel also ate gravel for it digestive system which I had never saw before. The stones or gravel help in grinding up their food in their stomachs. The second Whimbrel has not been seen for some time. This bird will have been present 3 weeks as of tomorrow. Other species to note, about 10 Double-crested Cormorants were in the waters around the park area. Images were taken on September 22, 2014.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitats can be wet or dry in tundra areas, taiga bogs, and sparse scrub lands across northern Canada and Alaska. This species winters in parts of the southern US and South America on coastal shorelines, in tidal flats, shallow marshes, short grasslands, mangroves, beaches and oyster banks.

Diet: In breeding season they prefer marine invertebrates mainly small crabs, sometimes insects and berries and even flowers. They are also known to eat butterflies. In migration their diet can include crabs, beach flies, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers and oysters.

Nesting: As the snow melts on their nesting grounds they establish territories doing aerial displays. The nest is made up of a scrape on the ground or pressed bowl typically lined with leaves, lichens and grasses. Clutch size is usually 2-5 eggs green in color marked with darker greens and browns. Both sexes incubate the eggs for about 25 days. When the downy chicks hatch, they are ready to walk. Adult birds are known to attack humans if they come too close in their nesting area.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Picking up a stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Getting ready to swallow the stone.

Picking up a stone.

Scratching!

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Preening, straightening and cleaning the feathers.

Eating a grub, image taken September 26, 2014

Image taken September 26, 2014

Image taken September 26, 2014

Sanderling skirmish at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin September 14, 2014

By admin | September 16, 2014 - 4:23 pm |September 16, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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On Sunday as the Sanderlings were busy feeding on Bradford Beach, I observed a skirmish take place near me. I have not witnessed one of this length before and so full of action, usually it is just a little wing action or poking. When I looked at the images as what all took place in a matter of seconds it was incredible. Amazing that one Sanderling pushes another Sanderling down with its bill to the algae mat. I apologize for any blurry or poor quality images, but I did not want to leave out any of the of action shots. 30 images are in order from start to finish from the event as it happened. Images were taken on September 14, 2014.

Western Sandpiper at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin Sept 14, 2014

By admin | September 14, 2014 - 5:35 pm |September 15, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I decided to make a trip to Bradford Beach this morning in Milwaukee. It was an exciting few hours. When I arrived at the algae mat on the south end of the beach, I noticed what I thought was a Western Sandpiper. Moments later it was out of sight. I walked the beach to the north as there was another good size algae mat. Nothing was there other than Sanderlings. When I returned to the south end of the beach other birders had arrived and they confirmed that a Western Sandpiper was present. It was a juvenile. We had nice views, and it came and went during the day as it was flushed from the areas as many folks were out walking the beach and enjoying the nice weather. At one time I stood near the south mat and a Plover appeared, not sure which one, seconds later it was gone! Moments later a Ruddy Turnstone appeared, that bird was also gone in less than 30 seconds. Bradford Beach has really been bringing in some great shorebirds recently, I hope it continues! It was nice too, to see a few birding friends I have not seen for a while. Images were taken on September 14, 2014.

Western Sandpiper

Binomial name: Calidris mauri

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Description: Brown feathers on back with white underparts. Dark legs and bill.

Size: 5.5” – 6.7” long, 10.2” – 14.6” wingspan

Weight: 0.8 oz. – 1.2 oz.

Habitat: Coastal tundras, shorelines, and mudflats

Diet: Small insects such as flies and beetles as well as spiders, mollusks, and small crustaceans

Nesting: The male builds several nests out of grasses, leaves, and lichens pressed into a mud flat or shoreline. He will then sing to attract a mate, and she will choose the nest. Both parents will incubate the eggs. The typical clutch size is 3-5 eggs. The female may stay and help care for the chicks, or she may leave before the eggs hatch and the male will be the sole caretaker.

Notes: Western Sandpipers breed in Siberia and Alaska, although migration will take them down the West Coast to California. Very rarely are they seen as far east as the Midwest.

Feeding

With food

Feeding

Preening

Resting with eyes open

Resting

With food

Wind blowing from the back on the feathers

Baird’s Sandpiper, left – Western Sandpiper, right

Feeding

Images from a Western Sandpipers visit to Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 11, 2013: Image link

Ruddy Turnstones at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 13, 2014

By admin | September 13, 2014 - 7:07 pm |October 13, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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With Bradford Beach being a hotspot the last couple of weeks I made a run in to check it out. 2 Ruddy Turnstones were present which is what I had hoped to see as they have been reported on and off there. Also present were 2 Baird’s Sandpipers, ~50 Sanderlings, ~10 Bonaparte’s Gulls, Solitary Sandpiper and more. The Ruddy Turnstones were feeding all the time I was there and they were moving at a very fast pace! There was one time I caught one preening. It was a pleasant day to be out birding on the lakefront and it was also nice to touch base with a few birding friends I have not seen for awhile. Images were taken September 13, 2014.

Ruddy Turnstone

Binomial name: Arenaria interpres

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 9.5” long, 21” wing span

Weight: 3.9 Oz.

Habitat: In the breeding season they can be found on rocky Arctic coasts and tundra. In migration and winters they are found on rocky shores, sand beaches and rocky mudflats. In migration they can also be found on plowed agricultural fields inland.

Diet: Ruddy Turnstones eat a variety of foods such as insects, insect larvae, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, and sometimes berries. They occasionally will eat small fish and bird eggs. Their method of catching their prey may include flipping over of stones, seaweed, and probing with its bill into the sand and mud. They also find food on the surface of rocks.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with some vegetation build by the female. It is sometimes located hidden within rocks or underneath shrubs.

Sanderlings at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 10, 2014

By admin | September 10, 2014 - 5:12 pm |October 14, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made a stop at Bradford Beach around noon after a nice variety of shorebirds were reported in the area earlier in the day. At Bradford Beach all that was present were Sanderlings, about 20 of them scattered across the entire length of the beach. They were all feeding continually while I was there. They are always fun to watch running up and down the shoreline following the waves coming in and out. The waves were very high, enough for folks to be out board surfing. A juveniles except for 1 female breeding adult, those images are on the bottom here. Images were taken on September 10, 2014.

Sanderling

Binomial name: Calidris alba

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8” long, 17” wing span

Weight: 2.1 Oz.

Habitat: One of the most common shorebirds in the world, this shorebird is considered one of the “peeps”. Its breeding habitat is the High Arctic tundra in the northern Canadian islands and peninsulas. They winter on the sandy beaches of most of the world.

Diet: Aquatic invertebrates, worms, insects, crab eggs, fish, jellyfish, crustaceans, spiders, moths, flies, mosquitoes and sometimes material from plants.

Nesting: Nests for this species are located out in the open on the dry northern tundra, just a scrape lined with grass, leaves or lichen. Usually close to water and at an elevated site. Typically 4 eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated by both parents and cared for during a period of 24-31 days. Soon after the hatch of the young, they find food on their own.

Cool fact: Sanderlings can be seen racing up and down on the shores of the beaches following waves in and out in search for food.

Sanderling, juv. what they eat.

Sanderling, female breeding adult

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek Wisconsin September 8, 2014

By admin | September 8, 2014 - 2:00 pm |September 8, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made the run to the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek Wisconsin very early this morning with hopes the juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper that was reported was still present. It was and it was about 1/4 north of the pier on the shoreline. It was actively feeding most of the time I was present. A real treat to see one close up as the previously Buff-breasted Sandpipers I have viewed were out in fields in and out of grasses, at sod farms and more distant.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Binomial name: Tryngites subruficollis

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 8.25” long, 18” wing span

Weight: 2.2 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat is on the Arctic tundra in moist areas near water, bogs, and marshes that are open. During their very long migration they are typically found in short grass such as golf courses, pastures, sod farms, airfields, plowed and unplowed agricultural fields, not usually near water. They also can be found on pond or lake edges on sandy beaches. These birds winter at South American pampas, prairies, seasonal flooded areas.

Diet: They stand motionless scanning the ground, then dashing to insects, earthworms, larvae, flies, spiders, midges, beetles and other vertebrates they find. Their diet also sometimes includes seeds from plants.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression, a scrape on the ground from the female. The female lines it with moss, lichen, leaves and sedges. Usually 2-4 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 23-25 days. The female provides the only parental care. Within one day of hatching the young leave the nest, they feed themselves, but the female tends to them.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. feeding.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. with a bug in its mouth.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. resting.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv. back view.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Juv.

Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 2, 2014

By admin | September 2, 2014 - 6:27 pm |September 3, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I got a report of 2 Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee late morning and made a quick run in there. They were there as reported. Both of them moved about the rock shorelines, the taller prairie grasses and also the mowed areas feeding on insects. I noticed on 2 occasions grasshoppers were taken which looked pretty hard to get down. They smashed them up on the rocks before eating them. Another time one was eating Purple Nightshade berries which did not surprise me as they are known to eat some berries. Cool birds! Some bikers came over the walk bridge at the park and flushed them from the mowed area. They did a large circle flyover of part of the park and headed south. I could not relocate them after that incident. Images were taken on September 2, 2014.

Whimbrels, 2 juv.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. moving about the rocks.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. preening.

Whimbrel, juv. moving about the rocks.

Whimbrel, juv. hunting for insects.

Whimbrel, juv. with a grasshopper.

Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv. hunting for insects.

2 Whimbrel, juv. one with a grasshopper.

Whimbrel, juv. eating Purple Nightshade berries.

Whimbrel, juv.

2 Whimbrel, juv.

Whimbrel, juv.

Short-billed Dowitcher at Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 31, 2014

By admin | August 31, 2014 - 6:42 pm |September 1, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I made an early run to Myer’s Park in Racine this morning to see what birds were present. It was nice to see a Short-billed Dowitcher, juvenile feeding in the puddles when I arrived. Other species present were Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, a Sanderling and Semipalmated Plovers. A beautiful morning to be out birding with clear skies, low winds and mild temps. I checked North Point Beach in Racine, there were no shorebirds present. Images were taken on August 31, 2014.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher

Binomial name: Limnodromus griseus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 11” long, 19” wing span

Weight: 3.9 Oz.

Habitat: At breeding time they prefer moist tundra, open marshes, and bogs in the boreal zone, preferable close to fresh water inland. In migration and during winter they are found on saltwater tidal flats and marshes. They also can be found in flooded agricultural fields and freshwater mud flats.

Diet: Insects, insect larvae, crustaceans, marine worms, snails, mollusks, and aquatic larvae, sometimes seeds too in migration and during the breeding season.

Nesting: Nest is a shallow depression on the ground usually near water within think vegetation. The nest bowl is lined grasses, mosses, twigs, leaves and ptarmigan feathers. Typically 3-4 eggs olive-buff to brown in color are laid. Both adults incubate the eggs for about 21 days but the male takes care of the young after the hatch.

Cool facts: This bird as it probes up and down for food with its long bill has a sewing machine movement look. Some of the first shorebirds to migrate south, some as early as July and they young typically follow in August.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher preening.

Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher back view.

Least Sandpipers juv.

Lesser Yellowlegs juv.

Lesser Yellowlegs juv. fluffed up just after preening.

Semipalmated Plover juv.

Semipalmated Plover juv.

Black-bellied Plover

Whimbrel at Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 20, 2014

By admin | August 20, 2014 - 6:57 pm |August 21, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I decided to make another drive to Racine even though I was there yesterday. A Whimbrel was reported later in the day, it would be a life bird for me. I was there at sunrise. I looked the wetland over for about 10 minutes and did not see movement but then it was getting light. All of the sudden the Whimbrel flew in and landed 100 feet from me. I was still in my car. It moved around a little while I walked down to the wetland. Moments later what I think was a Peregrine Falcon came down and tried to grab the Whimbrel. They both took off like a streak of light over the lake. I felt the Whimbrel was a goner. I found a place to sit and wait. After 45 minutes, the Whimbrel came flying in again to the same area along with the 3 Black-bellied Plovers. I never even knew those birds had left too in all the excitement. I actually felt some relief in my mind that I knew the Whimbrel survived that confrontation. I watched it feed almost continually for some time. It was taking it’s bill and sticking in the ground to its mouth and turning it. It was feeding on tiny worms species, something it eats. It was an exciting day, a life bird, well worth the trip. Images were taken on August 20, 2014.

Whimbrel

Binomial name: Numenius phaeopus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 17.5” long, 32” wing span

Weight: 14 Oz.

Cool facts: Some of the migrating Whimbrels are known to do a nonstop migration flight south of 2,500 miles.

Whimbrel

Whimbrel feeding catching worm species

Whimbrel with a worm species in bill.

Whimbrel

Whimbrel extracting a worm species

Whimbrel with worm species in mouth.

Whimbrel extracting a worm species.

Whimbrel with a worm species at the end of the bill.

Whimbrel flipping a worm species in the bill for a better bite.

Whimbrel with a worm species in the bill.

Whimbrel with a worms species in the bill.

Whimbrel flipping a worm species for a better bite.

Pergrine Faclon in pursuit of the Whimbrel over Lake Michigan.

Peregrine Falcon in pursuit of the Whimbrel over Lake Michigan.

Whimbrel

Red Knot Hustisford Wisconsin August 16, 2014

By admin | August 16, 2014 - 1:33 pm |August 18, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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This rare visitor to the state, the Red Knot was eating well when I left the river last night just before dark. I decided to make another run up there to Hustisford early morning to get a couple more images in day light. I did not see it when I arrived but Dave S. found it as he arrived a few minutes after I and he had his scope. This bird blends in very well with the habitat there. In fact a few times during my visit along with a couple other birders we lost sight of it and it was right in front of us but behind some thin vegetation. Like yesterday, this bird actively feed the whole time I was there other than it preened once. Nice to see this rare bird once more. Images were taken in Hustisford Wisconsin on the Rock River in Dodge Co. August 16, 2014.

Red Knot

Binomial name: Calidris canutus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 10.5” long, 23” wing span

Weight: 4.7 Oz.

Habitat: Breeding habitat in tundra areas that are drier and hillsides with sparse vegetation. Outside of breeding habitat they are found near coastal inlets, large tidal mudflats, rocky shores and beaches, bays and estuaries.

Diet: Breeding season it eats sedge seeds and shoots from horsetail and grasses. In snow free areas it will include some invertebrates in their diet. They eat marine worms, grasshoppers, horseshoe crab eggs and other invertebrates in their winter range.

Nesting: Their nest is a depression on the ground lined with lichens, grasses and leaves. It is cup shaped and constructed by the male. 3 to 5 of these are male prior to the arrival of the female, she lays 3-4 eggs and they are incubated around 22 days by both parents. Chicks are hatched in downy cryptic feathers. With a day or so the chicks leave the nest and area and they begin foraging with both adults.

Cool facts: One of the most colorful peeps and the largest in North America. There was a time when the Red Knot was the most numerous shorebird in North America. It migration can be one of the longest being up to 10,000 miles one way. The young chicks make their first long journey on their own.

Red Knot with a Semipalmated Sandpiper

Red Knot with a Pectoral Sandpiper

Red Knot

Red Knot with a Lesser Yellowlegs

Red Knot with a Least Sandpiper

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot

Fluffed up Red Knot

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot Hustisford Wisconsin August 15, 2014

By admin | August 15, 2014 - 7:58 pm |August 18, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies, Uncategorized

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After seeing a post this evening of a rare visitor to Wisconsin a Red Knot in Hustisford I made the trip up there just before dark, about 7:00 PM. The bird was present as reported below the wires over the river below the dam. A new life bird for me. Thanks to Tom W. for finding this bird along with the presence of Dave S. Images were taken in Dodge County Wisconsin on August 15, 2014.

Red Knot

Binomial name: Calidris canutus

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 10.5” long, 23” wing span

Weight: 4.7 Oz.

Shorebirds North Beach, Racine Wisconsin, August 1, 2014

By admin | August 1, 2014 - 6:23 pm |August 2, 2014 Bird Categories, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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I had made the run to North Beach in Racine Wisconsin with hopes to see the reported Red Knot. I missed the bird by an hour! Some shorebirds that were present, Least Sandpipers and Semipalmated Sandpipers, also 1st year Caspian Terns which are always an eye catcher. If I have something labeled wrong, please let me know, thanks! Images were taken on August 1, 2014.

Least Sandpiper at takeoff!

Least Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper at takeoff!

Least Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper scratching.

Least Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Caspian Tern, 1st year.

Caspian Terns, 1st year.

Least Sandpiper at takeoff!

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper preening.

Semipalmated Sandpiper, August 2, 2014

Image for comparison. Semipalmated Sandpiper left side, Least Sandpiper right side. August 2, 2014

Image for comparison. Semipalmated Sandpiper left side. Notes: Darker legs or black. Shorter bill than Least SP and it is straighter than Least SP……..Least Sandpiper right side. Notes: Greenish to yellowish legs, longer bill than Semipalmated SP and slightly drooped bill where Least is more straight. August 2, 2014

Semipalmated Sandpiper, August 2, 2014

Baird’s Sandpiper

By admin | April 2, 2014 - 3:10 pm |April 2, 2014 Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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Baird’s Sandpiper photographed in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. This appears to be the earliest recorded date for a Baird’s Sandpiper to arrive in Wisconsin. There were 3 Baird’s Sandpipers at this location in a field just north of Hwy 106 on Mehring Road. I also tried 3 times in the last 24 hours to locate the Franklin’s Gull reported Northwest of Palmyra on Hwy 106 with no luck. Less than ideal shooting conditions due to shooting into the light at a long distance. Image taken on April 2, 2014.

Western Sandpiper

By admin | September 11, 2013 - 6:41 pm |September 11, 2013 Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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Western Sandpiper at Bradford Beach, Milwaukee, WI. Photographs taken September 11, 2013.

Western Sandpiper

Binomial name: Calidris mauri

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Description: Brown feathers on back with white underparts. Dark legs and bill.

Size: 5.5” – 6.7” long, 10.2” – 14.6” wingspan

Weight: 0.8 oz. – 1.2 oz.

Habitat: Coastal tundras, shorelines, and mudflats

Diet: Small insects such as flies and beetles as well as spiders, mollusks, and small crustaceans

Notes: Western Sandpipers breed in Siberia and Alaska, although migration will take them down the West Coast to California. Very rarely are they seen as far east as the Midwest.

Horicon Marsh and Hustisford August 20, 2013

By admin | August 21, 2013 - 8:50 am |December 10, 2013 Blackbirds, Ducks, Geese, and Swans, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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Photographs taken at Horicon Marsh and Hustisford on August 20, 2013.

Marsh Wren

Least Sandpiper

Blue-winged Teal Family

Stilt Sandpipers

Lesser Yellowlegs, Hustisford

Pectoral Sandpiper, Hustisford

Least Sandpipers, Hustisford

Least Sandpiper, Hustisford

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Pectoral Sandpipers, Hustisford

To view the full gallery of images, please click here.

Horicon Marsh, WI August 13, 2013

By admin | August 13, 2013 - 3:01 pm |August 15, 2013 Bitterns, Herons, and Allies, Rails, Gallinules, and Coots, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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Photographs from Horicon Marsh, Fond du lac/Dodge County, Wisconsin taken August 13, 2013.

Marbled Godwit

Common Moorhen with young

3 – Red-necked Phalaropes (background)

Spotted Sandpiper

Juvenile Stilt Sandpiper

Great Egret

To view the full gallery of images, please click here.

Cattle Egret

By admin | July 23, 2013 - 4:32 pm |August 7, 2013 Bitterns, Herons, and Allies, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

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The Cattle Egret is one of my nemesis birds this year. After many miles of driving through areas where Cattle Egrets had been reported, this was my first real chance to photograph one. This time it did not disappoint me. I saw not one bird, but two. They were in a double pasture with cows just northeast of Horicon Marsh on Stumpf Road in Fond du lac County, Wisconsin.

I’ve also included images of some Wilson’s Phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor) from Horicon Marsh.

Photographs taken July 23, 2013.

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.