Great Tit at Indian Mound Park in Sheboygan Wisconsin on March 8, 2019

With birding being some what slow, I decided it was time to try for the Great Tit. A bird I have always wanted to see and get on my life list even though it is not a countable bird at this time. I went for it thinking it will be added to the list sooner than later. It happened today after almost a 4 hour wait. There are several locations to try to see the Great Tit , but I also wanted to get a picture of it too. I made the run to Kohler-Andrae State Park first. I stood at the feeders by the ranger station for the first hour plus and it was Pine Siskins, both Nuthatches, American Tree Sparrows and the common feeder birds present. They had recently reported the Great Tit there so I thought I had a good chance. I felt it was time to go to my next location which was Indian Mound Park in Sheboygan. I walked the park almost from end to end very quietly looking for any movement of birds. It was just Black-capped Chickadee’s, both nuthatches and a small flock of American Robins came in to bath as there was some open water in the low areas. I think I was there over an hour. I went back to KASP again also driving the park, and spending some time at the feeder, nothing new. I went back to Indian Mound Park for the last time and spent another hour there. Just about ready to leave for the day and I spot what I thought was the Great Tit ~150 feet high in a tree. I put my bins on it and it flew and landed on a tree a few feet away from me. I was on a walking path at the time, I think it was checking me out. I could not get a shot as it was right above me so I slowly walked away. Looking back I was about 20 feet away, I took a couple shots and off it went. I hung around another 15-20 minutes hoping it would return but it did not. Harrington Beach is suppose to be a good place to see this bird too. So a life bird but not countable, like the European Goldfinch. The day started out at 7 degrees but warmed up fast with the full sun. No wind, it was quiet as a mouse everywhere I went. Images were taken on March 8, 2019.

Great Tit, looks like it just took a drink of water…

Great Tit

Binomial name: Passer montanus

Size: 5.5” long, 9”-10″ wing span

Weight: .57 oz

Note: The Great Tit is pretty common in Europe, but so far Wisconsin is the only state in the US where nesting populations have been found of this pet shop escapee.

Great Tit

Rock Lake Icehenge in Lake Mills Wisconsin on January 29, 2019

I got text late last night from a friend that the “Icehenge” on Rock Lake has returned in 2019. This location is on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin. I thought for sure today I was up doing a photo op in Antarctica with the day starting at -9F with a high of a -6F winds were 30 mph plus! The Icehenge, what an awesome piece of art and put together well by a group of local artists and craftsmen. It was similar to the Icehenge the group put up in the years 2015 and 2016. The ice for the Icehenge was actually cut near the structure, dragged over to the site and the upper pieces muscled up on top. There is a small structure that is put up near Icehenge a couple hundred feet away called an “altar”. Images of the altar are below. When standing in the middle of the Icehenge as the sun sets on a day very soon, the sun should set on the top of the altar and light should point to the middle of the Icehenge location. I was told this a couple years ago, the math was done on this, and if that actually happens is yet to be seen. It was a fun photo op for a few minutes on a cold and windy day with temps starting at -9F, the high for the day there was -6F out on the lake. Thanks Paula for the text! Images were taken on January 29, 2019.

The “Icehenge” as it looked today around noon!

The “Alter” way out…

As the snow blew…

When I arrived things were calm…

The Icehenge with the altar off in a distance…

Big Brown Bat Roost Report for 2021 in the Yard in Waukesha County Wisconsin

The Big Brown Bat Roost

The Big Brown bat roost report for 2021.

March 2021 8 PM Bat Count
3/20 Saturday 1
3/21 Sunday 1
3/22/Monday 2
3/23 Tuesday 2
3/24 Wednesday 0
3/25 Thursday 0
3/26 Friday 0
3/27 Saturday 0
3/28 Sunday 0
3/29 Monday 0
3/30 Tuesday 0
3/31 Wednesday 0

 

 

April 2021 8 PM Bat Count
4/1 Thursday 0
4/2 Friday 1
4/3 Saturday 1
4/4 Sunday 5
4/5 Monday 6
4/6 Tuesday 6
4/7 Wednesday 6
4/8 Thursday 6
4/9 Friday 6
4/10 Saturday 6
4/11 Sunday 4
4/12 Monday 4
4/13 Tuesday 4
4/14 Wednesday 4
4/15 Thursday 4
4/16 Friday 4
4/17 Saturday 4
4/18 Sunday 4
4/19 Monday 4
4/20 Tuesday 4
4/21 Wednesday 4
4/22 Thursday 4
4/23 Friday 4
4/24 Saturday 4
4/25 Sunday 4
4/26 Monday 4
4/27 Tuesday 4
4/28 Wednesday 4
4/29 Thursday 4
4/30 Friday 6

 

 

May 2021 8 PM Bat Count
5/1 Saturday 7
5/2 Sunday 7
5/3 Monday 7
5/4 Tuesday 7
5/5 Wednesday 7
5/6 Thursday 6
5/7 Friday 6
5/8 Saturday 6
5/9 Sunday 6
5/10 Monday 6
5/11 Tuesday 6
5/12 Wednesday 5
5/13 Thursday 5
5/14 Friday 12
5/15 Saturday 12
5/16 Sunday 12
5/17 Monday 4
5/18 Tuesday 4
5/19 Wednesday 3
5/20 Thursday 2
5/21 Friday 2
5/22 Saturday 2
5/23 Sunday 2
5/24 Monday 3
5/25 Tuesday 3
5/26 Wednesday 3
5/27 Thursday 3
5/28 Friday 3
5/29 Saturday 3
5/30 Sunday 3
5/31 Monday 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2021 8 PM Bat Count
6/1 Tuesday 3
6/2 Wednesday 3
6/3 Thursday 3
6/4 Friday 3
6/5 Saturday 3
6/6 Sunday 3
6/7 Monday 3
6/8 Tuesday 3
6/9 Wednesday 2
6/10 Thursday 5
6/11 Friday 5
6/12 Saturday 5
6/13 Sunday 5
6/14 Monday 5
6/15 Tuesday 5
6/16 Wednesday 5
6/17 Thursday 5
6/18 Friday 5
6/19 Saturday 5
6/20 Sunday 5
6/21 Monday 5
6/22 Tuesday 5
6/23 Wednesday 5
6/24 Thursday 5
6/25 Friday 5
6/26 Saturday 5
6/27 Sunday 5
6/28 Monday 5
6/29 Tuesday 5
6/30 Wednesday 5

 

 

July 2021 8 PM Bat Count
7/1 Thursday 5
7/2 Friday 5
7/3 Saturday 5
7/4 Sunday 5
7/5 Monday 5
7/6 Tuesday 23
7/7 Wednesday 5
7/8 Thursday 5
7/9 Friday 4
7/10 Saturday 0
7/11 Sunday 0
7/12 Monday 0
7/13 Tuesday 0
7/14 Wednesday 0
7/15 Thursday 0
7/16 Friday 1
7/17 Saturday 1
7/18 Sunday 12
7/19 Monday 10
7/20 Tuesday 10
7/21 Wednesday 12
7/22 Thursday 12
7/23 Friday 24
7/24 Saturday 26
7/25 Sunday 0
7/26 Monday 0
7/27 Tuesday 0
7/28 Wednesday 0
7/29 Thursday 4
7/30 Friday 4
7/31 Saturday 4

 

 

 

August 2021 8 PM Bat Count
8/1 Sunday 4
8/2 Monday 4
8/3 Tuesday 3
8/4 Wednesday 4
8/5 Thursday 4
8/6 Friday 0
8/7 Saturday 1
8/8 Sunday 3
8/9 Monday 1
8/10 Tuesday 4
8/11 Wednesday 3
8/12 Thursday 4
8/13 Friday 4
8/14 Saturday 4
8/15 Sunday 3
8/16 Monday 5
8/17 Tuesday 3
8/18 Wednesday 3
8/19 Thursday 3
8/20 Friday 4
8/21 Saturday 3
8/22 Sunday 4
8/23 Monday 3
8/24 Tuesday 3
8/25 Wednesday 5
8/26 Thursday 4
8/27 Friday 4
8/28 Saturday 6
8/29 Sunday 5
8/30 Monday 5
8/31 Tuesday 6

 

 

 

 

September 2021 8 PM Bat Count
9/1 Wednesday 6
9/2 Thursday 8
9/3 Friday 6
9/4 Saturday 4
9/5 Sunday 6
9/6 Monday 8
9/7 Tuesday 8
9/8 Wednesday 8
9/9 Thursday 11
9/10 Friday 10
9/11 Saturday 14
9/12 Sunday 12
9/13 Monday 11
9/14 Tuesday 12
9/15 Wednesday 12
9/16 Thursday 12
9/17 Friday 15
9/18 Saturday 16
9/19 Sunday 14
9/20 Monday 11
9/21 Tuesday 9
9/22 Wednesday 8
9/23 Thursday 8
9/24 Friday 8
9/25 Saturday 8
9/26 Sunday 12
9/27 Monday 18
9/28 Tuesday 14
9/29 Wednesday 12
9/30 Thursday 12

 

 

 

October 2021 8 PM Bat Count
10/1 Friday 12
10/2 Saturday 12
10/3 Sunday 12
10/4 Monday 12
10/5 Tuesday 10
10/6 Wednesday 8
10/7 Thursday 8
10/8 Friday 8
10/9 Saturday 6
10/10 Sunday 6
10/11 Monday 6
10/12 Tuesday 5
10/13 Wednesday 5
10/14 Thursday 0
10/15 Friday 1
10/16 Saturday 1
10/17 Sunday 1
10/18 Monday 1
10/19 Tuesday 0
10/20 Wednesday 0
10/21 Thursday 0
10/22 Friday 0

Sailbirding at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 12, 2018

The third Sailbirding trip of the season was made from the Milwaukee Community in Milwaukee this afternoon. Two sail boats were taken out and it was an exciting time for all! Bird counts in the study area were: 60 Double-crested Cormorants, 29 Ring-billed Gulls, 21 Herring Gulls. Out of the study, the control area just south along the breakwall, the bird of the day was a Lesser Black-backed Gull, along with 25 Herring Gulls, 22 Ring-billed Gulls and 41 Double-creasted Cormorants. Some other nice birds seen on our way out to the study area were 2 Sanderlings and a Surf Scoter.  Some nice algae was present along the breakwall too. Participants on this sailbirding run included in sail boat #1, sailor and birder Carl Eisenberg, Jennifer Rutten, and Drew Shuster. In sailboat #2, sailor and birder Helen Bolgrien, Jym Mooney and I. It was a mostly cloudy day with a couple minutes of sun, winds around 10-12 mph. Images were taken on October 12, 2018.

NOTE: The purpose of this sailbirding trip today was to document bird species on a portion of the breakwaters (breakwall to some). This portion of the breakwall has been changed by the Army Corps of Engineering by strategically adding smaller rocks to the giant ones along the breakwall structure. The Army Corps has collaborated with UWM with hopes to create breakwall habitat for a variety of living creatures including birds. Announced today, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is backing the Sailbirding Citizen Science!

Sailing out to the study area to do some sailbirding…

Approaching the study area, gulls were just flushed, we don’t know why…

The study area on the breakwall from the lighthouse right to where the rocks get larger…

Double-crested Cormorants in the study area…

Herring Gulls in the study area…

The other sailbirders looking intense for what birds they might see with sailor and birder Carl Eisenberg…

A Ring-billed Gull does a stretch in the study area…

The sailboat I am on, we are all counting birds and species…

Jym looks through his bins, looking for something different out there!

A Double-crested Cormorant does a flyover by the study area…

 

Sailor and birder Helen Bolgrien…she did an amazing job with the sailboat!

Bird of the day, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, with a darker back, in the control area…

Gulls galore!

A Herring Gull looks to the left in the control area…

Another view of the study area from the south…

Ring-billed Gulls loafing…

A wave to us from the other sailbirders…

Sailbirding north, the other sailbirders are in front of us…

2 Sanderlings seen on the way out to the study area feeding along the harbor rock wall…

Herring Gull coming in for a landing in the control area…

Sailbirding group…

American Pipits on the Milwaukee Lakefront on October 5, 2018

Birding the Milwaukee lakefront in the rain and mist this morning gave surprising views of American Pipits. Hitting the beaches for the second time I found an American Pipit at the north end of Bradford Beach. Birding Veterans Park near the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center I found 8 American Pipits near the parking area. Cars coming and going had them flushed all over the place but I did manage a few images before they starting moving south out of that area. All birds I observed appeared to be eating well, moths, gnats and other insects. It was a rainy misty morning that never let up up, temps were chilly with a stiff wind of Lake Michigan. Images were taken on October 5, 2018.

The American Pipit at Bradford Beach…The tail was always bobbing up and down, a characteristic of this species…

American Pipit

Binomial name: Anthus rubescens

Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies

Size: 6.5” long, 10.5” wing span

Weight: .74 Oz.

Note: Pipits are found on all continents, except Antarctica

The American Pipit finding things to eat…

Searching the beach area this bird found plenty to eat…

A look back…

This bird moved fast along the beach area picking through debris and finding things to eat…

American Pipit in the grass, 1 of 8 at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center at Veterans Park…

Moving through the grass area in search of food…

This one catches a large moth..

And eats it…

More things to eat…

Looking around…

A beautiful bird!

A pair of American Pipits off a ways looking for and getting things to eat…

Sailbirding at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 28, 2018

The second Sailbirding trip was made from the Milwaukee Community in Milwaukee this afternoon. It was an exciting time for all! Bird counts in the study area were: 1 Ruddy Turnstone being the highlight, 1 Sanderling, 30 Double-crested Cormorants, 40 Ring-billed Gulls, 25 Herring Gulls, 2 Mallards and 2 Sparrow spp. Out of the study area a Peregrine Falcon and  30 American Coots were located near the breakwall. Some nice algae was present along the breakwall too. Participants on this sailbirding run included in sail boat #1, sailor Carl Eisenberg, Jennifer Rutten, and myself. In sailboat #2, sailor Helen Bolgrien, Ann Lowrey and Jym Mooney. It was a cloudy day with some puffs, winds around 14 mph. Images were taken on September 28, 2018.

NOTE: The purpose of this sailbirding trip today was to document bird species on a portion of the breakwaters (breakwall to some). This portion of the breakwall has been changed by the Army Corps of Engineering by strategically adding smaller rocks to the giant ones along the breakwall structure. The Army Corps has collaborated with UWM with hopes to create breakwall habitat for a variety of living creatures including birds.

Sailing out to the breakwall to count birds present in the study area set up by the Army Corps of Engineering…

Ruddy Turnstone, bird of the trip in the study area!

Ruddy Turnstone

Double-crested Cormorant

Herring Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Sailbirding sailboat #2 checking out the breakwall…

Sailbirding boat #2 looking and counting with sailor Helen…

Another image of the study area were smaller and flatter rocks have been set for species habitat…

Sailor Carl at the controls of sailboat #1 with sailboat #2 in the background…

Jennifer with intense looks at the breakwall for bird species as we approach it…

Sailbirding group…

Sora at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on May 7, 2018

Birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee today, a stop at Lakeshore State Park provided nice views of a Sora. It came out of the cattails a couple of times to do some feeding. At first I thought it was an American Coot, seeing only the front of the head in the dark, but then, yes and Sora! It was a beautiful spring day with perfect temps, sunny skies with low winds.

Sora

Sora

Binomial name: Porzana carolina

Category: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Size: 8.75” long, 14” wingspan

Weight: 2.6 Oz

Note: Member of the rail family

Coming out through the cattails…

Looking for something to eat…

Going for something here…

Looking for food…

edible…?

The Sora drops it…

It went for something….

Walking around, looking for something to eat…

Finds something on the rock, but it does not take it…

Leaves it…

Back to the water…

Dives for something…

Has something here…

Eats it…

Opossum at a Milwaukee County Park on January 14, 2018

At one of county parks in Milwaukee today, I spotted this cute Opossum. It was eating what appeared to be small scraps of food maybe that were in a parking area. Eating appeared to be a high priority as it did not seem to mind me parked in my car taking a few photos. After a few minutes it went over a rocky edge and disappeared out of sight. Images were taken on January 14, 2018.

Our feathered friends in Marquette County Wisconsin on November 9, 2017

A closer look at some of our beautiful feather friends that we see almost daily in the winter. Just had a little fun photographing some of them today. Images were taken in Marquette County Wisconsin on November 9, 2017

Blue Jay, all eyes…

Black-capped Chickadee, just after landing…

Blue Jay, a wet bill from just getting a drink…

Dark-eyed Junco, just showing off…

Blue Jay, look at those beautiful feathers!

White-breasted Nuthatch

Blue Jay, wet bill from the big drink…

Black-capped Chickadee, perched pretty…

Blue Jay, the early morning sun just peeping through…

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee with the blowing wind…

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay, a little bit of a surprise to see me…

Dark-eyed Junco

Black-capped Chickadee

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

Doing some birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee, the highlight this morning was a beautiful Short-eared Owl that took flight at Lakeshore State Park when some walkers flushed it near to where I was. The owl flew off but then returned a couple minutes later. It gave nice views but I looked away for a moment and then back and it was gone. I never saw it leave or where it went. Another bird to note for the morning was a beautiful Glaucous Gull far out from Bradford Beach, the first sighting of the fall that I know of on the Milwaukee lakefront. It was hanging with ~100 Red-breasted Mergansers. I returned a little later and none of the above species were present. It was a pretty cold morning with stiff winds out of the NW, cloudy skies. Still a fun morning out birding. Images were taken on October 28, 2017.

Short-eared Owl, looking over the area after a return flight from out on the big lake…

Short-eared Owl

Binomial name: Asio flammeus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 15” long, 38” wing span

Weight: 12 oz

Note: Breeds in parts of  northern and southern Canada and all of Alaska in the summer. Winters in parts of the midwest, southern US and both east and west coast of the US.

Short-eared Owl, coming back to shore after a flight out over the water…

Short-eared Owl, looking over the area after a return flight from out on the big lake…

Just looking around…

Glaucous Gull, 2nd cycle out from Bradford Beach

The Cup Plant, wildflowers on wildflowers on August 6, 2017

With cloudy weather today and a good chance of rain I decided to try my luck at some Cup Plant in the yard. These plants are currently about 5-8 feet tall. Images were taken on August 6, 2017.

Cup Plant, Silphium perfoliatum

Most occasions the leaf cup holds water at the start of the day, birds frequent this plant for a drink…

The Cup Plant with Meadow Phlox in the background…

The Cup Plant with Royal Catchfly in the back ground

 

Bat roost construction information in Waukesha Wisconsin on April 3, 2017

I have had some requests for information on the construction of the bat roost we have on the front of our garage in Waukesha County. The fake door in the images has an outer covering of sheet aluminum, which just covers the roost itself. There is no entry into the garage. There are 3 chambers open top and bottom in the roost. Inside the 3 vertical chambers is about 8″ x 3/4″ x 54″ long. The outside of this roost is about 42″ x 54″. This roost hangs on the front of the garage. The inside of the roost there is no vinyl siding, it is all cedar. The bat roost was built on the ground and then hung up. This roost faces west and gets all afternoon sun. Bats come in and out from both ends, there is no rhyme or reason to where they are coming out next. I used rough sawn cedar boards for this, and the bats just cling to the face of these boards. They can leave the roost 2-3 or 4 at a time, just amazing. There are a few trees in the front yard. If you are standing on the driveway near the roost which happens once in awhile, the bats just come out and fly around you or over you. If you have parked cars on the driveway, they just come out and go over them, no collisions. The bats have been using this roost every year for probably 15-20 years. Numbers change every year. On the average in summer it has 25 bats in it during the day. When it really gets warm out, 70’s and 80’s it really fills up. When it gets extremely hot, they don’t hang out in the roost, it gets too hot. A typical evening at dusk the roost empties out. They usually empty the place out within 5-10 minutes. Bats are everywhere in the yard flying around catching insects probably mosquito’s. Bats seem to return to the roost at different times. If I am out very early in the morning I notice bats are returning to the roost. I only once found a bat on the ground under the roost, picked it up and let it rest awhile. After a few minutes I picked it up, held out my hand and it flew off. If a mess accumulates under the roost I just hose off the driveway right under the roost. I check the roost everyday and April 2 was the first of the year bats. When weather is cold, they may not leave the roost for a week or two.

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Bat leaving the roost at dusk…

1 chamber looking up inside the roost

1 chamber looking up inside the roost. You can see light at the top where it is open. It appears here I also used a piece of rough sawn cedar plywood.

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2 of the 3 chambers looking up

A bat leaving...

A bat leaving…

Another view of a chamber

The bat, a dark spot area about 1/3 of the way up inside on the right side out of focus. Another view of a chamber looking up. Image taken 4-3-2017

Bat coming out...

Bat coming out, this image taken in 2011…

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Rock Lake Icehenge in Lake Mills Wisconsin on January 27, 2016

I got the report from a friend that the “Icehenge” on Rock Lake has returned in 2016. This location is on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin. What an awesome piece of art and put together well by a group of local artists and craftsmen. It was similar to the Icehenge the group put up last year in 2015. The ice was actually cut near the structure, dragged over to the site and the upper pieces muscled up on top.  One person I ran into there today that helped in this construction of this event told me there was a small structure that is put up near Icehenge a couple hundred feet away called an “altar” if I heard it correct. Images of the altar are below. When standing in the middle of the Icehenge as the sun sets on Friday the 29th, the sun should set on the top of the altar and light should point to the middle of the Icehenge location. He said the math was done on this, and if that actually happens is yet to be seen. It was a fun photo op for a few minutes on a cold and windy day out on the lake. Thanks Paula! Images were taken on January 27, 2016.

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Alter

Altar

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In the moonlight!

In the moonlight!

Common Redpolls at Frame Park in Waukesha Wisconsin on January 16, 2016

I birded some of Milwaukee’s lakefront this morning to see what was around. Highlight at the lakefront was a immature Great Black-backed Gull and an adult that spent the time out in the water. The fun was just starting as I started heading home a received a text from Ryan S that Common Redpolls were near Frame Park in Waukesha. When I arrived, Ryan was just going to try to relocate them as they had flown off. After a 1/4 mile walk we relocated them along the river feeding on the cones on some Alder trees. What a show they put on with nice views. It was about a flock of 15-25, some came and went but the majority of them hung around for while. For the most part they continually pulled seeds from the cones and ate them. I had been down to the river 3 times this week looking for the Redpolls with no luck so this really made my day and the others that had been looking for them. A big thank you to Ryan for the text message this morning. Later Derek and Bruce showed up and also enjoyed the show. Images of the Common Redpolls eating seeds or gathering them were taken on January 16, 2016.

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll

Binomial name: Carduelis flammea

Category: Redpolls

Size: 5.25” long, 9” wing span

Weight: .46 oz

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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It’s all about food! Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

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Common Redpoll

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Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

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Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Our feathered friends in Waukesha County Wisconsin on November 8, 2015

Just had a little fun photographing some of our common feathered friends today. Images were taken in Waukesha County Wisconsin on November 8, 2015.

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Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker back view

Red-bellied Woodpecker back view

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Birding at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 26, 2015

I joined the Lake Park bird walk half way through it  after doing some birding on the lakefront. The general lakefront was very quiet with only a few Yellow-rumped Warblers at the Magic Hedge. After I joined the bird walk the highlight was a Gray-cheeked Thrush which only gave views for a couple seconds. Some of the other birds that I saw to note were Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-throated Sparrows, and Chipping Sparrows, White-crowned, Eastern Bluebirds and a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. I’m not sure what the bird walk group saw, and what I missed, but a full report I’m sure will be posted. It was fun to do some birding with friends I have not seen for awhile. It was overcast at the time I was there, just mild temps. Images were taken on September 26, 2015.

Lincoln's Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow

Lincoln's Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

White-throated Sparrow eating seeds

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird juvenile, some spots

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird juvenile, some spots

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird Juvenile, some spots

Shorebirds at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 18, 2015

I made a run to the Milwaukee lakefront this morning to see what if any shorebirds were present. My first stop was Bradford Beach and some shorebirds were hanging out. Last nights storms that came through made for some change as it has been slow so far this fall at the lakefront. Just common shorebirds were present, Semipalmated Plovers, Sanderlings, and a couple Least Sandpipers but it made for a fun couple of hours watching them feed and whatever else shorebirds do. At one point about 10 shorebirds stopped feeding around me, laid motionless in the sand for about 5 minutes. I looked around numerous times to see what had them on edge but never saw anything. Obviously something could have been sitting up in a tree watching, possibly a Peregrine Falcon. Things went back to normal in a few minutes and they went right back to feeding like nothing ever happened. Later, three of us Bruce, Jym and I birded for awhile, it was a nice morning to be out with overcast skies, light winds and cool temps. Images were taken on September 18, 2015.

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling with food

Sanderling getting the food

Sanderling getting the food

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper all fluffed up!

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper with the food

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper getting the food

Least Sandpiper getting the food

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover on the move!

Semipalmated Plover on the move!

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Sanderling hunkered down as a hawk, falcon etc must be in the area.

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover eyeing up the food

Semipalmated Plover eyeing up the food

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover with food in bill

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover with food in bill

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Birding at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 19, 2015

I birded Lake Park in Milwaukee for a couple hours this morning. Kinglet action was the busiest I have seen it this year so far with both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Some of the highlights were Brown Thrashers, White-throated Sparrows, Hermit Thrushs, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Wild Turkeys. It was birdie at times but also quiet too. Images were taken on April 19, 2015.

Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrasher

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female spots an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female following an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female still following the insect

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female still following the insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for the insect and getting it!

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for the insect and gets it!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male takes off for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female looking for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female looking for an insect.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female gets an insect!

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female eying up an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female eying up an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female getting an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female getting an insect.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, female

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female watching an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female going for an insect.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female getting an insect!

Golden-crowned Kinglet, female getting an insect!

Rock Lake Icehenge in Lake Mills Wisconsin on February 5, 2015

I got the report of the “Rock Lake Icehenge” early this morning on Rock Lake in Lake Mills Wisconsin. What an awesome piece of art! I had some free time and thought I would check it out. It was a cool but different type of photo opportunity. I got out on ice and gave it a shot with the camera. This is a very interesting piece of art, and cool as how it was made. The ice was actually cut near the structure, dragged over to the site and the upper pieces muscled up on top. It was put together well considering lake ice.  The ice is even on the structure as the way it sits in the lake. It was a cold day out on the lake with a high of only 12 and stiff winds. Thanks to the team of guys that put this art piece together and a great job doing it, sharing their talents, and getting the word out for others to see and photograph too! I have to admit it was a challenge to get some shots!

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Wisconsin birding, the year in review 2014. Includes vagrants, special visitors or just the beautiful birds that either nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin.

I have put together a collection of Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2014. 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 2014. 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.

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Snowy Owl at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Snowy Owl at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Snowy Owl at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Snowy Owl at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Snowy Owl going for the vole at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Snowy Owl at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Snowy Owl at the Waukesha County Airport January 2014

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Red-tailed Hawk at Mitchell Park in Brookfield Wisconsin February 2, 2014

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Red-tailed Hawk going for the prey at Mitchell Park in Brookfield Wisconsin February 2, 2014

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Red-tailed Hawk getting its prey at Mitchell Park in Brookfield Wisconsin February 2, 2014

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Red-tailed Hawk at Mitchell Park in Brookfield Wisconsin February 2, 2014

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Snowy Owl at Buena Vista Grasslands Wildlife Area February 11,2014. It was said to be the most photographed Snowy Owl in the state for the 2013-2014 season!

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Red-throated Loon at the Milwaukee River Mouth on Milwaukee’s Lakefront on February 23, 2014.

Red-breasted Merganser Shaking Off - Male

Red-breasted Merganser, male at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin February 2014

Common Goldeneye - Male

Common Goldeneye, male at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin February 2014

Northern Shoveler - Male

Northern Shoveler, male at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin February 2014

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Pied-billed Grebe at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin March 2014

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at the  Fox River Sanctuary Waukesha Wisconsin April 30, 2014

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher April 22, 2014

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at the Fox River Sanctuary Waukesha Wisconsin April 30, 2014

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin March 29, 2014

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Horned Grebe at the Fox River in Waukesha Wisconsin March 29, 2014

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Ruby-crowned Kinglet at the Fox River Sanctuary Waukesha Wisconsin on April 30, 2014

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Ruby-crowned Kinglet at the Fox River Sanctuary Waukesha Wisconsin on April 30, 2014

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Worm-eating Warbler at the Fox River Park South Waukesha Wisconsin April 29, 2014

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Worm-eating Warbler looking for larvae (worms) at the Fox River Park South Waukesha Wisconsin April 29, 2014

Looking for larvae (worms)

Worm-eating Warbler looking for larvae (worms) at the Fox River Park South Waukesha Wisconsin April 29, 2014

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Garganey at Grantsburg Wisconsin on May 1, 2014

Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroat, male at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin May 8, 2014

Eastern Towhee - Female

Eastern Towhee, female at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin May 8, 2014

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

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

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Black-throated Green Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 10, 2014

Wilson's Warbler - Male

Wilson’s Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 10, 2014

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Cape May Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 13, 2014

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Magnolia Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 14, 2014

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Yellow Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 8, 2014

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Tennessee Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 10, 2014

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Northern Parula at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 14, 2014

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Blackburnian Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 16, 2014

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Chestnut-sided Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 18, 2014

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Bay-breasted Warbler at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 20, 2014

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American Redstart at the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha Wisconsin on May 18, 2014

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Cattle Egret at the Fox River Park South Waukesha on May 24, 2014

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Cattle Egret at the Fox River Park South Waukesha on May 24, 2014

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Snowy Egret on the right with Great Egret at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on May 24, 2014

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Sandhill Crane with a colt in the South Kettle Moraine Waukesha County Wisconsin June 6, 2014

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Sandhill Crane colt in the South Kettle Moraine Waukesha County Wisconsin June 6, 2014

Bonaparte’s Gull North Point and Laughing Gull Port Washington June 10, 2014

Bonaparte’s Gull North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin on June 10, 2014

Little Gull at North Point Sheboygan Wisconsin June 10, 2014

Laughing Gull - adult

Laughing Gull at Port Washington Wisconsin on June 10, 2014

Common Loon

Common Loon in Sawyer County Wisconsin June 30, 2014

Killing the crayfish.

Green Heron killing a crayfish at Lakeshore State Park on July 9, 2014

Resting

Green Heron resting at Lakeshore State Park on July 9, 2014

Killing the crayfish.

Green Heron killing a crayfish at Lakeshore State Park on July 9, 2014

Hunting

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron resting at Lakeshore State Park on July 10, 2014

Resting

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron resting at Lakeshore State Park on July 10, 2014

Catching the crayfish!

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron catching a crayfish at Lakeshore State Park on July 10, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Hoary Vervain

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Hoary Vervain at Lakeshore State Park on July 10, 2014

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Royal Catchfly in Waukesha County on July 20, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Royal Catchfly in Waukesha County on July 20, 2014

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Blue Grosbeak at the Spring Green Preserve in Sauk County Wisconsin on August 9, 2014

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Red Knot in Hustisford Wisconsin on August 15, 2014

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Red Knot in Hustisford Wisconsin on August 15, 2014

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Semipalmated Plover, juvenile at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on August 15, 2014

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Black-bellied Plover Myer’s Park Racine Wisconsin August 19, 2014

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

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

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

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

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Whimbrels at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 2, 2014

Whimbrel at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 2, 2014

Whimbrel at Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 2, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Waukesha Wisconsin September 4, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Cardinal Flower in Waukesha Wisconsin September 4, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia species

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Zinnia species in Waukesha Wisconsin on September 8, 2014

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

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

Sanderlings at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 10, 2014

Sanderlings at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 10, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at the Bottle Gentian September 10, 2014

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at the Bottle Gentian September 10, 2014

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

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

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

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

Parasitic Jaeger at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 19, 2014

Parasitic Jaeger at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on September 19, 2014

American Golden-Plovers at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 24, 2014

American Golden-Plover at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 24, 2014

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American Golden-Plover with a worm at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin September 24, 2014

 

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

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American Avocet Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin September 30, 2014

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Horned Grebe Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin October 7, 2014

Glaucous Gull at McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront October 9, 2014

Glaucous Gull at McKinley Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront October 9, 2014

Semipalmated Sandpiper with blowing sand!

Semipalmated Sandpiper with blowing sand at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 3, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia's yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 15, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia’s yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 15, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia's yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 16, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia’s yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 19, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia's yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 15, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia’s yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 19, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia's yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 19, 2014. Banding the bird!

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia’s yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 19, 2014. Banding the bird!

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia's yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 15, 2014. This bird was banded in Cynthia's yard, and set free. Bird was relocated on November 1, 2014 in South Carolina

Rufous Hummingbird (Cynthia’s yard bird), at Fort Atkinson Wisconsin on October 15, 2014. This bird was banded in Cynthia’s yard, and set free. Bird was relocated on approximately November 15, 2014 in North Carolina.

Anna’s Hummingbird in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014

Anna’s Hummingbird in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014

Anna’s Hummingbird in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014

Anna’s Hummingbird in Sauk County Wisconsin on October 21, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird in Waukesha County Wisconsin on October 23, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird in Eagle Waukesha County Wisconsin on October 23, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird in Waukesha County Wisconsin on October 23, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird in Eagle Waukesha County Wisconsin on October 23, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird at Black Earth Wisconsin October 26, 2014

Rufous Hummingbird at Black Earth Wisconsin October 26, 2014

Snowy Owl at the Lake Express in Milwaukee Wisconsin November 29, 2014

Snowy Owl at the Lake Express in Milwaukee Wisconsin November 29, 2014

Long-tailed Duck at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin December 6, 2014

Long-tailed Duck at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin December 6, 2014

American Three-toed Woodpecker in Burnett County Wisconsin on December 10, 2014

American Three-toed Woodpecker in Burnett County Wisconsin on December 10, 2014

American Three-toed Woodpecker working the tree, distant doc shot

American Three-toed Woodpecker working the tree, distant doc shot

Red-tailed Hawk at the Lake Express Milwaukee Wisconsin December 23, 2014

Red-tailed Hawk at the Lake Express Milwaukee Wisconsin December 23, 2014

Red-tailed Hawk at the Lake Express Milwaukee Wisconsin December 23, 2014

Red-tailed Hawk at the Lake Express Milwaukee Wisconsin December 23, 2014

The End

Link to Wisconsin Birding Year in Review 2015:

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