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

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!

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

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

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 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 approximately November 15, 2014 in North Carolina.
Link to Wisconsin Birding Year in Review 2015:
While birding the Milwaukee lakefront I came across a Coyote twice in a week at the Wisconsin Coast Guard Impoundment area. It was not the most birdie of a mornings, but these sightings made for a few fun moments. It just roamed around both times through the grass areas hoping to kick up a rodent of some sort. Images were taken on the 8th and the 12th of November 2014.
Scientific name: Canis latrans
Type: Mammal
Average life span in the wild: 10 to 14 years, in captivity up to 20 years.
Size: Head and rump 32″-37″ long, tails typically are 16″ long.
Weight: Males 18-44 lbs, Females 15-40 lbs.
I made a run up to Sauk Co. with Cynthia this morning with hopes to see the very rare visiting bird to the state, the Anna’s Hummingbird. From what I heard this western bird, will be the 5th ever recorded bird in the state of Wisconsin. As we arrived, Chris was waiting, standing there, not looking happy as he said, I have been here for 1 hour and I have not seen the bird. In only seconds the sound of the hummer was present. We had not even had our cameras out of our bags and it was on the feeder. We had a very big laugh! The bird was on and off all morning with some long periods in between feedings. It perched high, it perched low, it perched out of sight. This bird put on I think the biggest show ever of all the years I have been birding being so photogenic. The colors on the bird were so stunning from one moment to the next as it’s position changed perched, colors I have never saw on a bird. All and all a very exciting day! It is a life bird for me! It was nice to see some birders too that I have not ran across in a while like Daryl, Chris and others. A very big thank you to the host Linda who allowed us all to come on to her property to see this bird and all the special goodies she provided making us feel so welcome. I hope the bird continues for others to see.
Binomial name: Calypte anna
Category: Hummingbirds
Size: 4″ long, 5.25” wingspan
Weight: 0.15 oz
I did some birding on Milwaukee’s lakefront late morning today. The highlight was a 2nd cycle Great Black-backed Gull at Bradford Beach. This bird was born in summer of 2013. Also still hanging around was the beautiful Glaucous Gull that has been in the area since about October 8th. They hung out in the same area on the beach. It was another day of clouds with a little mist thrown in, but a pleasant day with mild temps. There was a little excitement when the Glaucous Gull was defending its territory with a Herring Gull. The Great Black-backed Gull typically breeds in Northeastern Canada and winters along the eastern US coast. Once in awhile a couple are found along the great lakes during migration. If I have some mislabeled please let me know, thank you! Images were taken on October 16-17, 2014.
Binomial name: Larus marinus
Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Description: The largest member of the gull family. White feathers with grayish-black backs and wings. The wings have white wingtips. Pink legs, strong yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.
Size: 25” – 31” long, 4’ 10” – 5’ 7” wingspan
Weight: 1.7 lbs. – 5.1 lbs.
Habitat: Rocky and sandy coastal shorelines, ponds, lakes, and marshes
Diet: 50% or more of their diet is often garbage or human refuse. They also eat fish, insects, crabs, smaller birds, chick eggs, and land animals such as rats.
Nesting: Both parents build several nests on or near stacks of rocks or fallen logs. The female chooses the best one, and it is lined with grass, seaweed, and other vegetation or garbage such as rope and pieces of plastic. The female will lay a clutch of 3 eggs and both parents incubate them for about 28 days. Both parents raise the hatchlings, take turns finding food. The breeding pair will reuse the same nesting site year after year.
Notes: Great Black-backed Gull feathers were used in clothing while feathers were fashionable in the late 1800’s. Once the trend ended, populations began to increase. This trend continues with the increase in refuse sites across North America and Europe.
Images of an adult Great Black-backed Gull taken at Wind Point in Racine on November 30, 2013 at this link if you care to view them:
I got a tip on the hummingbird out in Ft. Atkinson, Jefferson Co. Wisconsin at a private residence. I had hoped to get some shots to help in the ID’ing this bird. Cynthia had some excellent shots of this bird. The bird has been confirmed as a female Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus. I was there for a couple of hours and it was gloomy with light rain the whole time. I apologize for some of these images as they are not the best, but for ID purposes I put them up. The bird hit the same feeder each time it came into the yard, which was under an overhang. I never saw the bird sit perched out in the open, probably because of the light rain that never stopped. One time after feeding I saw it fly into a large spruce tree, so it probably was hanging out in that tree under cover between feedings which were about every 30-45 minutes. This bird very seldom spread its tail feathers while I was present. Wow, what a beautiful bird! Thanks to who got the information out on this bird! Images were taken on October 15, 2014.
Binomial name: Selasphorus rufus
Category: Hummingbirds
Description: Primarily rust-colored feathers with a small patch of white on the chest. Red-orange patch on throat. Short wings and a slender, slightly sloping bill.
Size: 2.8″-3.5″ long, 3” – 4” wingspan
Weight: 0.071 oz. – 0.18 oz
Habitat: Open broadleaf forests, orchards, meadows, parks, swamps, and yards
Natural Range: West Coast from Alaska to Mexico and Rocky Mountains, wintering in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern Atlantic states. They are occasionally, although rarely, found in cold-weather areas such as the Midwest due to their surprising hardiness.
Diet: Tree and flower nectar, small insects, and hummingbird feeders
Nesting: The males may mate with several females but do not care for the young. The female provides all parental care, building a nest in a protected tree or shrub. They favor either deciduous or coniferous trees such as spruce, cedar, maples, pines, birch, and hemlocks. The nest is made out of bud scales, lichen, spider silk, and dandelion or thistle down. The same nest may be used year after year and not necessarily by its previous occupant. The female will lay 2-3 eggs at a time, laying 1 brood per summer. She incubates the eggs for 15-17 days, and the young remain in the nest for 15-19 days.
Notes: This high-strung bird is considered extremely aggressive and will chase other animals from feeders or its nest including larger birds, chipmunks, and even other hummingbirds. Like other hummingbirds, Roufus Hummingbirds are adept flyers and can hover, dart, and perch with ease. They have even been seen to pluck insects out of midair.
If you care to view images of the Rufous Hummingbird that visited a private residence in Sheboygan Wisconsin October 27, 2013, please click here.
In the last couple of years I have chased a few vagrants or rare birds in Wisconsin and even the midwest. Some are already on my blog, some are not. These are some that are not. Listed below are a few images with species, locations and dates. In some cases doc shots were taken.

California Gull, middle standing, gray legs, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin February 23, 2012

Ross’s Gull at Lake Red Rock in Iowa on December 7, 2013. Bird is in upper portion of image with wings up in the middle, not will flock of gulls in middle of image. Bird was viewed for about 7 days, this being the last reported date. Bird remained a distance of 3/4 to 1 mile from the closest vantage point, that is the reason for the very distant shot. A couple 100 birders were present to see this spectacular bird that day.

Spotted Redshank at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana on March 29, 2013. This bird drew 1,000’s of visitors from throughout the US. After our arrival at 8:00 am we stood patiently along a dike waiting for the bird to come into a pond in front of us as it has a few mornings in the past. After a 15 minute wait, the Spotted Redshank came in an landed in the large pond in front of us as expected but remained a long was away from the dike while viewing. That is the reason for the distant shot.

Slaty-backed Gull, middle, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on December 22, 2012

Slaty-backed Gull, middle, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on December 22, 2012

Slaty-backed Gull, middle, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on December 22, 2012

Slaty-backed Gull, middle, at Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on December 22, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I made an early morning run to Bradford Beach on Milwaukee’s Lakefront with hopes in seeing some shorebirds. There is a nice algae bed forming on the south end. Just some of the more common shorebirds were feeding there. Species present were Semipalmated Plovers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Killdeer. Images were taken on August 15, 2014.
On a recent trip to Sawyer County in Northern Wisconsin, I had the opportunity to watch and enjoy Common Loons with a chick, Great Blue Herons, American Bald Eagles and more. Images were taken June 22-26, 2014.
Binomial name: Gavia immer
Category: Loons
Description: Black head with black and white checkered body in summer for breeding season; brown and white body in the winter. Blackish-blue bill that is held horizontally and black feet.
Size: 24″-40″ long, 4′ – 5′ wingspan
Weight: 4 lbs. – 8 lbs.
Habitat: Large lakes and shorelines
Diet: Fish (perch, trout, sunfish, bass)
Nesting: Usually nests on small islands or other locations safe from land-based predators. The nest may be made out of thin sticks, dried grasses, or a depression in mud or sand. Typically 1 to 3 eggs will be laid at one time and will be incubated by both parents. The parents aggressively protect their nests and share the responsibility of feeding the young. Baby loons may be seen riding on the back of either parent in the water.
Notes: The Common Loon has legs positioned in the rear of its body. This makes for excellent diving and graceful swimming; however, it also makes for awkward landings and clumsy walking. In fact, Loons require a “runway” spanning 30 yards or 1/4 mile for take-off and landing AND it can only be done in water. Loons have actually been stranded in small ponds, icy lakes, or even a parking lot without a suitable runway and must be rescued.