Coyote at the Wisconsin Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 8th & 12th 2014

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.

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Coyote

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.

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

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.

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Anna’s Hummingbird

Binomial name: Calypte anna

Category: Hummingbirds

Size: 4″ long, 5.25” wingspan

Weight: 0.15 oz

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Great Black-backed Gull at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on October 16, 2014

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.

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Great Black-backed Gull

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.

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Preening

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Preening

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Preening

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With fish

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With fish

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With fish

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Great Black-backed Gull, back – Herring Gull, front

October 17, 2014

October 17, 2014

October 17, 2014

October 17, 2014

October 17, 2014

October 17, 2014

Great Black-backed Gull, back Glaucous Gull, front

Great Black-backed Gull, back – Glaucous Gull, front

Great Black-backed Gull, back Herring Gull, front

Great Black-backed Gull, back – Glaucous Gull, front

Glaucous Gull defending its fish!

Glaucous Gull defending its territory!

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Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

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:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/great-black-backed-gull/

Rufous Hummingbird at Ft. Atkinson Wisconsin on October 15, 2014

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.

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Rufous Hummingbird

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.

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If you care to view images of the Rufous Hummingbird that visited a private residence in Sheboygan Wisconsin October 27, 2013, please click here.

Vagrants and rare bird sightings in Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana

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.

Tricolored Heron Findley Jefferson County Wisconsin June 18, 2013

Tricolored Heron at Findley Road VPA in Jefferson County Wisconsin on June 18, 2013

California Gull Johnson Creek Landfill Jefferson County Wisconsin February 23, 2012

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

Ross's Gull Red Cliff Iowa December 7, 2013

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 Goose Pond Indiana March 29, 2013

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.

Tricolored Heron in Manitowac Coounty Wisconsin on May 5, 2013

Tricolored Heron in Manitowac County Wisconsin on May 5, 2013

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Vermilian Flycatcher at Stebbinsville and Wallen Roads in Rock County Wisconsin on November 7, 2011

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Western Grebe at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on November 10, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Cave Swallow at South Metro in Oak Creek Wisconsin on November 22, 2010

Slaty-backed Gull 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

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

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

Cinnamon Teal with Blue-winged Teals at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County Wisconsin on April 29, 2012

Cinnamon Teal, male with Blue-winged Teals, males at the Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County Wisconsin on April 29, 2012

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

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.

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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.

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Red Knot Hustisford Wisconsin August 16, 2014

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.

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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 Pectoral Sandpiper

Red Knot with a Semipalmated Sandpiper

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Red Knot with a Pectoral Sandpiper

Red Knot

Red Knot

Red Knot

Red Knot

Red Knot with a Lesser Yellowlegs

Red Knot with a Lesser Yellowlegs

Red Knot with a Pectoral Sandpiper

Red Knot with a Least Sandpiper

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot

Red Knot

Red Knot

Red Knot

Fluffed up Red Knot

Fluffed up Red Knot

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot feeding

Red Knot Hustisford Wisconsin August 15, 2014

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.

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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.

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Shorebirds at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin August 15, 2014

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.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Semipalmated Plover, Juv.

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper scratching

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper scratching

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper feeding

Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper with corophium volutator, what they eat.

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper feeding

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper, Juv.

Semipalmated Sandpiper, Juv.

Wisconsin Native Wildflowers and Shrubs July 5, 2014

22 different Wisconsin native wildflowers and shrubs blooming on July 5, 2014. Most images were taken at the Retzer Nature Center Waukesha County Wisconsin. A couple others were taken on private property in Waukesha County Wisconsin.

Butterfly Plant, Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Plant, Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Compass Plant, Silphium lacinatum

Compass Plant, Silphium lacinatum

Wild Bergamot, Monarda fistulosa

Wild Bergamot, Monarda fistulosa

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis

Ohio Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis

Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca

Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca

Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

Meadow Anemone, Anemone canadensis

Meadow Anemone, Anemone canadensis

Leadplant, Amorpha canescens

Leadplant, Amorpha canescens

New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus americanus

New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus americanus

Prairie Cinquefoil, Potentilla arguta

Prairie Cinquefoil, Potentilla arguta

Angelica, Angelica artopupurea

Angelica, Angelica artopupurea

Showy Tick Trefoil, Desmodium canadense

Showy Tick Trefoil, Desmodium canadense

White Wild Indigo, Baptisia leucantha

White Wild Indigo, Baptisia leucantha

Purple Prairie Clover, Petalostemum purpureum

Purple Prairie Clover, Petalostemum purpureum

Pale Purple Coneflower, Echinacea pallida

Pale Purple Coneflower, Echinacea pallida

Glade Mallow, Napaea dioica

Glade Mallow, Napaea dioica

Hoary Vervain, Verbena stricta

Hoary Vervain, Verbena stricta

Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata

Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata

Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Coreopsis lanceolata

Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Coreopsis lanceolata

Prairie Coreopsis, Coreopsis palmata

Prairie Coreopsis, Coreopsis palmata

The start of blooming Culver's Root, Veronicastrum virginicum

The start of blooming Culver’s Root, Veronicastrum virginicum

White Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

White Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

Butterfly Plant, Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Plant, Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis

Ohio Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis

Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

Meadow Anemone, Anemone canadensis

Meadow Anemone, Anemone canadensis

Butterfly Plant, Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Plant, Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Showy Tick Trefoil, Desmodium canadense

Showy Tick Trefoil, Desmodium canadense

Common Loons, Great Blue Herons and more Sawyer County Wisconsin June 22-26, 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.

Common Loon stretching with young watching.

Common Loon adult stretching with chick watching.

Common Loon

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.

Common Loon with young

Common Loon with chick.

Common Loon stretching

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon stretching.

Common Loon young.

Common Loon chick.

Common Loon young calling for food.

Common Loon chick calling.

Common Loon with chick.

Common Loon with chick.

Common Loon

Common Loon at takeoff.

Common Loon

Common Loon

Common Loon feeding chick.

Common Loon feeding chick.

Common Loon chick.

Common Loon chick with food.

Common Loon chick.

Common Loon chick.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron coming in for a landing.

Great Blue Heron coming in for a landing.

Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.

Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.

Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.

Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.

Great Blue Heron fishing.

Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.

American Woodcock, it was struting at this time shifting it's weight from foot to foot.

American Woodcock, was doing a strut at this time shifting it’s weight from foot to foot.

American Bald Eagle adult perched in a tree.

American Bald Eagle adult perched in a tree.

A Chestnut-sided Warbler bringing a variety of food items to a nest for the chicks.

A Chestnut-sided Warbler bringing a variety of food items to a nest for the chicks.