Dickcissels bringing food to the nest site in Franklin Wisconsin on July 8, 2016

I did some birding in Franklin at a spot that has had some nesting Dickcissels. Bruce joined me and we enjoyed watching the females bringing insects to two different nests. The nests being just off the ground in grasses we did see and did not want to disturb the nesting site looking for them. Males were present too in the nesting areas, and not sure, but I thought I saw a male transfer an insect to a female who took it into the nest. Feeding was on and off during the time we were there. What I found interesting to see at this location was an area of undeveloped land that was total non-native species, some very aggressive species, such as Crownvetch, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Teasel, Bull Thistle, Burdock to name a few along with some non-natives grasses in which the nests were, something I would consider big mess and the Dickcissels found it a place to nest, great! Images were taken on July 8, 2016.

Dickcissel, female with grasshopper

Dickcissel

Binomial name: Spiza americana

Category: Cardinals, Piranga Tanagers and Allies

Size: 6.25” long, 9.75” wing span

Weight: 0.95 oz

Dickcissel, female with grasshopper

Dickcissel, female with something

Dickcissel, male

Dickcissel, female

Dickcissel, male

Dickcissel, female with something

Dickcissel, female

Dickcissel, female with something

Dickcissel, female

Dickcissel, male

Dickcissel, female with grasshopper

Dickcissel, female with something

Dickcissel, female

Dickcissel, female