I made the run out to the Schoenberg Marsh in Columbia County this morning in hopes to see the Eurasian Wigeon. It was there as reported and only gave distant views while I was there. The duck is actually at the Erstad Prairie pond which is about the same location as Schoenberg Marsh. The beautiful male duck was active the whole time I was present. It seemed to hang out with different ducks, dipped and feed with an American Wigeon. The Marsh was a great place this morning with many duck species. Some of the species were Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks and Blue-winged Teal. Always nice to start the day with a new Wisconsin life bird. From there I hit Goose Pond just down the road it had Tundra Swans and many Canada Geese. Another pond just down the road, DM and I had 4 Pectoral Sandpipers, 2 Wilson’s Snips and 1 Rusty Blackbird. From there I went down to the Rock County Airport with hopes to see the reported Loggerhead Shrike. I spent some time there but came up empty. Ended the day hitting a few spots in the South Kettle Moraine and just had a few Sandhill Cranes. Thanks to Valerie who found the Eurasian Wigeon and to the others who got the word out for others to see the uncommon species to the area. A big thanks to Melody for those perfect directions to the marsh pond! A cool morning with some sun, target bird found, meeting birding friends along the way today made for an exciting day! Images were taken on April 6, 2015.
Eurasian Wigeon, male
Eurasian Wigeon
Binomial name: Anas penelope
Category: Ducks, Geese and Swans
Size: 20” long, 32” wing span
Weight: 1.5 lb
Cool facts: Birds that are found in North America each year are likely birds that have come from eastern Siberia and Iceland. They have not found breeding Eurasian Wigeons in North America but it could be taking place.
Eurasian Wigeon, male
American Wigeon, male front, Eurasian Wigeon, male back
American Wigeon, male front, Eurasian Wigeon, male back
Eurasian Wigeon, male, left, American Wigeon, male, right
Eurasian Wigeon, male
Eurasian Wigeon, male, middle, American Wigeon, male, right
American Wigeon, male and Eurasian Wigeon, male dipping
Some waterfowl with the Eurasian Wigeon from a distance at Schoenberg Marsh
Wood Duck at the marsh, male
Blue-winged Teal, male Goose Pond
Blue-winged Teal, female Goose Pond
Tundra Swan at Goose Pond
Tundra Swans at Goose Pond
Tundra Swan, Goose Pond
Tundra Swan preening, Goose Pond
Tundra Swan, Goose Pond
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane, the call, South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane feeding in the South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Sandhill Crane South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Mallard Duck, female South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Mallard Duck, male South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Song Sparrow finding food at Paradise Springs South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Song Sparrow finding food at Paradise Springs South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Song Sparrow finding food at Paradise Springs South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Song Sparrow finding food at Paradise Springs South Kettle Moraine near Eagle
Great photos. Congrats!
Jim – thank you for capturing such delicate, wet beauty moving across the pond. It’s a scene that speaks of sanctuary – but only for a time. We can just imagine the harsh elements and the long flights these birds have taken to reach these quiet waters. What amazing views of the crane – we can hear that prehistoric call echoing over the marsh. Thanks for taking us there!
It’s always a pleasure to see your photos! I especially like the ones of the Crane calling.
Outstanding as usual!
Your pictures are always amazing! I am looking to buy a super telephoto, could you tell me which lens you use. Is a used version to big of a risk for an amateur?