Doing some birding in the South Kettle Moraine today the highlight was a FOY Eastern Phoebe. It was at Paradise Springs off in a distance actively feeding, eating some type of insects above the water, the few that were there. The short time I saw it, it was perched most … Continue reading
Birding Lake Park this morning in Milwaukee the highlight was a Black-capped Chickadee eating Staghorn Sumac seeds at a group of plants. An American Robin also made a brief appearance for some seeds but did not hang around. What a great native plant as this species provides food for so … Continue reading
Doing a little birding at Greenfield Park around noon I came across an American Robin working on a worm. It pulled it out of the ground just before I arrived but then I watch it stab the worm numerous times killing it. The story ends as it ate the worm … Continue reading
Nice to see this Eastern Screech Owl in Milwaukee County. The owl came up from in the hole and gave nice views but never opened its eyes while I was there. Just looking cozy up in a natural cavity. It was a beautiful morning out with plenty of sunshine and … Continue reading
A little birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning provided nice views of a Snow Goose juvenile at Lakeshore State Park. The Snow Goose hung out with about 20-25 Canada Geese. They all grazed on the short turf grass while I was there. Eventually the flock thinned out as … Continue reading
Doing some birding along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning I came across my FOY Killdeer. Always nice to see these as it seems like winter is behind us. Usually I hear the distinct call from this species before I seeing it, today I saw the bird first. This bird … Continue reading
I made a run up to Port Washington in Ozaukee County early this morning in hopes to see the Laughing Gull that was reported yesterday. Upon arriving at 7:00 am, I could see the adult Laughing Gull after making about 10 steps away from the car. Wow, what a stunning … Continue reading
Birding along the Fox River in downtown Waukesha today produced a pair of adult Hooded Mergansers, males. They briefly gave nice views when hanging out with Mallards, but then at times moved short distances up and down the river by themselves. There were still ~50 Common Goldeneye on the river … Continue reading
A stop at Bender Park in Milwaukee County this morning gave nice views of a adult female Long-tailed Duck. Considered a diving duck, this duck dove for food most of the time while I was present. I think a cool looking duck anytime of the year. Other stops I made … Continue reading
While birding some of the Milwaukee lakefront this morning I came across 6 White-winged Scoters near the South Shore Yacht Club. Males and females we present. They were diving and feeding on mussels along with other ducks. No other ducks to note other than a Hooded Merganser and Redhead, both … Continue reading
My first birding stop of the year at Greenfield Park provided nice views of a flock of about 20 American Robins. They were spread out in a short grass area eating fallen berries. I would assume these are migrants and the first of the year for me of birds moving … Continue reading
While birding today in Milwaukee County I discovered a Barred Owl resting on a limb. Nice to see them just relaxing in their space and blending in with the surroundings. I took a few shots and left the area. A beautiful February day with full sun and mild temps in … Continue reading
A very rare visitor to the state, the Clark’s Nutcracker has been visiting a feeder in Oneida County. The normal range for the Clark’s Nutcracker is central MT, CO, WY, NM and west. To my understanding it has been around for well over 6-7 weeks now. The bird has been … Continue reading
Doing some birding today in Milwaukee County I came across a Eastern Screech Owl, gray phase. It was resting in a natural captivity. After a couple minutes I looked again, and it was gone, probably went back in the hole. Almost felt like spring with plenty of sunshine and the … Continue reading
This Red Phase Eastern Screech Owl was sleeping away in Milwaukee County this morning when found. In the pines, it blended right in. Images were taken on February 12, 2018
While birding a remote area in Waukesha County I came across a Belted Kingfisher. The bird flew up and down the river with my presence there fishing at a few locations. Another species present I have not seen for awhile was a Great Blue Heron. It was fishing from a … Continue reading
I came upon a Long-eared Owl today while birding in Milwaukee County. It gave nice views from a distance. It appeared the owl had just eaten something as there was blood on the bottom of its face. I viewed the owl for a minute or so and then left the … Continue reading
I decided to make a run up to the UW Arboretum in Madison Wisconsin. My target bird was the Townsend’s Solitaire. It was present shortly after I arrived, but only gave brief views before disappearing. A couple hours later it was back and doing some feeding in conifers and once … Continue reading
The last few weeks I looked extensively for the elusive Northern Saw-whet Owl. Recently while out birding, I was checking out some more trees. I was excited to find a fresh pellet on the ground, then a short distance away, a cute Northern Saw-whet Owl was staring at me. I … Continue reading
I was birding along the lakefront this morning and I came across some Red Crossbills feeding on some cone seeds on some spruce trees. I saw 2 males and 2 females. I only saw 4 of these birds and they moved around to a couple of different clumps of spruce … Continue reading
