Summer Tanager at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 28, 2016

I had to check out the visiting Summer Tanager mid-morning that was being reported at the Wehr Nature Center. I’m glad I did because the bird put on a great show. The male Summer Tanager ate many bees while I was present along with a few other birders and photographers. It was usually on the lookout for bees while sitting in a tree or at times hung around the beehive present there waiting for bees to come in or out of the hive. It even grabbed a few bees right out of the hole in the hive while I was there. The bird is more of a southern species which the normal range is north to southern Illinois but we do see a couple every year here in Wisconsin. Stunning and colorful bird even on a gray gloomy day! Thanks to Carol for getting the word out. Images were taken on April 28, 2016.

__rrIMG_7949_cr

 

Summer Tanager

Binomial name: Piranga rubra

Category: Piranga Tanagers and Allies

Size: 7.75” long, 12” wing span

Weight: 1 oz

__rIMG_7015_cr

__rIMG_6981_cr

Grabbing a bee!

Grabbing a bee!

Got the bee!

Got the bee!

__rIMG_7324_cr

__rIMG_7468_cr

__rIMG_7642_cr

__rIMG_7420_cr

__rIMG_6722_cr

Just waiting for a bee…

__rIMG_7291_cr

__rIMG_7974_cr

Back view

__rIMG_8088_cr

__rIMG_7723_cr

___rrrIMG_7018_cr

___rrrIMG_7016_cr

___rrrIMG_7943_cr

__rIMG_7025_cr

Tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

About admin

Window to Wildlife features the photography of Jim Edlhuber. A lifelong native of Wisconsin, Jim has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He considers himself an avid photographer and is always trying to capture nature and wildlife through his lens. He is in several photography clubs and has won numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has focused mostly on birding photography and finds it to be the most challenging.

6 Responses to Summer Tanager at Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on April 28, 2016

  1. Myles says:

    Beautiful shots Jim. I may try for this bird tomorrow. Was it a the headquarters building?

  2. Gerald Haiar says:

    Holy cow! All the rarities go to Milwaukee. Beautiful bird.

  3. Annie says:

    What a gorgeous feathered friend. Thanks for bringing him to us.

  4. Ron says:

    When I see a Tanager I know Spring is here. Thanks as always!

  5. Nan Wisherd says:

    Great shots of a beautiful bird. Thanks, Jim!

  6. Tricia Freitag says:

    Beautiful! I had one visit my yard today!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *