Birds
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In the midst of a beautiful summer day, this red-crested cardinal takes a moment to refuel with a nutritious bug.
"I'm not sure what you're looking at, but I'm not impressed." A Baltimore Oriole looks on, its bright orange and black feathers a welcome sight in the springtime.
The European goldfinches are returning to southern Wisconsin now that the weather is getting nicer. Not a true native to Wisconsin, it is believed that they were imported into the area by a bird breeder selling them as pets and either some escaped or were intentionally released. However they got here, they seem to have made themselves at home.
The Finch That Stole Christmas
Although it can be a bit of a bother sometimes, the snow does make a beautiful backdrop.
A Cooper's Hawk sits atop a tree looking for a quick meal.
A mallard flapping off some water after doing some diving for snacks.
A Turkey Vulture roosting in a dead tree at Devil's Lake State Park.
This Great Blue Heron was enjoying the autumn evening sun.
The very common house sparrow. Many people do want them in their backyards and try to find ways to keep them away. I don't mind them and find them quite fun to watch.
Getting ready to go south. The hummingbirds are very active and are eating like crazy. They'll soon be gone for the winter and return in spring.
The Cattle Egret, Hawaii's beautiful invader, was deliberately introduced to control the flies that were harassing cattle herds in the islands. 105 birds were released in 1959. By the early 80's the population was estimated at 30,000!
"I'm not angry, I'm just... feeling a little blue."
Not feeling like spring today! A few days ago it was 80°F... today it's 39°F. Ahh, the midwest weather. This Northern Cardinal doesn't mind the cold weather, but I think she did like it better when it was 80°.
Even on snowy days, the birds are still out doing their thing. Carry your own weather.
A male Wood Duck having a swim on a cool autumn day.
A Great Blue Heron finhing at the bottom of a waterfall.
A Turkey Vulture perched ominously in a tree at Devils Lake State Park.
Out for a short hike, I saw a little flock of Cedar Waxwings having a feast on berries. They are such cool-looking birds.
The Blue Jay is a favorite, but loud, visitor to the backyard. Blue Jays frequently mimic calls of hawks to let other jays know that a hawk is around.
A Great Blue Heron preening itself after a rain storm in northern Wisconsin. Great blue herons are about 3 feet tall and have a wingspan of 6 feet.
"They say the vibrant red bird is an uplifting, happy sign that those we have lost will live forever, so long as we keep their memory alive in our hearts. As cardinals sing their pleasant song, people may recall cherished memories of better times. The beautiful birds are a reminder that loved ones will never truly be forgotten."
Baltimore Orioles are such a joy to have in your backyard. I hope they stick around for a while.
Most people stay inside during a snowstorm. I decided to sit outside in the snow waiting for a Cardinal. Good thing I did. This gal wanted her picture taken.
This house finch does not seem to mind the bad weather as he sits and wipes off his face.
An American Coot cruizing across a pond.
A Great Blue Heron lurks at the bottom of a waterfall looking for a meal.
A Turkey Vulture soaring over Devil's Lake State park.
A young Cedar Waxwing enjoying some berries.
The great egret returned, and I got a shot of him in flight. Much better results when you have a memory card in the camera. :P
Don't be grumpy, it's the weekend!
Pheucticus ludovicianus , a large songbird of the grosbeak family, perches on a branch in a deciduous forest. The bird is approximately 12 inches long and has a wingspan of 18 inches. It is black with a white belly and a bright pink breast. The grosbeak has a long, slender bill and a long tail. It is a common bird in North America and can be found in forests, woodlands, and gardens. The grosbeak feeds on insects, berries, and seeds. It is a cavity nester and lays 3-5 eggs.
Not good weather for driving, but great weather for "birds in the snow" pictures. This Northern Cardinal does not mind the snow at all.
On a cold day, it's good to jump around like this Downy Woodpecker.
Okay, I don't know how old they are, but they are a bunch of American Coots. These guys were out swimming with the ducks on a cool fall day.
Saw this nice Red-winged Blackbird sitting peacefully up in a tree. Actually, I think he was yelling at me for hiking in the woods near him.
A robin fueling up before heading south to warmer areas.
A juvenile Cedar Waxwing throwing back a berry.
A Great Egret shaking off its feathers. I actually "would have" got a good shot of him flying yesterday, but there was no memory card in my camera when I was shooting. Whoops.
A female Northern Cardinal in the harsh midday sunlight.
The Northern Cardinal, a member of the Cardinalidae family, is a common sight in North America. These birds are known for their bright red plumage and their melodious songs. They are also known for their ability to withstand cold weather and rain.
Hunker down people! Very cold here in Wisconsin (Feels like -20F) Birds are fluffing up and trying to keep out of the wind.
Sometimes it's a challenge to photograph nature. Other times, a hawk just lands in the neighbor's nicely lit tree.
This shy mallard was basking in the afternoon fall sun and enjoying a good cool swim.
Do I have somthing on my beak?
A house finch haning out in a pine tree on a fall day.
A house finch hanging out on a cool fall day. I am not sure what the blob on his beak is.
Love these little guys. They are always so busy.
Taking a break from hunting the songbirds in my backyard, this Cooper's Hawk takes a moment to bathe and admire his feather pants.