Wildlife and sanity seem to be returning to my world.

The days are getting longer. The migratory birds are returning and passing through the Chequamegon Bay area. It's great to have "new subjects" to photograph. Some colors are popping out from under the snow. This time last year ice fishing was just about over. All of the landings were inaccessible. This year seems to be on a similar time line.




I was met by this male Cardinal this morning as I was leaving the yard. I had the camera and the 400mm lens.. but did not have a tripod or a monopod. I found the best rest I could and at least managed to get it's wonderful song. I would suggest closing your eyes and just listening.

For those who suffer with motion sickness you might want to hold on and take a dramamine.... just kidding.  Enjoy the song if not the ride.

A day of 'group' activity.

 Wild turkeys. South of Sandborn WI.  30+ birds in this group.

 Wild turkeys.

 Tundra Swans.

 Tundra Swans.

Tundra Swans. 40+ birds in this group.

Tundra Swan. Adult.

Tundra Swans. Lower left is a juvenile. Upper left lead is a juvenile. The last two photos were enlarged for ID purpose.

Bald Eagles and Bald Eagles and .......

My wife and I were treated to a rare sight for us. First and Adult Bald Eagle perched along US 2 in Maple Wisconsin and then as we were leaving we spotted the rare sight of 10+ (we counted 13 at one point) eagles all with a few hundred feet of each other. Unfortunately the gathering was at the back edge of an 80 acre field. These shots were taken with a 400 mm lens. Still a great sight. It's starting to feel like spring is not far off.

Long Bridge birding. Long telephoto shots.

Geese, Eagles and Pelicans.


Bald Eagles. Two adults and 4 immature eagles.


Bald Eagle over flight.


American White Pelicans

Sandhill Crane

This should have been posted with the Butterflies and a bird post below.

Cliff Swallows

These Swallows are nesting under a US 2 highway overpass. The activity to and from the surrounding field was amazing. I estimated several dozen nests in this section of the bridge.

For more info about Cliff Swallows.

Turkey Vulture

One of the many migrating birds in the region.

Broad-winged Hawk

This Broad-winged Hawk was photographed just south of Grandview WI.

Thanks to Ryan Brady for IDing this raptor and his additional note "that bird likely spent its winter in extreme southern Central America or northern South America!"

Other highlights of the day.

Northern Harrier hunting over a field north of Washburn WI.


I believe this ball of hay must have a mouse or vole in it. I watched this Harrier repeat this "capture" several times over a 30 minute period. It would fly off and land (in the distance) with the "bundle" and then spend several minutes picking away at it.


Sandhill Cranes passing overhead while I was watching the Harrier.



Flowering (florets) of a Pussy Willow. notice the fly in the center of the flower. One step closer to summer.

Bird watching day at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center.

Tim and Ryan up in the tower watching and counting migrating birds.


Sandhill Crane.


Sharp-shinned Hawk


Red-tailed Hawk


Bald Eagle

All of these photos were taken from the tower. All of these birds passed by on their migration. Most were just within camera range. All of the photos have been "zoomed in" in Photoshop. Not the best quality but still great examples of the many birds that were seen today.

Thanks to Tim and Ryan.

More sign that spring is near.

These Great Blue Heron were photographed at "Short Bridge" on the south side of U.S. 2. There were two different birds in the back waters.

American Kestrel along WI Hwy 63.

On a recent trip home from work I counted 8 of these American Kestrels along a section of WI Hwy 63 between Grandview WI and Hwy 118. I was impressed with this number until I read the posting on a local birding site. Ryan B had seen 28 the same day. I guess the Kestrels are here.