The first one and personal favorite is the the Scarlet Tanager (see pictures below-male taken at Horicon Marsh 5 17 2014 and female at Shoop Park 5 16 2014) and it's easy to see why. The male's bold blood red body offset by jet black wings make them eye candy for me. Look for them high in the trees in large forested areas in the spring and summer months across the state. They are more common than most people think.
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Perhaps America's most popular and recognized bird, it's the state bird to seven states, is the Northern Cardinal ( pictures below - male taken at Bong SRA 2 9 2013 female taken at Bong SRA 4 15 2013). Not only their territorial call appeals to many, their bold red plumage and crest makes them stand out. Abundant year round in the state, this bird is a treat to forests, backyards and feeders.
Black and white with a rosy red breast are the identifying marks of a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak (see picture below taken by the Wind Point Lighthouse 5 14 2014). The female is quite different, brown with pale underparts and thin, dark breast streaks (see picture below the male taken at Horicon Marsh 5 25 2013). They are found all areas of the state. Look for them on forest edges and woodlots. Their song is similar to the Robin's, but more melodious.
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Please forgive my picture (see below taken at Grant Park, South Milwaukee 5 9 2014), it's the only one I have of this brilliantly blue Indigo Bunting. While the male looks stunning, the female (see picture below the male taken at Horicon Marsh 7 2 2013) is just basically brown with a white throat and faint streaks. Look for the Indigo Buntings on the edges of woods and fields across the state, especially in hedgerows. Males will typically sing from the tallest perch in sight.
Resembling like a miniature Meadowlark, the Dickcissel (see picture below taken at Buena Vista Grasslands near Stevens Point, WI) is a prairie grosbeak of sorts. Brown on the back with yellow on the underside and a black 'V' on the chest would be their basic description. Look for these guys in the prairies and grassland across the state (they are especially plentiful at Buena Vista) during the summer months. Males can be seen singing away on telephone wires and fence posts.
Other grosbeak species that have been seen in Wisconsin are: the Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black Headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting and the Painted Bunting. All are considered accidental at this point, meaning only a handful of sightings of each are reported. These birds are out of their normal range. However, evidence shows that the Summer Tanager and the Blue Grosbeak may be extending their range.
I've been meaning to ask this on my other blogs, but I'll ask now.... Which of these birds have you seen? And where? When? I'd LOVE to hear stories about animals. Please share questions and thoughts!
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9 comments:
Yes the vultures are still circling, that is my bird story, which makes yours sooooo much more interesting.....thanks for the pics THB
very pretty birds! We have a couple cardinals that frequent our area. Whenever I hear them singing, I try to find them, much easier when there are no leaves on the trees tho!
Hey Legal do you even look at the bottom of the post this is Drew's post. By the way how much have you been drinking before you read it I would like to share some with you next time. Yes we both do take the pictures of the birds and wildflowers. Legal birds are Drew's post and wildflowers are mine I hope this helps you out! LOL
I wish we had such pretty birds down here. The Cardinals are my favorite.
I am paying more attention to bird varieties because of your posts. I don't see nearly the cool ones you find.
I see cardinals, yellow and red finches, sparrows, starlings, robins, mourning doves, red winged blackbirds, geese, ducks, and the little gray and black migratory birds (can't recall their name) who signal colder weather are about it, besides the occasional hawk that comes looking for the rest of them for lunch .
Thanks for your pictures, drew. The are always nice, even when the birds are shy and turn their faces. ;>
I've seen Cardinals.
Nice ones!
Legal, you're supposed to BURY the bodies! Not leave 'em out for the vultures...
OKIE, YOU do have some beautiful birds down in Oklahoma! Painted Buntings and Scissor Tailed Flycatchers are native to your area (and are on my wish list to see). I took the liberty to do some research on what can be found and where. This is what I found: a list of birds in Oklahoma. and several hotspots.
The place closest to you would be Lake Hefner, just north of Oklahoma City. Other spots to report would be Red Slough WMA in McCurtain Co., Tishomingo NWR in Johnston Co, Salt Plains in Alfalfa Co, Mohawk Park near Tulsa, Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage Co. and others. To find out more, subscribe to eBird. It's free!)
kk, could the little gray and black migratory birds be juncos?
Yes, drew, I did mean juncos. The name finally came to mind, but it took a couple of hours. I hate when that happens.
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