Monday, September 28, 2009

What is this?



My friend had this bird in her backyard today. I've never seen anything like this in Racine.
Anyone know what it is?
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17 comments:

MinnesotaChick said...

I've seen cranes up north, but never one like this.

September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
kkdither said...

I think it is an omen! Never seen anything like it either.

September 28, 2009 at 4:41 PM
kkdither said...

I took out my book, "Birds of North America, A guide to field identification." Don't ask why I own this, I don't know myself.

Here is what I found: Could be an American Bittern from the heron family. They list that as being 23" or so in length. It does look big. The bird shown in my book looks like it has more of a tail though.

Or, it could be an upland Plover, from the sandpiper family if it was smaller, like about 10". Both birds can be found in this area, at least at migration.

September 28, 2009 at 4:55 PM
MinnesotaChick said...

Wow! Thanks KK! I googled images and it does look like a Bittern.

Weird though, to see something like that in Racine. Migration, I guess.

September 28, 2009 at 5:01 PM
jedwis said...

hey kk... I have that same book .. I use it once every 5 years

September 28, 2009 at 5:11 PM
MinnesotaChick said...

With this wind it must have gotten blown off course somehow. She lives in West Racine, no marshes nearby!

She says thanks. :)

September 28, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Unknown said...

If you visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds.org, American Bittern looks like a perfect match. The range map checks out, and the typical voice is something you've gotta hear. Poor thing might have been blown away from its regular stomping grounds by all the wind.

September 28, 2009 at 5:55 PM
drewzepmeister said...

I immediately recognized the bird. I've seen it before, many years ago!

September 28, 2009 at 5:57 PM
MinnesotaChick said...

Thanks for all the confirmations. Must have been cool to see it.

September 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM
MinnesotaChick said...

Oh, and she said it was 'stalking' her husband.. kinda freaked him out!

September 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM
SER said...

I not sure what kind it is, but with that long beak, you might want to go to the drug store and get one of those little things that show a “+” or a “-“ and see what it says!!!!

September 28, 2009 at 8:24 PM
OrbsCorbs said...

I've never seen one like that.

September 28, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Anonymous said...

It's a brown and white Long Neck North American Patio Crapper.

September 29, 2009 at 12:59 PM
OrbsCorbs said...

You sure it isn't a Striped Wisconsin Stretch-Throated Grill Pooper?

September 29, 2009 at 11:42 PM
SER said...

Then again it might be a Long Neck North American Stretch-Throated Windsheild Seeker.

September 30, 2009 at 3:54 PM
MinnesotaChick said...

Funny, guys! Keep the names coming!

September 30, 2009 at 7:49 PM
kkdither said...

Watch out boys... it might be a Piper Peterpecker.

October 1, 2009 at 2:01 AM

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