I birded the prairie parcel of Pheasant Branch Conservancy yesterday morning. The weather was gorgeous, birds plentiful, and biting insects minimal. If this pleasant weather continues over the weekend, I might make another run to Spring Green Preserve Saturday or Sunday for insect and wildflower macro photography.
Common Mullein
Willow Flycatcher
This Willow Flycatcher was just finishing bathing in moisture collected on large leaves. It might have been rain, dew, or both. Birds will spread their wings into the moisture then ruffle and flutter their feathers just like they do when bathing in shallow water.
Indigo Bunting
Every visit to the prairie this summer has included this particular Indigo Bunting singing on the south slope of the drumlin. I recognize him by his particular patterned splotchy white belly feathers, though other male Indigo Buntings have similar plumage coloration.
American Goldfinch
Yellow-breasted Chat
The Yellow-breasted Chat was extremely vocal and easily found, but he kept to the oak branches. I'm hoping to observe breeding evidence before the summer season ends, but they can be tricky birds to document.
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats are having a stellar season at the prairie. I haven't seen any juvenile birds yet, but the adults are everywhere defending their territories. There's virtually no spot beyond the earshot of males bursting into their trademark witchity witchity song. When closer approach occurs, the males will find a tall perch and keep a watchful eye on everything you do!
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat
Chicory
Black-eyed Susan
Pheasant Branch, Dane, US-WI
Jul 10, 2014 6:15 AM - 8:45 AM
48 species
Canada Goose
Mallard
Ring-necked Pheasant
Red-tailed Hawk
Sandhill Crane
Killdeer
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
American Crow
Horned Lark
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Sedge Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
© 2014 Mike McDowell