Eastern Kingbird – passerines 8/16/2010

The white band on the tail tip easily identifies the Easter Kingbird.

This Eastern Kingbird was photographed at the Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Select this link to see an album of Eastern Kingbird photos, then select slideshow

The Eastern Kingbird can be seen in the eastern and Midwest states and central Canada. This was my first sighting, as a group was migrating through the area. The white band across the tail tip easily identifies them. They were in their normal habitat of wood edges, river groves, farms, orchards, roadsides, fencerows, and wires. They like to harass crows and hawks, and this is the reason I saw them as they were chasing some crows, and making noise.

 

Wild Turkey Bird – fowl like birds 9/26/2010

The Wild Turkey is seen more often and frequently comes to neighborhoods

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Wild Turkey

Select this link to see large photos of a rafter of wild turkeys

I have been trying to get a photo of a Wild Turkey for some time, but have found them to be elusive, or the lighting wasn’t good. I’ve even had them in my back yard. I had frequently seen them at the spot where I finally got the photo. However, as soon as they noticed me they started to take off for the woods. I had to take off in a run while preparing the camera to get close enough to get a picture. As the photos show, the Turkeys just stroll away. Seeing them from the road and getting the pictures and back in the car was no more than 5 minutes. It’s good that they are a large bird.

 

Sandhill Cranes – long legged waders 7/10/2010

Located in water soaked soybean field in New Berlin, WI

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Sandhill Crane

Sand Hill Cranes have a spotted range across the eastern U.S. and are resident year round in center Florida.