GREAT EGRETS on the Buffalo River

This past week Great White Egrets arrived in Alma, Wisconsin settling in on the Buffalo River. 

These two were very elusive

and not very patient

with my photo attempts.

Today over 3 dozen Egrets were on the Buffalo River or Riecks Lake.  Travel WI State Highway 37 along the Buffalo River and WI State Highway 35 (The Great River Road) at Riecks Lake, just north of Alma.

A large white heron, the Great Egret is found across much of the world, from southern Canada southward to Argentina, and in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It's the largest egret in the Old World, and thus has garnered the name Great White Egret.

AMERICAN ROBIN Enjoying The High Water

Most people will admit that the enjoyment of a bath can't be beat.  This American Robin wasn't perturbed by the high water at Rieck's Lake in Alma, Wisconsin ... he jumped right in and got on with the fun.

The American Robin is a member of the Bluebird and Thrush family.  It's called the "American" robin because it was named after a similar (though smaller) bird found in Great Britain.

RED HOUSE FINCH at WOA Bird Feeder

This year the Center added bird feeding stations along our 50-foot viewing deck.  This spring we've been overwhelmed with Red House Finches.  This photo of a male and female was taken through the glass door during a rains storm.

Learn more about the beautiful Red House Finch and their vibrant birdsong.

GREAT BLUE HERONS at Spring Lake Islands

If you haven't discovered Spring Lake and it's islands for watching birds, don't miss them.  From Wisconsin State Highway 35 (the Great River Road) turn towards the river on Highway II.  You will travel south along the Mississippi River and Buffalo City to Spring Lake.  Roll down your windows and enjoy the cacophony of birdlife.   

The familiar Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America.  It's a large bird, with a slate-gray body, chestnut and black accents, and very long legs and neck.  In flight, it looks enormous, with a six-foot wingspan.

They are timid so be quiet and try not to be seen if you are taking pictures.

All About Birds -- Great Blue Heron

PELICANS Along Wisconsin State Highway 35

With the high water this Spring we are finding birds and waterfowl in unexpected places and very near to the road ... especially Sandhill Cranes and American White Pelicans. 

This fellow was in a small flooded area along Wisconsin State Highway 35 below Lock & Dam 5a & Fountain City. 

   

Because this was a newly flooded area, it was a challenge to keep the camera's focus off of the intruding brush and tree branches ... especially as he paddled deeper and deeper into the brush.

SometImes we will see a pelican at Rieck's Lake but we usually find them deeper in the backwaters of Weaver Bottoms and you need a boat to get close enough for photographs.  This was a great thrill!!!