This year is still brining in the new Lifers for me, and I’ve been finding some really unique and pretty birds. There’s been a ton of new water fowl, ranging from ducks, to shore birds and other wading type birds. I really didn’t get a great photo of the Common Merganser, as I saw them in an area that was inaccessible, so this is one I hope to get closer to in the future. And for another new duck, I was delighted to find a small flock of Green-winged Teal. These ducks were truly stunning with their rusty red, and emerald green coloring on their heads. And, as the name implies, they have a pretty green stripe on the wings.
Common Merganser, Green-winged Teal
I saw what I thought was a hawk soaring through the air, and when I went to look at the photos it looked different to me than a Red-tail or a Cooper’s. It turned out to be a Northern Harrier, and a new Lifer for the list! I wasn’t able to track it down to get a photo perching, so hopefully I see one again soon. I really hadn‘t expected to find any Yellow-headed Blackbirds around, but as luck would have it I did. These birds are super unique looking and sound a little crazy. I was lucky enough o get pretty close to a few for some beautiful shots.
Northern Harrier, Yellow-headed Blackbird
I’ve never seed an American Avocet before, and I was so excited when I found some at a near by lake. There was only a few and they were pretty far away, but still managed to get a few photos. Right near where I found the avocets, I also found an American Pipit. It was really small and really blended in with the ground. Both of these birds have a really pretty peachy color to some of their plumage.
American Avocet, American Pipit
I really thought this Vesper Sparrow was a Song Sparrow at first glance. It sang really loud and sounded sort of similar. But on closer investigation it turned out to be a new Lifer for the list. This next bird was completely unexpected for me to find as Minnesota isn’t really in their range. But this White-faced Ibis was so incredibly beautiful. The colors are unreal and I felt so lucky to have seen the small flock.
Vesper Sparrow, White-faced Ibis
A major nemesis for me the past year was the Swamp Sparrow. I could always hear them but never get a good look. Well finally in my tried and true birding spot in Gull Point state park, I finally got one! I would have really liked to get some closer photos of these Franklin’s Gulls, but they were located on private property and thought it best not to trespass. They’re awfully cute though, with the dark black faces.
Swamp Sparrow, Franklin’s Gull
