Summer Tanagers are quite uncommon for Milwaukee, although I usually see one each year. This past week however, there were 3 at Warnimont Park, all molting males! So beautiful with the mixture of red and greenish yellow. They were feeding along the bluff on spider webs, that had caught midges in them. As of today, 5/1 there was still one being seen at the southern end of the park, by the Kelly Senior Center. This week also brought in early Scarlet Tanagers as well. They are common in the area but are usually high up in the trees, therefore tough to photograph. This week however, they were on the ground or at eye level. There were at least 3 of them too! Two males and a female. These three were also doing the same, feeding in the spider webs that were loaded with midges. Funny to watch both species having the same feeding behavior. A real treat to see these birds so close! Photos below are from this past week. Enjoy!
Mighty fine photos!
Thank you Karen!
Scarlett Tanagers, Wow! Is Warnimont Park right in Milwaukee? You spot a lot there.
Sher
Thank you Sheridan! Yes, Warnimont Park is right on the lake in Cudahy. The land hangs out into the lake farther than any other park in Milwaukee on the south side of the county. It’s arguably the best park in Milwaukee during migration. It’s a bird trap because it sticks out so far. It’s has all types of habitat as well and one can easily get to 100 species on a good day.
I appreciate your photographs! I’m new to birding in WI because my son moved there recently. I’m making note of your birding spots because I’ll be in Milwaukee later this week.
Thank you very much Shawn! Feel free to contact me if you need any help with parks or locations.
Stunning! Scarlet Tanagers hold a special place for me! As this bird species along with indigo Buntings, Orioles, & Grosbecks began my love of birds! Everyone has a bird that catapults them down this journey. The ST was mine! Thank you for always sharing. Have you heard anything regarding Whitnall yet? After last year with the log jam hotspot being taken off the table I haven’t seen too many reports yet of activity there.
Thank you Karie! Logjam area will be open, but the trail that leads to the waterfall from the Logjam is fenced off. The creek is usually a slow starter, doesn’t really get going until around the 8th or so of May. Good luck!