For anyone that doesn’t already know, the male Harlequin Duck in Sheboygan is finally in full breeding plumage. He has been there for almost a year now. In spring on his first molt attempt, he acquired about 50% of his plumage. I was really hoping that he would stick around until the fall, so I could see him in all his glory. Well… he did and he is absolutely stunning!!! It is worth the trip to Sheboygan, if you have the chance. The only time I’ve seen one like this, is at the zoo. Now if you do go, you need to have patience and check the entire area, as he moves around quite a bit. I saw him right in the marina, just north of the public boat launch. I walked right past him, only 15′ away. Others have had him closer to North Point, by the jetties. He also likes to sleep on the docks and also on the rocks, both out by the break and right next to shore. If at first you don’t see him, keep looking. Good luck if you try for him and if you need motivation, check out the photos below. Enjoy!
Laughing Gull in Port Washington
A Laughing Gull showed up in the Port Washington Harbor on Saturday 1/16/21. One of my jobsites is currently in Port, only about 5 minutes from downtown. I was able to get away for a little while on Monday, to try for it. I did see it, but it was pretty far out, sitting on the wooden posts of a dock. After 15 minutes or so, it flew off towards the power plant and I saw it go down somewhere over there. I didn’t bother driving around to try and relocate it. The clouds were rather low and lighting was pretty terrible for photos anyway. I also figured I had the rest of the week to try as well. Then on Tuesday, I saw it was starting to get sunny out, so I stepped away quickly, to see if it was any closer. It was! It was sitting on the rocks, on northern most part of the marina. I watched it for about 25 minutes and then it again flew off to the south. Some other people had stopped by looking for it, and I told each of them they just missed it. About ten minutes later, it came back to the north and landed on the blue concrete wall. There has also been a Harlequin Duck hanging out on the north side of the marina. I saw it both times I went this week, and the previous two times earlier this month, that I went. He is starting to get more color and defining marks. Hopefully he sticks around little longer, while his colors continue to develop. Pictures below are from this week at the harbor. Enjoy!
