Fishermen have favorite fishing holes. Well, birders have favorite thickets of trees, and this morning a bit after sunrise “one of my favorites” paid off big time! Over the past few weeks I had gone over to Cloverland (see Wisconsin Wetlands … my birding locations). During the last three summers, I had found a pair of red-headed woodpeckers nesting in this particular thicket of trees. Unfortunately, my red-heads have not appeared this summer (the Northland is the fringe of their range). However, my thicket of trees on the corner of Green Acres Road (think 1960’s TV comedy) and Wisc. Hwy 13 continues to produce.
This morning I found recently fledged Sparrowhawks, or American Kestrels. Normally it is impossible to get close to these birds, but by using my thicket of trees for cover, jackpot! This little guy was trying to sing for his supper (or breakfast), but mom and dad were having none of it … fly or no food! The movies where you will be able to hear the fledgling begging follow the still images.
Sparrowhawk Fledgling
I would love to visit! Expect a private message. You are lucky to have them nesting in your yard!
HAPPY JULY.
I have a pair of red-headed woodpeckers nesting near me in Brule/Iron
River. This is our fourth year, and one year they wintered ver (!) No fledglings yet, however.
Let me know if you want more info/directions.
Jeannette