An American Robin Builds Her Nest

It’s nesting season at the Horicon Marsh!  This American Robin wants to make as few trips as possible to build her nest.  She will make an average of 180 trips per day for 2-6 days.  Avian Architecture: How Birds Design, Engineer and Build by Peter Goodfellow is a helpful reference book about different types of bird nests, if you would like to learn more about the fascinating art and science of nest building.

Boardwalk at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

The reconstructed boardwalk on the Egret Trail, on the auto tour off of Highway 49, is showing signs of progress.  It is scheduled to open on July 1, 2017.  The auto tour is now open to vehicles.  There was a parade of us driving through and enjoying the warm weather today.  A fellow birding enthusiast said there were several types of warblers in the woods near the parking area by the Egret Trail.

Painted Turtle on the Auto Tour

A painted turtle enjoys the sunshine.  I like the symmetry of the branch and its reflection.

Black-necked Stilts

Numerous pairs of Black-necked Stilts waded in the water along the auto tour and in the water along Highway 49.  They have the second-longest legs in proportion to their bodies of any bird.  Do you know what bird leads the list?  Tell us what you think in the comments area.

This Black-necked Stilt was as excited as I was to be out on the auto tour again.