I was hanging out at Milwaukee's North Point and the north end of Bradford Beach for a bit today looking for ducks on my way to grocery shopping at Whole Foods... Got a good look at a female Harlequin Duck diving off of North Point. As I was getting my camera ready, a gull came after her (she must have come up with something tasty). The gull chased her in a southerly direction. She eventually outran the gull. The gull's pursuit also scattered a flock of 20-30 Buffleheads. The Harlequin didn't come back. The Buffleheads did. (Note: the Harlequin is not a new BIGBY bird...saw one at the beginning of the year). Some other highlights: * Buffleheads a ways off shore. Mostly males (one female to the left of the photo). I love the black/white contrasts. And notice how rough the water is on the horizon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444@N07/6355218009/in/photostream * The Lake Michigan water level was pretty low at North Point. Maybe due to strong westerly winds? I don't normally see these rocks exposed when I visit North Point: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444@N07/6355221131/in/photostream * Today's North Point duck species list: Harlequin Duck White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Gadwall Mallard Bufflehead * One final photo. I was trying to photograph some ducks when my camera suddenly focused on the bare branches in the foreground, leaving the background blurred. I kinda like it. :-) http://www.flickr.com/photos/14463444@N07/6354817615/in/photostream Bernie Sloan Milwaukee #################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn