Two-Wheeled Bird Watching with Dog

On a rare (non-raining) but humid Saturday morning at the end of June 2014; Barbara, Opie and I headed west in the WPT to do some bicycling before the rains were supposed to roll into Milwaukee.  We gathered up all the other important things we use when preparing to ride our bikes, and then stopped for a quick shopping trip to our local Wal-Mart grocery; packing a nice picnic lunch into a small soft-sided cooler.

The easternmost end of the New Berlin Recreation Trail begins near Greenfield Park and 124th street and is an offshoot of the mighty Oak Leaf Trail.  We had decided to bike the entire length this morning; all seven miles there and back.  It's a virtual straight shot paved trail that runs just to the south of the large metal power line towers (following them as they stretch west to Waukesha, WI and next to a quiet railroad track.

Dozens of Gray catbirds were in residence along both sides of the trail; screeching and meow-ing in the underbrush.  The mostly flat areas underneath the power towers were intermittently littered with Milkweed plants and eager Monarch butterflies flitting about in search of prime egg-laying territory.  The trail itself was busy.  Bicyclists of every shape, size and determination, were riding east and west calling out, "on your left" as they rode up behind us.  Opie was riding shotgun in his special fleece-lined basket on the front handlebars of Barbara's mountain bike.  People always smile and say something kind when they see him in there.

A Great egret in breeding plumage sat upon a log to the south of the trail in the middle of a backwater estuary.  American robins would drop down to the asphalt to hop from one side to the other as we approached their positions.  Common grackle, Red-winged blackbird, Song sparrow, American goldfinch, and Northern cardinal were the predominant species we encountered.  I also heard Killdeer, Common yellow-throat, house wren, and Northern rough-winged swallows as we rode from mile marker to mile marker along the trail.  Several dangerous road crossings across busy multi-lane roadways caused us to be extremely careful and wary of danger.  Heck, just bicycling along such an obviously popular route made one stay on their toes for fear of either being struck, or at minimum; verbally shamed by a more expert cyclist to, "stay on your side of the path."

The sun was slowly, but incrementally losing it's dominance in the sky as we neared our picnic spot; two wooden tables underneath one tower in the parking area of a weekend shift -Waukesha factory.  People on roller blades, recumbent bikes, and on foot continued to pass by us as we ate our pre-packaged ham and cheese triangles paired with some peach ice tea and barbeque potato chip lunch.  Sure it was only 10:40 AM; but the seven mile ride, coupled with a natural spot in which to eat comfortably, caused it to make sense to us.  Opie needed to stretch and go to the bathroom anyway. 

Bicycling with your parrot?

A curious site unveiled itself as we sat munching on our food; a pair of cyclists out with their parrot (and I thought Opie's bike rig was unique) was quite an eclectic sight to see indeed. Some jogger dude stopped them as they were riding by to chat; so I was able to snap a photo.  We eventually left our cozy table after about a half-hour break, to head back east from whence we had come.  The grade seemed to be slightly more in our (downhill) favor as we rode.  The sun was still cranking down and the slight breeze seemed to be in our face each way; which was weird.  We swung into Buena Park in New Berlin (which is directly off the trail) just to see what it was.  It was small but nice.  It had all the amenities of a good place to bring the kids; playground, ball diamond, tennis court, grassy field, etc.

The rest of the ride back was without incident.  We arrived back at the WPT to load the bikes at approximately 10:45 AM; just as thunder began to rumble in the distance.  After loading everything and our short drive back home; the rain began to fall by 11:30.  It seems we had timed it out just right. :)

Here's the bird list for the trip:

1. Turkey vulture
2. Canada goose
3. American robin
4. American goldfinch
5. House finch
6. House sparrow
7. Song sparrow
8. Grasshopper sparrow
9. Killdeer
10. Common grackle
11. Great egret
12. Northern cardinal
13. Gray catbird
14. Northern rough-winged swallow
15. Mallard
16. Mourning dove
17. American crow
18. Red-winged blackbird
19. Black-capped chickadee
20. Lincoln's sparrow
21. Blue jay
22. European starling

New Berlin Recreation Trail

Trailside Cycle - Calhoun Road Crossing

Firsts of the New Spring (2010)

♫...Just around the river bend...waiting just around the river bend...♪

I look once more, just around the river bend of my favorite tiny stretch of the glorified drainage ditch that is the Menomonee River, to see what may be waiting...or is that "wading."  Sure enough, there they are; Mr. Mallard and his beautiful better half.  They're paddling ever so quietly, just at the edge of the undercut.  I stand there, motionless watching...just watching.  I am idly wondering how many people would even pause a moment to see what is a rather commonplace water bird, when behind me I hear, "Coming Through!"  I turn suddenly towards the interruption, to nearly be knocked into the drink by two of the BRAINDEAD.  Damn I hate that!  I'm telling you...what a totally ridiculous hobby to spoil a perfectly serene moment of natural commune.  Grrrrrrrrr...

I don't know what I have more of a problem with; the flamboyantly festooned cyclists bent on tear-assing up the nature trails, or the idiots who (like this other guy on my little first walk of the season) walk his German Sheppard off the leash, so that it's a full 25 yards ahead of him!  Shortly after the BRAINDEAD encounter, I am turned away from the thin path staring upward through my binoculars, minding my own business, when my peripheral vision catches the blur of fur on a bee-line towards me.  You guessed it...the guy's dog has damn-near scared the crap outta' me when I realize the size and breed approaching...no owner in sight.  Sheeesh!  That's unnerving I'll tell you.  I believe I uttered some sort of feral sound, as my brain attempted to catch up with my options.  Hey, buddy...you ever hear of a thing called a "leash law!"

Allow me a brief tutorial on the local Leash LAW!  Milwaukee City Charter Ordinance - Chapter 63-1. Definitions. In this chapter:  1. AT LARGE means an animal is off the premises of its owner and on any park or parkway without the permission of the department or the director. Any animal shall not be deemed to be at large if any one of the following conditions occurs: a. It is attached to a leash not more than 6 feet in length which is of sufficient strength to restrain the animal and the leash is held by a person competent to govern the animal and prevent it from annoying or worrying persons in the park or parkway.  Oh well...such was my first 1/2 hour back on my local birding trail. I can hardly wait for the brush to fill out so I can't see them coming even FARTHER away from me.

The Milwaukee County Grounds, another of my favs, yielded some more first of the year birds.  This area of Milwaukee County, referred to as the Detention Basin is truly "growing" in popularity for many marshland inhabitants.  This is the third spring for this recently completed dewatering project, and the surrounding fauna are taking hold nicely.  The late afternoon cold air is filled with the various sounds of life; Red-winged blackbirds, Song sparrows, Killdeer, American robins, and dogs barking.  Oh yeah, they're here too.  Bunches of them with their hands-off owners trailing way behind them, frolicking and biting at each other as they (gag-me) "socialize."  I just have to get over this, don't I?  Well...it's hard!  I am a law abiding citizen who follows society's rules; particularly when NOT following them, infringes directly on other people's nice days.  I promise...perhaps I'll try to turn even my other two cheeks, but it won't be easy...no sir.

Ok, back to the birding...perhaps I'll try it next time with a few cocktails in me, before I go out...just to mellow me out.  Care to join me?  Great, but leave your bicycle and dog at home thank you...♫ just around the river bend...♪ ♪

Wood Ducks and the BRAINDEAD

Admittedly, I don't go birding for exercise...

So there I was standing on the winding dirt path, amongst the native grasses that lined the river bank, quietly watching a group of ducks. I had driven the WPT to one of my favorite spots along the Menomonee River after work, trying to beat the declining sunlight to its inevitable daily conclusion. Bird watching in the afternoon is particularly recharging to me after a long day at the grind of my basement (no-windows) desk job. Reaching into the club cab back seat, I don my drab green birding vest, strap on the Bushnells, fasten the camo fanny pack containing my field guides around my waist, and grab my digital Fuji; heading for the solace of the awaiting riverside. I have done this same drill dozens of times before. It soothes me and allows me a chance to walk silently listening, watching, and thinking...only to have to dodge them when they appear out of no where!

Would someone please explain this to me...seriously. If you are reading this and can help my wee brain with a modicum of understanding, I may be able to drop it, but until that cogent moment, forget it...the gloves are OFF! I have taken to referring to these individuals as: Bicycle Riding Animal Irritating Nature Disrupting Environmental Assault Demons or (in simpler terms) The B.R.A.I.N.D.E.A.D. If you knew me (and reading this blog over time, you'll get a pretty good idea) you'd know that I am far from a left-leaning environmentalist who believes that the only rights to the planet belong to anything that does not have opposable thumbs, walks upright on two feet, and owns an IPod. But 'Cmon people...did someone close all the streets, sidewalks and the motocross tracks!? I have no idea where the bizarre and hugely annoying (sport, hobby), whatever the hell activity (involving ramming your two-wheeler through, around, over and under the tranquil, peaceful paths in the woods) came from, but I know this; I am not a fan. There are basically two types of individuals that I have witnessed engaging in this activity; the "Upscale" and the "Lowscale" riders. The thing that they have in common are the fact that they are both B.R.A.I.N.D.E.A.D. and need to find somewhere else to eliminate built-up testosterone. I suggest making love. It's fun, provides physical activity and it's far less annoying to those who choose to also coexist simultaneously in their same general vicinity.

Back to the ducks...I am standing still and soundlessly on the edge of the river side trail, watching the ducks when behind me the squeal of hand breaks and a soft curse draws my attention away. "Watch out!" calls the first man to the one behind. I glance backward and see that two "Upscale" riders, gaily festooned in their garishly colored, sponsor emblazoned, spandex have come to a sudden halt mere feet from my exposed ankles. The first of the B.R.A.I.N.D.E.A.D. breathlessly asks, "Whaddaya see?" "Wood ducks," I respond, pointing. "No..." immediately replies the Upscaler (as if he was some kind of instant Google-fairy dropping in to correct the hapless idiot with the binoculars, with his infinite wisdom.) Plus, he says it like there's nothing special about a Mallard. I say, "Not there," (pointing to the dozen Mallards he thinks I am seeing) "There." I point to the three ducks on the left who are obviously NOT Mallards, and are now (with all this pointless interruption) swiftly vacating the area. He says nothing (as if he was never there) and navigates around me and away into the brush. I snap a photo cause I am speechless once more, and want to share how utterly ridiculous this seems with you, the readers of this blog. You decide for yourself, and remember I asked for help here...if you "get" this behavior, feel free to set me straight. I'll try...really. (Oh, and the "Lowscale" version of the B.R.A.I.N.D.E.A.D. just don't wear the foolishly colored costumes as they crash, slam, and bludgeon there way through my peaceful woods.)

I'll also bet that they completely missed the Whitetail deer standing there, quietly munching on some grass...pity...I didn't.

...say cheese!

Birding by Bicycle

Coasting quietly on a well-worn path along a magnificently wooded bluff, some small sound catches your ear. You pause along the trail and wait. Now a graceful floating movement causes you to turn your head and gaze into the thick stand of trees. There on the side of a large cedar tree grasps an elusive Pileated Woodpecker, in all its splendor. You have just been “birding by bicycle”.

Peninsula State Park in Door County Wisconsin, offers nearly 6 miles of smooth graveled surface trails and an additional 9 miles of rugged unsurfaced terrain for off road bicycling enthusiasts. These trails visit nearly every conceivable birding habitat from lakefront to deep woods. Bicycling with binoculars is a great way to cover more territory, get some additional exercise, and see more species.

Campers within the park are regularly treated to daily early morning serenades and bustling activity right in their sites, but they have to be paying attention. For a few hours after sunrise each day during the summer months, American Redstarts flit in and out of the low shrubbery catching insects for their first meals of a busy day. These diminutive black, orange, and yellow birds often land in close proximity to humans, pausing on the woodpile, or picnic table, before dashing off with a flick and twist of their tails. Listen to the sounds around the campsite to direct your attention to other visitors like Red and White-Breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, Hairy and Downey Woodpeckers, Northern Cardinals and even the infrequent aforementioned Pileated.

Get on the bicycle armed with your binoculars and perhaps a camera, to find yourself an open meadow surrounded by a ring of trees. If you pause along the edge and are still for a few moments gazing into the trees, you will probably be rewarded with the activity of insect and berry-eating Cedar Waxwings as they emerge, catch and disappear over and over again. These sleek looking, buff-colored, black masked, crested birds also have yellow-tipped tails that flash while in flight. Riding slowly through the woods near the Eagle Bluff lighthouse, make sure to keep an eye out for foraging groups of Wild Turkey in the underbrush. They prefer eating acorns and nuts of various trees as well as seeds, insects and berries. Since the turkeys were first successfully reintroduced into Wisconsin in 1976, population levels continue to increase and expand statewide.

The expansive rocky shoreline of Lake Michigan is also home to many species of waterfowl. Gulls, White Pelicans, Cormorants, Killdeer, Canada Geese, and Wood Duck are among the residents and visitors to the area, and can easily be seen via the paths that run along the water’s edge. So the next time you are out for some Door County (or any other) birding, consider the bicycle as a “natural” partner.