Wisconsin - frozen custard mecca

Wisconsin has an extensive network of rails-to-trails.  Much of it unpaved, but some of it paved. Along one of them, near Madison, was a pair of very interesting birds.  If anyone knows what they are, please comment.

What kind of bird is this?

Stayed at lovely bed and breakfast on Ripley lake on 7/7 evening.  

7/9 was the great frozen custard ride:

Wales, WI.  Near Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail

Leon's in Milwaukee - best ever!

Stayed in Milwaukee, downtown. Some really good scallops with pork belly and cauliflower at Bacchus, with a view of Lake Michigan.

Bacchus, on the lake in Milwaukee.

Took the Lake Shore Express ferry, then rode to Grand Rapids on the paved Musketawa Trail.  Settled in for the night on the SW side of Grand Rapids .