Lesser Black-backed Gull

It sure was an interesting day at Independence Grove today. In the "South Pond" of the grove mixed in with the several dozen Herring and Ring-billed Gulls were two Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

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Black Scoter

While at Independence Grove this morning, Jeff and I flushed this Black Scoter from the shoreline while looking for a mysterious grebe (which turned out to be a Pied-billed Grebe with some sort of issue that caused it to continually turn in circles while seemingly attacking something on its right flank).

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Pelican at Independence Grove

This morning Jeff and I went to find the American White Pelican that Jim Solum had seen at Independence Grove. Jim thought it would probably stay for the night.....it did!

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American Kestrel

Another one of those times when its good to have the camera handy!! I was driving back from the Hawk Watch (sadly the last time this year) and saw this American Kestrel on power lines by the side of the road. I stopped as quickly (& safely) as I could and snapped a few photos while it completely ignored me....


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Crossbills and Redpolls

I got a fantastic opportunity to access the protected area of Illinois Beach State Park's South Unit today with a group of 20 birders. We were looking for the Clark's Nutcracker, which unfortunately was not seen. But! And not really a consolation prize were about 70 Red Crossbills and 4 Common Redpolls!

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November Hawkwatch

Great day at the Hawkwatch today! Four Rough-legged Hawks and three Red-shouldered Hawks and twenty-one Red-tailed Hawks migrated over the Hawk Watch site today. We had great views of some of the Red-tails and an interesting time watching a Red-tail and Rough-legged Hawk together giving great views of the subtle differences between them when seen as silhouettes.

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Purple Finch at Home

I have been saying for a long time that Purple Finches are far less common than is indicated by many of the checklists of the Chicagoland area. I have rarely seen them while out birding and see few reports of them. So I was very surprised to see one sitting on my feeder this afternoon at home!

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Northern Shrike at Hawkwatch

Its hard to have a bad day at the Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch. Even when there are few raptors there are always other birds to observe. Today was no exception with a Pine Siskin, two flocks of Snow Buntings, an American Pipit and 'the' Hawkwatch Northern Shrike....

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IBSP Pelicans

About a month ago I just about to leave the Hawk Watch to go to the airport and just as I was leaving, Paul saw an American White Pelican in the distance. I was torn as to whether to stay to wait and see if it would come closer or leave. That day I had to leave. Today I was at the Hawk Watch and again about to leave when a flock of SEVEN pelicans started heading towards us. This time, I stayed....

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Gray Saturday

I got up at 5:30AM this morning with every intention of going out and getting my photography fix. Forecast said sunny skies in the morning, turning overcast later in the day. Well I don't know what their idea of later was because it was gray at 5:30AM and stayed that way all day!

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