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.

► Read More...

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).

► Read More...

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!

► Read More...

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....


► Read More...

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!

► Read More...

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.

► Read More...

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!

► Read More...

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....

► Read More...