Category Archives: Cook County

Cook County

Park No. 566

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Park No. 566
About-
Part of the historic US Steel South Works plant, the land occupied by the present-day park, was cleared in the late 1990’s. The land was acquired in 2004 by McCaffery Interests and, in an agreement with the city, subsequently deeded part of the land as a park. The Chicago Park District currently has a framework plan in place that will greatly alter the current state of the abandoned land but, no timeline has been set. The plan can be found on the CPD website.
Getting there-
Park No. 566 is most easily accessed from Lake Shore Drive, near the entrance to Rainbow Beach Park. You will pull past the intersection of S Farragut Dr & S Lake Shore Dr (for those coming from the north) and parallel park along the side of the road. Coming from the south, you will make a U-turn at that intersection to park on the south side of S Lake Shore Dr, east of Farragut. For those wishing to travel to the park in a low-carbon fashion, there are a variety of bus routes that travel nearby as well as the Cheltenham (79th St.) Metra Electric stop less than a half-mile away. The entrance into the park is off of Farragut. Look for a yellow gate. The path begins there.
How to bird-
The private land adjacent to the park runs along the south edge of the gravel path. As such, you won’t venture much off this path while birding this area. Hiking is an in-and-out endeavor. You’ll simply walk as far as you’d like and turn around. Lake-watchers will walk in until you find a mulch path headed north, there is a berm running along the slag shoreline which creates a good place to set up a scope. Unless you’re planning on lake-watching, avoid days with strong winds as it will keep the birds down in the grass and difficult to find. After rain, the path will likely be very muddy. No bathroom facilities are within walking distance.
park566
Birds found there-
Walking along the path, sparrows and other grassland birds are definitely the prime attraction with individual counts often above 100. In addition to the typical Emberizids, Grasshopper, Clay-colored, Henslow’s, Le Conte’s, and Nelson’s Sparrows have all been found here. Raptors are also common visitors. Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls can occasionally be found sitting on the side of the path; more so the farther you walk in. The row of trees near the entrance to the park can hold a surprising array of spring and fall warblers and, because of the relatively large tract of land and its position of jutting out into the lake, the numbers of migrants can occasionally be outstanding. During the summer, Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers are often seen running along the edges of the path. Other shorebirds may occasionally be found but the habitat is suitable only as a temporary stopping place and are definitely not typical. Gulls and waterfowl are regularly seen as at many other lakefront sites. However, when at the “lake-watching spot” be mindful that the Indiana border is a few hundred feet offshore due east. You’re best bet for Illinois viewing is focusing northward, back at the downtown area. Late fall/early winter is an excellent time to walk to the clearing (Slag area) and look for ground foraging birds. Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, and Lapland Longspur can assemble in huge flocks as they scrounge for seed in the open area. Winter residents are limited to White-crowned and American Tree Sparrows along with a few other common sparrow species.
Why this place is special-
There are many great places to bird in Chicago. Even the best feel very urban and surrounded by human activity. When you visit Park No.566, you’ll probably be the only person there. With S Lake Shore Dr not being heavily traveled, there are moments when you forget you’re standing within the boundaries of a large city.
Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Chicago Botanic Garden

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McDonald Woods – The woodland is a good place to view both spring and fall migrants. Anywhere along the wood chipped nature trail will offer opportunities to see many neotropical migrants in the canopy and in the dense herbaceous vegetation in this restored oak woodland. In particular, the long wooden boardwalk across a shrubby wet area along the trail is good for warblers, sparrows and some waterfowl when water collects in this area in spring. In summer, you can find many of the woodland breeding bird here, such as Eastern Wood Pewee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-eyed Vireo, Red-bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers The woodland edges along the road are also good places to spot Indigo Buntings.

Barbara Brown Nature Reserve – The Reserve is located on the far southeast end of the Garden. It contains six acres of combined prairie and woodland vegetation surrounding a four-acre lake. The gravel path provides access to the south and east end of the Reserve. This area is good for neotropical migrants in spring and fall in the trees along the path. The prairie provides habitat for sparrows and goldfinches when seedheads are dropping seed. The lake is a good placed to spot Black-crowned Night-Herons, Green Herons, Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants, and gulls and Caspian Terns. During the summer, there are a few nesting birds in the Reserve, like Red-bellied and Downy Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and American Goldfinch.

Mud Flats – At the east end of the Garden, there is an area of silt deposition from the Skokie River in the lake south of the Dixon Prairie. This area provides some of the best opportunities for spotting shorebirds, herons, egrets, Caspian Terns, and waterfowl.

Dixon Prairie – The Dixon prairie on the south end of the Garden is one of the best locations in the Garden to observe many species of sparrows, including; LeConte’s, Nelson’s, Song, Swamp, Savanna, Vesper, and several other sparrow migrants. Careful viewing on the circular boardwalk on Marsh Island in the prairie can result in interesting species such as; Sora, Virginia Rail, and Wilson’s Snipe. During migration, it is not unusual to find Short-eared Owls roosting on Marsh Island or in the fen at the base of the gravel hill prairie. In late fall and winter you may find Lapland Longspurs, American Pipits, and Snow Buntings. The open view of the sky in this location also makes it a good place for observing birds flying over the Garden. The Dixon prairie is a location where you can almost always find nesting Orchard Orioles, either in one of the bur oaks out on the prairie, or in the white poplars bordering the road on the east side of the prairie.

Plant Science Center Woods – The stand of Cottonwood trees on the north side of the Plant Science Center along the east road is a good place to view warblers and other neotropical migrants, especially early in the morning when the sun warms the tops of these tall trees and gets the insects active. It is often possible to spot these birds here first before the sun gets to the trees in the woods and elsewhere at the Garden. During the summer, this is a good location to find nesting Warbling Vireos and Baltimore Orioles.

Waterfall – The Waterfall Garden is a good place for birds both spring and fall. The east-facing slope of the garden gets some of the first sun in the morning making it attractive for insect eating birds. The slope, backed by the Dwarf Conifer Garden, also provides a protected area out of the wind making it attractive to all species.

Lakeside Garden – The abundance of flowering trees along the Lakeside Garden walk is a good place to spot warblers, vireos, thrushes, and many other species during the spring migration.

Sensory Garden – The Sensory Garden is a good location for spring migrants, but is possible better for fall opportunities to see an abundance of hummingbirds attracted to the flowering shrubs on the southeast end of the upper path. It is not unusual to see a dozen hummingbirds in this area. Also, later in fall and winter, the alders and birches in the garden attract numerous winter finches like Pine Siskins and redpolls. Hoary Redpolls have been seen here regularly. This is also another location for searching for nesting Orchard Orioles.

Open Water in Winter – South of the Horticulture building on the extreme south end of the Garden, there is an area in the Skokie River that often remains open in winter that is attractive to winter waterfowl. It is not unusual to spot Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Mergansers, and other duck species. This is one of the few locations at the Garden where scoters have been spotted in the past. Barrow’s Goldeneye has been found in winter in the often open water south of Dundee road, just outside the Garden.

Lakes – Although all of the lakes are connected, they still provide opportunities for viewing different species because of size and depth. The north lake and the lake south of Evening Island are large and open enough that they often attract species like Common Loon. Large rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers are often seen in these same locations as well as north and south of the Japanese Islands. The lake south of Marsh Island often attracts a variety of puddle ducks like; Gadwall, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon. For whatever reason, one of the spots where Eared Grebes have been seen on occasion is north of the Fruit and Vegetable Island.

Miscellaneous – Given the proper weather conditions, the Garden is a good place to view fall hawk migration. Any time in fall after the passage of a strong cold front followed by westerly winds, it is possible to observe a variety of migrating raptors. It is not unusual to see a hundred or more raptors if you spend the day here. In late fall, as lakes in the northern parts of the country freeze over, we have had spectacular Sandhill Crane migrations at the Garden. Many thousands of cranes can often be seen in late November and early December. During these crane flights, it is possible to see hundreds of waterfowl along with dozens of late migrating raptor species. Good locations for viewing these flights are in the Green Roof Garden on the Plant Science Center building or the tall hill on the northeast end of Evening Island.

In general, the Garden’s close proximity to the shore of Lake Michigan, abundance of water, diversity of vegetation and corresponding habitat edges, make the Botanic Garden an attractive stop-over location for a great variety of birds. Checkout our bird list on the Garden website for information on season and abundance.

Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve

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About

Purchased by the Cook County Forest Preserve District in 2003, Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve (BPNP) contains some of the highest quality wet prairie habitat in the state.  Recently, the Army Corp of Engineers have completed restoration work on much of the east pond area.  Plantings and herbicide application continues in the west pond area.  A new parking lot and a modest trail were opened in 2014, significantly increase access to this site.  As restoration work is ongoing, conditions change fairly frequently.  Most notably, the water level is regularly manipulated to aid in the removal of invasive plants.

eBird Hotspot

Getting There

BPNP is a confusing place to find; just outside of city limits in Burnham, IL.  While the Torrence Avenue bridge is under construction (to be completed summer 2017) all traffic must arrive turning north on Torrence from State Street.  From there, turn right (east) onto 140th Street then left (north) onto S Manistee Avenue.   Finally, at the end of the street, turn right (east) 139st Street, which looks more like an alleyway.  Proceed east about 30 yards and a metal swing gate marks the entrance.

 Map

How to Bird

Burnham Prairie has a few trails and no facilities.  Late March – Early January are the most worthwhile times to visit.  Late winter is mostly barren.  As there is a great variety of habitat, it’s easiest to break-down each major trail/path:
(Note: The trail colors only correspond to the above map.  There are no trail markings at this preserve.)

Orange(Entry Road) – As you enter the preserve, you drive down a road bisecting the West Ponds allowing outstanding views of the bird life.  Caspian Tern, herons, Pied-billed Grebes, and swallows can be expected spring through fall.  Depending on the water level, this area can also be extraordinary for shorebirds.  Besides the expected shorebirds, Black-bellied Plover, American Golden-Plover, Marbled Godwit and Willet have all been found here.  Ducks will also frequent this area in migration but, not in numbers as seen in other parts of the preserve.  The Wet Prairie in this area is a great place to see numbers of Wilson’s Snipe in the spring.

Yellow – For a short visit, this gravel path can usually give you a good idea as to what birds are around.  This path has the best views of the East Ponds (scope helpful).  Shorebirds can often be found wading around the north edges of the ponds.  The Slag Field, dotted with a few isolated trees can occasionally produce some interesting birds (in the current year Northern Mockingbird has been found here repeatedly) and is frequented by woodpeckers and migrating Baltimore Orioles.  Sparrows tend to load up along the prairie plants along this path.  As you walk to the northeast portion of the path, around the small hill, you’ll approach the last stretch of path before the train tracks.  This area can be a highly effective viewing station.  To the distant south, you’ll be able to see herons hanging around the south edge of the West Pools, often in large numbers (high counts of Great Egret exceed 70).  In the foreground, the wet prairie is very popular in the spring with teal, Wood Ducks, and the occasional rail.  In the early summer, this area becomes loaded with Marsh Wren.  To the north, the drop off to an oft-flooded depression is very popular with breeding Swamp Sparrow as well as House Wren.  Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Phoebes, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are abundant in season and commonly perch on the chain-link fence.  Lastly, watching the woods in spring and fall can produce modest numbers of warblers and kinglets.

Blue – This trail consists of walking alongside the railroad tracks.  These tracks are rarely used but, they do occasionally hold staging freight cars.  A there-and-back walk along the tracks begins at the north end, alongside the Wet Prairie that is popular with Marsh Wren & Swamp Sparrows.  In migration, Lincoln’s Sparrow can be found here.  Continuing to walk south gives great morning views of the West Ponds with the sun at your back.  Loads of ducks gather here although, it’s likely you’ll flush any birds that are in the closest pond.  Telephone poles and the isolated trees along the tracks are popular perching spots for Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrel; both of which breed in the area.  When raptors aren’t around, these trees are very popular with migrating warblers and sparrows.  Walking further to the south edge of the ponds Sedge Wren, Yellow Warblers, and Common Yellowthroat become the dominant bird.  As you get closer to the Oak Grove, the calls of Willow Flycatchers become conspicuous, as well.  In the Oak Grove area, Henslow’s Sparrow can be heard calling in spring.  In the later summer, Red-headed Woodpeckers frequent this area as well as the Tree Grove east of the tracks.  The quality of prairie plants in this area is outstanding.  However, the birding is difficult and usually not very rewarding; rubber boots are a must and extreme care should be given not to trample the fragile vegetation.  Most often, the birds that are observed from the tracks represent all the birds that can be found in this area.  A walk around the Oak Grove can give a closer view of some of the prairie areas and better views of any birds they contain.  A patch of bushes along the tracks, just north of the ComEd substation, are a favorite spot for migrating, under-story warblers (Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird,…)

Green – This gravel access road leads through trees that border the Grand Calumet River.  During migration, this is the best place in the preserve to find warblers, thrushes, vireo, and flycatchers.  The area around the T-intersection is usually the hot spot.  Continuing further west will generally give you more woodpeckers and sometimes lead to better views of shorebirds that are hanging out around the north end of the West Ponds.

Purple – More a worn footpath than a trail, useful to visit if you’re trying to add additional migrating passerines to your site list but, can be skipped.  Often requires rubber boots and walking around broken glass and other decaying metal waste.

Red – Parallel to the tracks for most of the time and often flooded.  Mostly popular with Red-winged Blackbirds and Killdeer.  This path takes you onto ComEd property.  Access to this area is allowed but, generally, only useful if you’re trying to get to the trees boarding the Grand Calumet River to the east.

Why this place is special

This preserve demonstrates the benefits of preservation and restoration.  The remnant prairie that makes up the south half of the preserve is extraordinary for its plant diversity whereas the completed work on the north and west has created highly-productive bird habitat.  This diversity provides sanctuary for both birds and other animals such as mink and coyote.  In the summer breeding season, when most Chicago-area sites’ counts drop to 20-30 species, Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve can regularly produce species counts around 40-50.  This preserve represents a great effort to return Common Gallinule, King Rail, and other extirpated species to the Calumet region.

Cook County

Harborside International Golf Course

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Harborside International Golf Course is located at 11001 S. Doty Avenue East in southeast Chicago. Doty Avenue is the frontage road which runs along the east side of I-94 (Bishop Ford Expressway), and it may be easily accessed by exiting I-94 at the 111th, 115th, or 130th Street east exits. The golf course is situated at the northwest corner of Lake Calumet, and clear views of the lake and its various habitats are easily obtained from the clubhouse balcony (a spotting scope is recommended). The facility is normally open from April 1st through October 31st. Species groups found at Harborside since 2002 have typically included waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, shorebirds, and grassland birds.

Harborside International Golf Course is a private facility, but the Harborside management has no objection to birders observing from this location if certain protocols and restrictions are observed. Cameras/photography are forbidden on the premises. Birders are allowed to view from the clubhouse balcony only, but only on days when the balcony is not already in use for a special event. Birders are discouraged from using the balcony from noon to 1 pm, when golf course patrons may be lunching there. To get to the clubhouse balcony, enter the golf course and follow the entrance road to the parking lot. Drive to the east end of the parking lot, park, and walk east to the clubhouse. The balcony is at the east end of the clubhouse.

Birds seen at Harborside Golf Course since 2002 include 27 waterfowl species (21 ducks). Less common waterfowl have included Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross’s Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, and White-winged Scoter (usually three, but up to six Greater White-fronted Geese were regularly viewed from the clubhouse balcony during May of 2013). Ring-necked Pheasants were commonly heard calling from the clubhouse balcony through 2008, but it appears that this species no longer occurs on the property. Pied-billed & Horned Grebes are commonly seen during the proper season, and an Eared Grebe could be viewed from the clubhouse balcony during May of 2002 and April of 2009. American White Pelicans occur only uncommonly and sporadically during migration.

Nine wader species have occurred since 2002, with less common species including Least Bittern, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. At least twelve raptor species have been seen at Harborside since 2002. Turkey Vultures & Red-tailed Hawks are commonly seen throughout the summer months, but Osprey, American Kestrel, & Peregrine Falcon are also occasionally seen. A pair of Bald Eagles recently built a nest at the tip of the northernmost slip at southeastern Lake Calumet, and the nest (w/incubating adult) could be viewed from the clubhouse balcony during the spring of 2013. Virginia Rail & Sora (and Marsh Wren) may be heard calling from the clubhouse balcony during the proper season, and Common Gallinule has also occasionally been seen from that vantage point.

At least 24 shorebird species have occurred since 2002, with less common species including American Avocet, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, White-rumped Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Short-billed & Long-billed Dowitchers, and Wilson’s Phalarope. A few Bonaparte’s Gulls may be seen with the many Ring-billed & Herring Gulls during migration, and a Laughing Gull could be viewed from the clubhouse balcony during June of 2006. A 1st-cycle Great Black-backed Gull lingered throughout May & much of June in 2004. Caspian Terns are regular during summer, and Forster’s, Common, & Black Terns are occasionally seen during migration. A nesting colony of Bank Swallows (50-100+ nest holes) was located at the northeast corner of Lake Calumet (across the lake from the clubhouse balcony) from 2002 – 2009.

A Northern Mockingbird has appeared on the golf course grounds on more than one occasion. Savannah Sparrows, Dickcissels, & Eastern Meadowlarks are commonly heard singing along the Harborside entrance road during June, and Bobolinks have also occurred. As a plus, Franklin’s Ground Squirrels breed on the property and are also occasionally seen along the entrance road.


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Cook County

126th Street Marsh

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The 126th Street Marsh is a mitigation wetland created in 2004 along Indian Creek north of  Hyde Lake Wetland in southeast Chicago. A wide variety of waterbirds clearly benefit from the various habitat improvements, which include graded banks and native plantings along Indian Creek.

The entrance to the 126th Street Marsh is located on the north side of 126th Place, three-tenths mile east of Torrence Avenue in Chicago. Enter the parking lot at 2924 E. 126th Place. This business has had several owners over the years (most recently JCIM). In past years, No Trespassing signage has been posted here, and birders have sometimes been asked to leave the premises by security. As of this writing (April, 2013) no such signage is posted, and the business appears to be up for lease. Should No Trespassing signage be posted again in the future, it is important that birders respect the intentions of the property owners.

After entering the parking lot, simply follow Indian Creek north, birding from your car. This area can be excellent for waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, and other wading birds in season. Indian Creek continues north for about four-tenths mile, at which point it empties into the Calumet River. The Calumet River is another habitat hot-spot (excellent for gulls and waterfowl during the winter months).

Canada Geese are regular along Indian Creek, but several Snow Geese were also seen there in February/March, 2013. Cackling Goose is possible at the Calumet River, and 3 White-winged Scoters were also seen there in March of 2013. A pair of Mute Swans nested at Indian Creek near the parking lot entrance in 2005 & 2006.

A Snowy Egret was seen at the Indian Creek wetlands on several occasions in August, 2006. Little Blue Herons (up to three) are far more frequent at Indian Creek – Little Blues have been seen with some regularity during the warmer months (late April – mid-August) from 2005 – 2013.

Interesting raptors are also seen in this area. Ospreys (Calumet area nesters) are occasionally seen flying overhead during the warmer months, and an immature Red-shouldered Hawk frequented the trees on the south side of 126th Place in January/February of 2013. The Calumet area Bald Eagle pair is occasionally seen flying overhead or foraging at the 126th St. Marsh. Peregrine Falcons nest with some regularity at the Ford Bridges over the Calumet River to the west, and they occasionally occur as flyovers. A Merlin showed up at Indian Creek in August of 2006.

Migrant shorebirds may be found along Indian Creek in late spring & late summer during low-water years (at least 13 species since 2004), including 2-3 White-rumped Sandpipers during late May/early June of 2005 & 2012. Semipalmated Sandpipers & Dunlins are among the more expected shorebird species found here in late May.

During the coldest part of the winter, the Calumet River (viewed from the north end of the marsh) frequently becomes iced-over. This ice is soon broken by barges passing through, creating perfect habitat for the larger wintering gulls. Hundreds of Herring & Ring-billed Gulls regularly occur, but small numbers of Thayer’s, Iceland, Lesser Black-backed, Glaucous, & Great Black-backed Gulls are also expected during any given winter.

Dickcissels may be heard singing from grassy areas near the parking lot entrance in June during drier years, and a male Orchard Oriole held a territory at the same location in 2013.


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Cook County

Bend of the Little Calumet River

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This large bend in the Little Calumet River is located roughly between 127th & 130th Streets just to the west of Indiana Avenue in southeast Chicago. Its strategic location (adjacent to clean water outflow from the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, as well as warm water outflow from steel industry across the river in Riverdale) makes it a magnet for wintering waterfowl and wintering waterbirds in general. When other rivers and lakes freeze up during cold winters, the Bend invariably remains open due to warm water outflow, and waterfowl concentrate here in large numbers.

The Bend is best birded from the MWRD SEPA Station #2,  located on the south side of 127th Street about a block west of State Street in Chicago. This area is private property, but MWRD has no objection to birders observing from this location if certain protocols and restrictions are observed. Birders who accept the risks of birding from the SEPA Station #2 viewing platform must notify the MWRD Police Section at 708-588-4035 prior to their visit. Birders are required to park across 127th Street and walk to the SEPA Station grounds (parking is not allowed at the SEPA Station). Keep an eye on your vehicle, as this is not the best of neighborhoods.

Birds found at the Bend from 2002 – 2013 include 25 waterfowl species (22 ducks). Regularly wintering waterfowl include Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup (hundreds), Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Common Merganser. In addition, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, and all three scoters have also occasionally appeared at the Bend during the winter months. An immature male King Eider found on February 17, 2010 was by far the rarest waterfowl species recorded at this location. Duck hybrids found here have included Gadwall X Mallard, American Black Duck X Mallard, and Mallard X Northern Pintail.

Other regularly wintering waterbirds include Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, American Coot, and Belted Kingfisher. Black-crowned Night-Herons are far less reliable in winter, but they occasionally do occur. Bald Eagles are occasional during winter (a pair of Bald Eagles built a nest at nearby Mittal Woods in 2004).

Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls (hundreds) regularly winter at this location. Although not particularly noteworthy as a gull location during most years, Bonaparte’s, Thayer’s, Iceland, Glaucous, and Great Black-backed Gull have all been found here during the winter months since 2002.


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Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

McClaughry Springs Forest Preserve

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Located on Kean Ave between 11900 st and Rt 83, there is a small parking lot that holds about 12 cars. Mill Creek runs at the base of the large bluff. This area because of the creek which attracts insects and the bluff which blocks any westerly winds becomes a magnet for bird migrants. I have personally seen 33 species of warblers here.

The creek is Chicagoland’s best location for Louisiana Waterthrush which attempts to nest here every year. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher all breed here. All 5 expected species of woodpecker nest here also. There are many possibilities on how to bird this area depending on how long of a hike you are interested in. Check Cook County trail maps. Just south of the open area across the creek look for Marsh Marigolds and Virginia Bluebells in the early spring. The hike that I prefer is to walk from the parking lot NW to the bridge. This bridge which has overhanging trees is surreal in the spring. Eastern Phoebes nest under this bridge. Cross the bridge and walk along the edge of the creek northward and enjoy the many wildflowers. Cerulean Warbler nested here in 2009. This trail meets another trail that can take you either back to Kean Ave or you can hike west to the base of the old toboggan slides, now simply 124 steps used for serious exercise. Walking back towards Kean Ave you will cross another bridge where Ruby Throated Hummingbird is dependable.

This exits at the entrance to Palos Park Woods North. This parking lot is equally good for migrants plus nesting birds. You now have an option. You can either take Kean Ave south back to the parking lot about one block. Or you can proceed eastward through Palos Park Woods on a 45 minute hike that makes a loop that will eventually take you back to McClaughry Springs parking lot also. Besides birds mentioned, Broad-winged Hawk, American Redstart, Wood Thrush, Veery, Yellow Throated Vireo, Indigo Bunting are expected in this area. The area near the creek can be muddy depending on the weather. Otherwise the trail is the typical crushed limestone variety. Birding is naturally best here very early in the morning in May and where you will likely run into me.


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Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Orland Grasslands

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The Orland Grasslands is an area that is being restored to original habitat. It is bordered on the east by Lagrange Rd.,on the west by 104th ave, on the north by 16700, and on the south by 17900 st.Invasive species have been or are in the process of being eliminated by volunteers on a year long basis for over 10 years now.

Wetland plants are being reintroduced and the fight against phragmites etc is an ongoing battle. Recently drain tiles were blocked with the result in a change in hydrology. In spring 2012, I counted 14 ponds/wetlands all of which held some some bird migrants. I have had Virginia and Sora rails in these areas but all rails might be found here in the future. With the recent removal of useless species of trees such as poplars, the grasslands have been extended and the resulting breeding grounds for species such as Henslow Sparrows and Bobolinks have more than tripled. There is a formal stone covered parking lot on 16700 st just west of Lagrange Rd. There are maps at the kiosks. From here you can walk south on a work road till you get to a couple of ponds ( about 3-4 blocks) which usually make it through the summer. In the spring look for shorebirds,egrets and herons on these ponds. Coots, Pied Billed Grebes, Blue-winged Teal and one year a pair of Common Gallinules nested here. Before it gets too hot a series of ponds/wetlands runs westward from these ponds and merits checking for more shorebird activity. On both sides north and south of these ponds, summer prairie nesting birds will be found. Besides Bobolinks and Henslow Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks, look for Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows. Dickcissel usually appears all through the grasslands in late June. Field Sparrows are everywhere.

Further west are Bluebird houses but many Tree Swallows usually occupy them. There are more successful Eastern Bluebird boxes south of the east-west path about 17500 st. In the middle of this path is an area that is called the “Chatroom” for obvious reasons. The area has been cleared somewhat and the attraction to Chats, Orchard Orioles ,and both Cuckoos has been reduced somewhat. But they still occur here. In the fall Short-eared Owl, Northern Harrier, Lapland Longspur all occur here. For wildflower enthusiasts, the grassland has been quite an attraction for summer color.

With that, butterfly surveys have been spectacular for an area in the middle of suburbia. Other areas of entrance are at 104 ave at about 175th st but only for a couple cars ( you can always park on the west side of 104th ave in the residential areas). Also there is parking on Lagrange Rd at some business areas. I am omitting many of the more common bird species that will add to your enjoyment. If you have not been at a grassland at 6-7am in June, you are missing an aspect of birding which is disappearing quickly in North America- prairie birding. Enjoy the Orland Grasslands.


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Cook County

Northerly Island

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Northerly Island, or what used to be Meigs Field, is one of the more recent bird attractions in Chicago. The ex-airport has now been transformed into grassland that is ripe for holding migrants. One should note that when visiting, parking costs a few dollars, but is usually worth it as the birding is usually fantastic.

Nelson’s and LeConte’s Sparrows can be found here with a bit of work, but seem to be a little more common and easy to find than at Montrose. In the winter, Northerly is transformed into a fantastic location for resident winter birds, such as Northern Shrikes, which will sometimes winter on the island. Northerly sits on the lake as well, which means ducks and other water birds can easily be found. Three sides of the “island” are covered in water, so duck numbers are usually high when there is open water. This past winter, Thayer’s, Glaucous, and Iceland Gulls all were found in the harbor, along with a long staying Long-tailed Duck. All three Scoters can also be found here usually near the harbor mouth on the south-west side.

There also usually is a large number of wintering raptors on the island, with a few Rough-legged Hawks in good years, Red-tailed Hawks, and breeding American Kestrels. In migration, Short-eared Owls can be found along with Northern Harriers. Passerine migration is also good here, with good numbers of grassland species. Henslow’s Sparrows can be found, as well as Sedge and Marsh Wrens.

As with Montrose Point, Northerly is a small magnet for rare and uncommon birds. In past years, Sage Thrasher, Brewer’s Sparrow, and Harlequin Duck have been found. Recently, Sam Burckhardt found a Red-throated Loon, a hard bird to see close to shore, across from Northerly Island near the Shedd Aquarium. The bird stayed for at least 2-3 more weeks, and was later found swimming in the harbor. Northerly is a fantastic mix of habitats, as there is a mix of both grasslands and open water.

Also, if visiting Northerly Island, one should consider visiting the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. They are great attractions, and are great destinations for tourists.


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Cook County

Montrose Point

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To most birders in Chicago, Montrose is a must for any day in spring migration. It is one of the first land masses birds see when they come to shore after a day of migration, and has fantastic habitat for all types of migrants. When one arrives at Montrose early in the morning, the beach is usually the first spot to check. This area is located to the left of the fishhook pier and will usually have a variety of water birds. In migration, one can find Ruddy Turnstone, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Sanderling,  Semipalmated Plover, Whimbrel, Willet, and sometimes even the rare Marbled Godwit. There can be Common and Forester’s Terns on the beach with the gulls, and sometimes uncommon gulls mixed in.

Moving into the native grasslands, one can encounter a variety of new species. Nelson’s and LeConte’s Sparrows are usually the high point for some in fall migration, as they are uncommon migrants and with a bit of searching can be found in the grasses. Short-eared Owls are known to be in the grasses and can be found with luck. One can also find Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, and other sparrow species. Harris’s Sparrows sometimes can be found in the willows that are throughout the grasses, but they are usually only found once or twice in migration.

In the actual sanctuary, there is a vast system of trails that birders like to walk daily to find all the birds present. The Magic Hedge is located in the north part of the sanctuary and is known as on of the best spots in migration for warblers and other birds at Montrose. In one day, there can be over 20 species of warbler, including less common species like Mourning Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Golden and Blue-winged Warbler, and more. There is also a water drip for birds to drink from, which can also hold good migrants since there is a dead tree next to it for birds to perch in. If you come to Montrose in early May, it is almost a guarantee you will run into other local birders at the Magic Hedge, as well as throughout the Sanctuary.

Montrose is also an amazing magnet for uncommon to rare birds. Bob Hughes has recorded over 330 species at Montrose,  and recent uncommon birds have been Burrowing Owl, Western Grebe, Black-legged Kittiwake. Many first state records have been found at Montrose, and that is most likely due to the numbers of birders that travel there. Bob Hughes has a website dedicated to Montrose birding, which can be viewed at here: http://theorniphile.info/montrose_primer.html

montrose

1) Montrose Harbor

2) Golf Course Pond

3) Cricket Hill

4) Wilson Boat Launch

5) The Magic Hedge

6) Montrose Beach

7) The Meadow

8) Montrose Dunes

9) Fishhook Pier

(Courtesy of Bob Hughes and the Montrose Primer (http://theorniphile.info/montrose_primer.html)


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