Category Archives: Cook County Forest Preserves

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.

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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, 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, Cook County Forest Preserves

Cap Sauers Holding Forest Preserve

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Cap Sauers Holding is one of the larger wooded areas in the Palos Hills forest preserves of southwest Cook County.  It is bordered by State Route 83 to the north, 104th Ave. in the east, McCarthy and Ford Roads to the south and private land to the west.  It is primarily a hardwood forest, sometimes savannah forest in character (open) and has areas of more open scrub.  It is crossed by several trails including the Green Trail that runs more or less east-west along its south border along Ford Road, where it is easily accessed.

The Green Trail gives access to two other trails: the Blue Trail that runs almost directly north from Ford Rd. to Route 83, and the Yellow Trail that makes a loop on the east side of the preserve and connects with Swallow Cliff FP on the south and Teasons Woods on the north (across 104th Ave.).  I usually park along Ford Road to access the trails but you can also park at Teasons Woods or Horsetail Lake FP near where the Yellow Trail crosses to Swallow Cliff.  Right along Ford Road listen for Summer Tanagers that have been found here the last few years.  Near where Ford Road makes a curve to the southeast (west of the caretaker’s house and Bergman Slough) the Green Trail is close to the road.  Go right on the trail.  You will first come to the Blue Trail.  Along this trail you can get Blue-winged Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow Throated Vireo and Scarlet Tanager.  If you continue on the Green Trail the trail curves south bringing you close to the road across from Bergman Slough.  Red-headed Woodpeckers and a Yellow-throated Vireo have nested in this area for many years.

The Green Trail then heads northeast towards the Yellow Trail.  Eastern Towhee, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager and Blue-winged Warblers can be found along this stretch and occasionally a Hooded Warbler or two.  A stretch of scrub just before the Yellow Trail can have White-eyed Vireo, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Blue-winged Warbler and Veery.  The Green Trail meets the Yellow Trail in the apex of its loop.  A small creek cuts across this loop and there are bridges over the creek a short distance from the trail intersection both to the left and right.  The area between these bridges has held Hooded and Kentucky Warblers and a Louisiana Waterthrush has been found near the two bridges for several years.  Taking the Yellow Trail north (left) takes you through more Hooded Warbler territory and those of other forest birds.  Going right (south and east) towards Swallow Cliff is good for more Hooded Warblers, Veery, Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanagers.

Cap Sauers is one of the better areas in Cook County for Saw-whet, Eastern Screech, Great Horned and Barred Owls.  Pileated Woodpeckers have been observed or heard on the west (Green Trail) and north sides.  For Eastern Whip-poor-will, park on Ford Road after dark in Spring and early summer and walk east/right along the trail for ~100-200 yards and listen.


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Forest Preserve Map, Region 7

Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

John Duffy Grassland

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John Duffy Grassland is the part of the John Duffy Forest Preserve south of 131st Street and bordered by Will-Cook Road on the east, Bell Road on the west and private property on the south.  The Red (bridal) trail (download trail map) passes north-south through the middle of the preserve, then heads east along the south edge.  There is a pull-over parking spot on each side of 131st St. where the trail crosses the road but do not block the trail.  There is also a small pull-over parking spot on Will-Cook Rd. on the east side across the entrance to Tampier Lake FP.  On 131st St. to the west of the trail crossing is a parking lot for the bridal trail.  The Forest Preserve District is often slow about opening up the parking lot in the morning.  The preserve consists of larger patches of prairie with several small patches of woodland.

Birds: Look and listen for Dickcissels, Eastern Meadowlark and Eastern Bluebirds in the field south of the parking lot.  A few years ago Henslow’s Sparrows also nested here but disappeared.  However, with the controlled burns at Bergman Slough Field they may return as they have to other places in this preserve.  A mowed trail leads from the parking lot to the Red Trail to the east.  Northeast of the intersection with the Red Trail is a small pond with dead trees.  A number of species nest or visit here.  Nesters include Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Warbling Vireo, Wood Duck and occasionally Red-headed Woodpecker.  In the field stretching east are often Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel and Savannah Sparrow.  Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo and Eastern Towhee can be found in the woodlots here and throughout the preserve.  At the gap in the hedge to the east you can find nesting Brown Thrasher, Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird (all found throughout the preserve, as well) and, sometimes, Eastern Bluebird.  The grasslands on the eastern half of the preserve are the best for Henslow’s, Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows and Bobolink.  On rare occasions there has been a Black-billed Cuckoo in the woodlot to the north.  Red-tailed Hawks nest somewhere in this area.  The woods on the south side hold Red-bellied and Hairy Woodpeckers.  In 2012 there was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the southern gap in the hedge.  Follow the Red Trail west to where it curves back north.  Along the south end of the north-south leg of the trail there is usually a White-eyed Vireo; in 2012 there were 2 on territory here.  There is usually a Blue-winged Warbler along here, as well.  Cooper’s Hawks have nested in the woodlot on the east side of the trail. 26 June 2010 there was a Prairie Warbler heard singing distantly from the gap between woodlots on the east side of the trail; this was likely a post breeding dispersal but it may be a species to listen for in the next decade.


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Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

John Duffy Forest Preserve

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There are pull-over parking spaces along 123rd St./McCarthy Rd. on the north and 131st St. on the south.  North side: take the trail from the parking space south; you will come into the open where this trail intersects the main loop trail.  A trail ahead leads down to McGinty Slough, which can be good for dabbling ducks in season, especially American Wigeon, and some diving ducks.  Ospreys nest on the opposite shore.  Go left/east up the hill to view the east side of the slough, which is a flooded forest.  Look for the Ospreys in the trees if you do not see them at the nest box.  One or more Willow Flycatchers nest on this hill.  A Blue-winged Warbler is usually found along the tree line to the east.  In 2012 there were 2 or 3 Blue-wingeds on territory on the north side of the preserve.  Occasionally a Yellow-breasted Chat or two is found along the main trail heading west on the north side.

West side:  This is the most interesting part of the trail in the breeding season. Listen for Yellow-breasted Chats and White-eyed Vireos along the west side.  Their territories shift somewhat from year to year but tend to be found most often along the south end of the trail where it takes a sharp turn to the east.  Just before this (to the north) at coordinates 41.6596935, -87.9275939 there has been a singing Bell’s Vireo recorded in 2008-09 and 2011 (probably present in other years but just missed).  South end:  Along the power lines where the west branch of the trail emerges is the most reliable place to find Yellow-breasted Chats.  It is usually a good location for Orchard Oriole, as well.  A pair of Red-tailed Hawks nest somewhere along the power lines, as they are almost always spotted here.  Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are found in the trees east of the small pond to the south of the power lines.  East side: The best breeding bird on this side are Wood Thrushes found in the more wooded north end.  In spring this side can be quite good for warblers.  I’ve had good luck finding Golden-winged Warblers along this side in the spring.  Eastern Towhees and Field Sparrows are found throughout the preserve in the breeding season.  Brown Thrashers are also common.  Warning: the most common flying creature here in spring and summer is the mosquito!


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Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Ford Road/Bergman Slough/Bergman Slough Field

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Ford Road is north of McCarthy Road between Will-Cook and Wolf Roads.  There are pull-over parking spaces on the south side of Ford Road.  To the south is Bergman Slough Field and to the north is Cap Sauer Forest Preserve.  Near the east most parking space where the road starts to curve south a Summer Tanager has been on territory for the last few summers.  In winter Northern Saw-whet, Eastern Screech, Barred and Great Horned Owls can all be found along Ford Road.  Henslow’s and Grasshopper Sparrows nest near the road in the field to the south (note: the Forest Preserve District has done controlled burns in the field recently, 2011-12, that has caused the Henslow’s to move to the near by John Duffy Grasslands).   In most years Henslow’s can be found throughout the grassland.  Farther back in the field (farther south) are breeding Dickcissels and Bobolinks and usually an Eastern meadowlark or two.  In late summer Sedge Wrens often arrive for a second round of nesting from other locations unknown.  In spring watch and listen for displaying American Woodcocks.  On the west edge of the field on the wooded edge south of the houses there has been a Blue-winged Warbler or two for a couple of years.

Farther east along Ford Road is the caretaker’s house (sometime occupied, sometimes not).  A Yellow-throated Vireo has been found in the woods across the road since 2008.  Listen for the/a Summer Tanager here as well.  An Orchard Oriole can usually be found behind the house.  In the past a Blue-winged Warbler has been found by the house.  On 8 June 2008, 9 June 2009 and 14 June 2012 a male Least Flycatcher has been recorded behind or east of this house, but breeding has not yet been confirmed.  Red-headed Woodpeckers breed in the woods just to the northeast of the house in Cap Sauer.  Ospreys breed at Bergman Slough south of the house.  The area immediately around the lake is off limits from 15 April to August.  Do not park at the small parking space east of the caretaker’s house, even if you are in the woods across the street looking for Red-headeds!  The Ospreys can be viewed with a scope from the parking places mentioned at the beginning of this post.


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Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Swallow Cliff Woods South

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The large pine trees around this parking lot has been a good place for Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll and Red-breasted Nuthatch in season. In the woods immediately to the east of the parking area, Summer Tanager has been a regular breeder. Along the Sag Valley Trail to the east, between where the two trails cut off to the south, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers have bred. Barred Owl and Pileated Woodpecker can be found here as well.


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Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Swallow Cliff Woods North

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Pileated Woodpecker and Louisiana Waterthrush have bred in the woods along the Sag Valley Trail, where it runs west, from the southwest corner of the parking lot.  The first ravine on the left has been good for the waterthrush, and the woodpecker bred here in 2009 … but there is good habitat all along this stretch of trail.


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