Category Archives: DuPage County

Cantigny Park

The former McCormick estate hosts bird walks on the second Saturday of each month. These walks are free, so they are ideal to attend if paying the ($5.00 per car) entry fee into the park is undesired. The park borders the golf course, as well as has a couple good habitat edges. Resident Red-headed Woodpeckers nest behind the museum year round. In addition, a flock of 14 Wild Turkeys frequents the parks often. The feeders at the visitor’s center draws Red-breasted Nuthatches and finches. During migration seasons, the rose gardens and fruit trees attracts many warblers species, including Black-throated Green, Blackburnian and Golden-winged to name a few. New for 2013, a Chimney Swift Tower has been constructed beside the Idea Garden.


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Elmhurst ComEd Substation

The Elmhurst ComEd Substation is home to DuPage County’s largest Monk Parakeet population. Easily accessible viewing along Parker St, to the west of the fenced-off compound, allows for great looks at the Monk Parakeets which live at or around the compound year round. The northern most transformer outside of the compound holds their large communal nest. The Parakeets may be seen at this nest from March through November. During the winter months, the resourceful birds roost on the heat emitting structures within the Substation compound. In addition to the Monk Parakeets, other species occur in the small retention ponds to the north and southwest of the compound including Wrens and common Sparrow species. Also of interest, the Maywood Gun Club Lake, a private large open water lake producing migrant waterfowl (i.e. Common Goldeneye and Lesser Scaup) is easily viewable from Parker St. just south of the Substation. It is noteworthy that although parking and viewing is possible along County Line Rd. to the east, it is safer to park and walk along the western border on Parker St.


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Pella Ponds

6 ponds in a mostly deserted corporate complex. The blue marker notes the pond known as “Pella Pond”, because of it’s proximity to the Pella Window plant to the west. This pond, and the 5 to the north of Fabyan Parkway can be very good for migrating waterfowl, especially geese. Ross’, Greater White-fronted and Cackling Geese are seen here regularly. Eared Grebe has been seen here as well, and most of the expected waterfowl can be found here in season. The large open field to the southwest of the marker has had Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk and Snowy Owl.


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