Tag Archives: Bald Eagle

Winnebago County

Oliver Road

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ALL OF THE AREAS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, SO DO NOT LEAVE THE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY.

Oliver Road runs along the Pecatonica River and feeder streams northwest of Rockford. From IL 75, turn north on Harrison Road and follow it to Oliver Road on the left. After crossing a small stream, the surrounding area opens on to an area of planted prairie grass on the south and a “flood bottom” cornfield on the north. A tree line north of the corn field marks the edge of a stream and the Pecatonica River bottoms. In spring, the corn field is often flooded, and so it is attractive to migrating shorebirds. Species of interest found here are Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes, Willets, Least, Semipalmated, White-rumped, Pectoral, Baird’s, Stilt and Western Sandpipers, several species of plovers, and terns, usually Forster’s, but occasional Black. On the south side of the road, in a small pond surrounded by prairie grass (the pond is visible from your car so you can avoid spooking the birds in it) usually has puddle ducks, a few herons, and, on one spring count, a White-faced Ibis.

About another 1/4 mile down the road is a cattle pasture with an old oxbow. A stand of bur oaks is just behind the oxbow on higher ground.  The oxbow runs west to east, then turns north and passes in between stands of old oaks. Bald Eagles are frequently in this area in spring, and the oxbow should be checked for shorebirds and pipits. Flooded fields to the northwest often have small ponds with a lot of waders and ducks (a telescope is necessary).

The road then makes a 90 degree left turn and passes over a small stream that has a beaver dam on the right (west) side. Heck, this stream for Green Heron, Wood Ducks and, in migration, a lot of warblers, particularly on cool days when they are low feeding on insects near the water.

The road comes to a “T” intersection at Knapp Road. By turning right (west) and then left on Eddie Road, you can take Eddie Road back to IL 75.

Winnebago County

Blackhawk Park

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Blackhawk Park is located across (east) the Rock River from Klehm. Return to IL 2 and continue north 3 blocks to the stoplight intersection of Marchesano Driver/15th Avenue (the name changes from one side of IL 2 to the other) and turn right. You will cross the 15th Avenue bridge. At the other end of the bridge is the entrance to Blackhawk Park on the right. A baseball stadium is there at the corner. Drive slowly along the river and check the trees. The river downstream of the bridge often has waterfowl, and Carolina Wrens can often be found along either side of the river or in the limestone ravines on the east side. Wintering falcons (Peregrine and Merlin) often are seen along this stretch of river, and north of 15th Avenue on the other side of the bridge. In spring, this area sometimes has singing Carolina Wrens. Watch for roaming gulls and waterfowl, too.

The new Morgan Street bridge is now open and provides good views of the open water below the Fordham Dam. Park on Buchanan Street, which is at the west end of the bridge access, and walk along the sidewalks (the downstream side has been plowed, the upstream side has a wildcat path pressed into the snow, and there are snow piles between street and sidewalk which makes moving from one side of the bridge to the other difficult. Access the north side from Buchanan Street-there is an opening for the sidewalk on the north side of Morgan Street and west of the bridge). You can set up a scope on the sidewalk.

North of 15th Avenue bridge is a gravel bar in the middle of the river. This is an overnight roost for waterfowl, particularly geese.  There is an open access on the east bank opposite the gravel bar that is right along a street that is opposite the entry into Blackhawk Park. Just upstream from the gravel bar is a very old, tall Cottonwood that is a regular perch for Bald Eagles. Check the river for ducks. Carolina Wrens are often seen/heard along this stretch of the river, too.

By Dan Williams

Winnebago County

Klehm Arboretum

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Klehm Arboretum is in south Rockford, about 2 miles north of US 20 (bypass). Exit US 20 (bypass) at IL 2 (Main Street) and go north on IL 2. The entry for Klehm Arboretum is at Clifton Avenue at the bottom of a long hill. Turn left on to Clifton and then another left into the Arboretum.  Admission is $4 for adults. The arboretum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but is usually closed during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check the Arboretum website for closure information and winter hours. The visitor center has feeders. Check them when you pay your admission. The Arboretum honors memberships from other botanical gardens if they are a member of the participating agency group.

The abundance of berries and winter food, plus the mixture of deciduous and coniferous vegetation, plus a lot of thickets, make Klehm a winter hotspot for birding. The main attraction is the flocks of Cedar Waxwings and American Robins, which sometimes include a Bohemian Waxwing. Winter finches also frequent Klehm, and, during invasion years, both species of crossbills can be found there. In the winter of 2012-2013, a Hoary Redpoll was in a flock of 110 Common Redpolls, and, at the same time,  a Gray Catbird was in a thicket below the redpolls. Birders have also found Eastern Bluebirds (frequent in winter), Brown Thrasher, and, for two years in a row, a Townsend’s Solitaire (presumably the same bird) was feeding on juniper berries.

Raptors like to haunt Klehm and hunt the waxwings and robins. Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks are most common. Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles (the Rock River is less than ¼ mile away) often fly over.

by Dan Williams

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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Fulton County

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge / Thompson Lake

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Thompson Lake is one of the magical birding spots in Illinois. The number of rarities and unusual species found here in recent years is too big to list here. Breeding or summering species include up to 16 species of ducks and geese, Black-necked Stilt, Black Tern, American White Pelican, Common Gallinule, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Sora, Virginia Rail, King Rail, Marsh Wren, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle.

Shorebird numbers depend on the water levels. During migrations Thompson Lake is an excellent place to look for unusual shorebirds including American Avocet, Marbled Godwit, Hudsonian Godwit, Willet, Piping Plover, Western Sandpiper, Sanderling (always difficult to find away from Lake Michigan), Red-necked and Wilson’s Phalaropes. Franklin’s Gulls can usually be found here dring spring and fall migration, along with Common, Forster’s and Caspian Terns. White-faced Ibis have been seen here regularly, especially in fall. The scrub and weeds south of the observation tower can be very good for sparrows and other migrants September—November, including LeConte’s Sparrow, Nelson’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren. After breeding, hundreds of Eurasian Tree Sparrows often congregate near the observation platform.

In November and December Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl rest at Thompson, and flocks of 10,000 or more Snow Geese are frequently encountered. Ross’ Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose and Cackling Goose can usually be found here as well.

At the Clark Rd. hunter’s access, many scrub and prairie species can be found, including Henslow’s Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, White-eyed Vireo, Bell’s Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, Red-headed Woodpecker. Walking the half-mile trail to the water’s edge can often be very productive. Note that the access is simply a mowed path in the grass, and may not be accessible to all vehicles.


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Lake County

IBSP Hawkwatch

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The Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch has someone station at the picnic shelter (blue point on map) almost every day of the fall. Moderate-to-strong west winds are best, and depending on the date, many species of migrating raptors can be seen including: Sharp-shinned and Coopers Hawks, Northern Goshawk, Osprey, Bald and Golden Eagle, Rough-legged, Red-shouldered, Broad-winged Hawks, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Interestingly, Mississippi Kites have been seen here regularly in August and September, with as many as 3 individuals seen at one time.

The prairie grasses around the shelter are a reliable place in September and early October for Nelson’s and Le Conte’s Sparrows.

Rarities seen here include Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Swallow-tailed Kite, Gyrfalcon, Common Raven, Fork-tailed Flycatcher and Say’s Phoebe.


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Putnam County

Hennepin & Hopper Lakes

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Hennepin-Hopper, as it’s known, is one of Illinois premier birding locations. This restored wetland has some of the best quality cattail marshes in northern Illinois.

There are 3 primary birding spots here:

The boat launch
The boat launch area offers a good vantage point to scope the marsh. Breeding birds here include Yellow-headed Blackbird, Common Gallinule, Least Bittern, American Bittern, Swamp Sparrow, Marsh Wren and other expected marsh species, such as Sora and Virginia Rail. King Rails were calling here in May/June of 2011. Bald Eagle is frequently seen here. In the woods to the south, Red-headed Woodpecker and Carolina Wren are resident. In March and April, thousands of waterfowl congregate here, and White-fronted Goose and Cackling Goose are usually present.

The tower 
The tower offers an elevated overview of the marshes, and many of the same birds. Looking north, one can often spot Northern Harrier, and Sedge Wren nests in the prairie around the tower.

Urnikis Rd.
Another access point, and usually the best for Yellow-headed Blackbird. If the water is low, the gravel trail can be walked for quite a distance through the marsh and out into the prairie to the west. Henslow’s and Grasshopper Sparrows breed here, but the trail is most often under more than 2 feet of water. To access this spot turn west off Rte. 26 at Urnikis Rd. (780E). This is about 1/2 mile north of the main entrance road (795E). Note that there is only room to pull in one or two cars and that the open area that looks like a small parking lot, on the left as you pull in, is private property.

The marshes at Hennepin-Hopper have produced a lot of rare birds including Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Great-tailed Grackle, Ross’ Goose, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt and Hudsonian Godwit.


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