Tag Archives: Bobolink

Lake County

Crawford Road

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Crawford Road is one of the most reliable spots in Lake County to find breeding Vesper Sparrows.  The breeding Vespers are best accessed from Millburn Rd.  Drive north on Crawford until the you begin to notice agricultural fields with sporadic trees.  This is where most of the birds are singing.    This is an unfinished road.  Past the intersection of Kelly Rd., Crawford can become hard to access for cars with low a chassis.  It can be done, but use caution, especially after a rain.

At the intersection of Crawford and Kelly Rd. one can find a few breeding warblers, including Blue-winged Warbler and Ovenbird.  Listen for Wild Turkey at this intersection, which is another tough find for Lake County.  A White-eyed Vireo was reported at this location during July 2013.  Beyond this intersection, the road continues North until you reach IL 173.  This area has both private and forest preserve land.  In the fields, look for Bobolinks and Grasshopper Sparrow.  The oak woods hold regular breeding species, including Orchard Oriole and Eastern Screech-Owl.

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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Iroquois County

Milford Water Treatment Plant and Recreation Area

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Just east of the village of Milford, along the south side of County Road 950 N, this site is a lovely area full of habitat in the middle of the corn desert.  There are two large water water treatment ponds, a trail through riparian, bottomland woods, a couple tallgrass prairie restoration plots, a smattering of old fields, and agricultural land.

Start by birding the ponds. Morning is better for this as the sun glare in the afternoons makes it difficult. There is no access within the fences of the ponds but a large mound of dirt is present at the northeast side of the ponds. This can be climbed and the ponds can be scoped from the top. Some of the better birds found on and around the ponds have been Common Loon, Black Scoter, Black Tern, Bonaparte’s Gull, Snow, Ross’s, Greater White-fronted, and Cackling geese, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon. Most of the more common ducks find their way to the pond, and all of the states regular swallows are fairly common in May.

After your fill of the ponds, it is suggested that you walk the dirt road between the ponds and the tallgrass prairie restoration plots. This edge is good for various sparrows, American Tree Sparrows abound in the winter. At the right times of years, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, and Bobolink are findable in the prairie. Once reaching the southeast fence corner of the ponds, turn west and bird the forest edge. The best birds along here in past years have been Olive-sided Flycatcher, Black-billed Cuckoo, and Cape May Warbler. The Cape May is one of 29 warbler species that have been found on the property. Most of these warblers are found in the next section of the property, however, the riparian bottomlands.

Following the south fence on foot to the west, there will eventually be a car-wide trail that runs into the woods to the south. This will pass by an unsanctioned campsite and go down a hill. This path that eventually curves east along the north bank of Sugar Creek is especially excellent during the migration months. Aside from the warblers, there has been a breeding pair of Pileated Woodpeckers in past years and Lincoln’s Sparrows are readily locatable in the fall. Winter months give way to Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Winter Wrens and Brown Creepers.

This trail will eventually pop out of the woods at an old field. Here, you will turn left and continue up a dirt road to the north between brushy field on your east and the forest on your west. It is along this stretch of trail where a female Spotted Towhee was found in October of 2010. This section is good for sparrows, especially Field Sparrow (on territory), Brown Thrashers and Common Yellowthroat.

This road will eventually butt into the south edge of the western prairie plot. Here, you can turn right and take your first left, walking between the two prairie plots. You’ll probably flush up a Ring-necked Pheasant or two. This trail will give you another opportunity to pick up some of the grassland birds. No Ammodramus has ever been found on the property but it is very plausible for a Grasshopper or Henslow’s to show up. After reaching the north edge of the prairie, you can turn west and walk between the prairie and the road until eventually getting back to the parking area by the dirt mound. The ponds are always worth another scoping.

One other area to bird on the property is the small patch of woods to the west of the ponds. You can drive west from the dirt mound area and you’ll have to look hard, but there is a sign for bike trails just west of where the north fence of the ponds ends. You can turn south into here and park. There is a small system of mountain bike trails in the woods west of the ponds. Much of the same species that are in the south woods are found here. However, one section has a damp, seep-like area that has been decent for American Woodcock in the past.

and interactive version of the below map can be found: http://goo.gl/maps/JJ5CM

Milford WTP

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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Lee County, Ogle County

Nachusa Grassland

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Nachusa Grassland is a huge area of high-quality sand-hill prairie with many desirable breeding and wintering species. Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Savanna Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Bobolink, Horned Lark are all easily found breeding species. Look and listen for Lark Sparrows along the sandy two-track that goes west from the visitor center. Other sandy-scrub loving species such as Orchard Oriole, Bell’s Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Grosbeak and Yellow-breasted Chat can be found along this and other trails with appropriate habitat. Look for Willow Flycatcher in the wet areas.

The woods at the west end of Stone Barn Road have had breeding Hooded Warbler. During migrations, the edges along Stone Barn can be excellent for migrating sparrows, which have included Harris’, Le Conte’s and Eurasian Tree. Wintering raptors include Short-eared Owl, Rough-legged Hawk and Northern Harrier. Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon have been seen in the area regularly during winter, often located by driving the roads to the north and east of the visitor center. Wild Turkey and Ring-necked Pheasant can usually be found along the back-roads in winter, and pheasant can usually be heard almost anywhere during spring and summer.


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County listers take note that the Lee/Ogle county line runs through the northern third of the property:

nachusa

Fulton County

Double T State Fish and Wildlife Area

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Double T is a patchwork of prairie, agricultural and old stripmine. The main attraction is Upland Sandpipers that nest in the fields along Cypress Rd. to the east of Co. Rd. 21.

Other breeding or summering species include Bobolink, Henslow’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bell’s Vireo, Northern Harrier.

During migration, the wet spots and fields can be very good for shorebirds and ducks, and the patches of foxtail grass (especially on the south side of Cypress) are good places to look for LeConte’s and Nelson’s Sparrows in September and October.


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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

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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Lake County

Rollins Savanna

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The marshy sloughs can be accessed from either the Washington St. parking area on the south, or the Drury Lane parking lot on the west (shorter walk from Drury Ln.) Birds breeding here include Yellow-headed Blackbird, American and Least Bittern, Sandhill Crane, Henslow’s, Savannah and Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolink and other expected prairie species. In the fall, the wet areas around the slough edges can be excellent for sparrows, especially Nelson’s and Le Conte’s. Short-eared Owls can be seen here in most years from October to December and sometimes through the winter. American Kestrel and Northern Harrier are regulars during winter and during spring and fall, the ponds at Rollins are loaded with all manner of dabbling ducks. It’s the best spot in the area for Northern Pintail. In winter it is not unusual to get Lapland longspur, Horned Lark, and Snow Bunting here as well.


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