Tag Archives: Broad-winged Hawk

McClaughry Springs Forest Preserve

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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Franklin Creek Nature Preserve

This high-quality woods has two access points. The westernmost is at the picnic shelter on Old Mill Rd. just east of Twist Rd. From here there is a paved path that follows the creek for about a mile. Breeding species that can be found along this trail include Barred Owl, Whip-poor-will, Tufted Titmouse, Acadian Flycatcher, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Wood Thrush, Veery, Pileated Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Great-crested Flycatcher and other expected woodland species. In the woods to the south-west of the east parking area (the entrance is just east/south of where Deer Path Ln intersects Old Mill Rd) Cerulean Warbler and Broad-winged Hawk have been found in summer.


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Sand Ridge State Forest

Sand Ridge is a large expanse (over 7,000 acres) of mixed oak woods, savanna and planted pines.  The habitats offer exceptional birding year-round.

Breeding species include Pileated Woodpecker, Broad-winged Hawk, Barred Owl, Whip-poor-will, Wood Thrush, Orchard Oriole, White-eyed Vireo, Northern Mockingbird, Blue Grosbeak. Pine warbler has bred in the pines near the parking lot west of Cactus Drive and south of Co Rd 2500N (teal-blue marker, below). Along Co Rd 2500N west of the Fish Hatchery entrance, listen for Prairie Warbler. For many years, Sand Ridge had been reliable for Chuck-will’s-widow, but none have been found in recent years. Still, it is worth listening for if you are there on a spring or summer evening.

The Virginia pines near the intersection of Co Rd 2300N (Goofy Ridge Rd) and Co Rd 2300E often has Red Crossbills and White-winged Crossbills during migrations and winter. Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin and Red-breasted Nuthatch have been found here also.

The Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery, north of Co Rd 2500N east of Cactus Drive (2600E) is a good place to check for herons and egrets.

At the intersection of Cactus Drive and 2300N is the campground. From here, Cactus Drive continues south and becomes Forest City Rd. Staying to the right takes you onto Bishop Road, which is a quiet, sandy road through woodland and savanna. Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Kentucky Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, and all of the expected species breed here. In winter, huge flocks of American Robins can be found here. Other wintering species include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush and Fox Sparrow.


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Grant Woods

Grant Woods is an extensive forested area with some shrubland in western lake county. In winter it is a good place to check for winter finches in the extensive pine stands of the North Unit. There is also a nesting Cooper’s Hawk in this area most summers. Northern Shrikes also like the tall shrubs bordering the grassy areas. I have had Purple Finches and Brewer’s Blackbirds here during fall migration and the South Unit is one of the better places for Fox Sparrows during the winter. The North Unit is especially good for warblers in the spring as the blossoming crabapples attract a multitude of insects for them to feast on. I had 20 warbler species here in May in 2011 on a nice sunny morning following the passage of a warm front. These included Black-throated Blue (2), Golden-winged, and Connecticut. It can be an electric place during spring migration. In the summer I have had breeding Blue-winged Warbler, Pine Warbler, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, and Broad-winged Hawk. It is also my favorite spot for migrating Common Nighthawk. The open area south of the small lake has had summering Clay-colored Sparrow.


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Ryerson / Daniel Wright Woods

These two forest preserves make up the largest tract of mature lowland forest in Lake County and are major birding locations along the Des Plaines River corridor. As such they are two of the best locations for Barred Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Broad-winged Hawk in the area. This area is also a great location for Worm-eating, Mourning, Connecticut, Black-throated Blue, Hooded, and Canada Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, Summer Tanager, and both species of cuckoo during migration. They are great spots to visit during the breeding season and spring migration especially.


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IBSP Hawkwatch

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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Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades is well known for its concentration of breeding forest birds, especially warblers. At other seasons, almost anywhere in or around the park can be great birding, this entry is concerned with the breeding species that can be found primarily May–August. Continue reading Mississippi Palisades State Park