Dunlin | Illinois Birding by County

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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Nestled amongst an archaic industrial backdrop, Waukegan Beach is one of the premier lakefront birding sites in Lake County. Historically, this site has hosted quite a few state rarities, including Tricolored Heron, Arctic Tern, and Mountain Bluebird. In the fall and winter months, the northernmost pier has been the most reliable spot in the state to find a Purple Sandpiper. It almost strictly a migratory bird stopover site, with very few notable breeders. The summer months are dominated by beach goers, and unless you get there early, a fee to enter the beach. Birding Waukegan can be broken into several categories: beach, dunes, park, harbor.

The beach proper is best birded by heading north on the shoreline from the northern pier. The half mile stretch of beach to Greenwood Ave is a great place in the spring and summer to pick up migrating shorebirds. In April, it is a great spot for Piping Plovers. Other notable shorebirds seen in fall/spring migration include Baird’s Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Dunlin, Willet, American Avocet, Marbled Godwit, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover, American Golden-Plover, and Red Knot. In spring, terns are easily seen flying over the lake with both Common and Forster’s being numerous. Also, Bonaparte’s Gulls are readily seen in season while walking the beach, though not in their previous numbers.

As mentioned earlier, the piers are, with luck, a great spot to find Purple Sandpiper. In migration, Ruddy Turnstones are seen almost annually on the piers, too. In winter, this has been a historical site to find Harlequin Duck. Off the piers (northern or “Government” Pier) on a fall day with stiff NE winds, is a great place for lake watching. All three scoter species have been found alongside Long-tailed Ducks and the other common divers.

The dunes adjacent to the beach are a great place to hike during migration. Any part of the dunes near water can kick up Nelson’s and Le Conte’s Sparrows. An early morning hike can include hunting Northern Harriers and flushed Short-eared Owls. Swarms of swallows course over the marshland, with all the regular occurring species seen in good numbers. The fall of 2012 included a November sighting of Cave Swallow. Scrubbier habitat near the beach parking lot can hold large quantities of migrating passerines on any spring/fall day. Always worth checking this area.

The park just west of the swimming beach, locally known as the “Magic Pines,” can be migrant trap. Notable species seen during migration include Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Canada Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and Clay-colored Sparrow. Almost any migratory passerine can be found here on the right day. Like most lakefront sites, this can also be a great place to see high counts for a species.

The harbor is the place to look for ducks that enjoy sheltered waters. During migration and winter, look for Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye. To bird the harbor, it is best to walk along Government Pier, parking in the marina parking lot. It’s always worth scanning from the end of government pier. Most recently, a Western/Clark’s Grebe was spotted there. Snowy Owls have been found on the harbor docks in winter, as well as on the end of the piers in good years. As the harbor freezes over, gulls congregate in small/medium numbers. Despite not having the highest individual counts, the seven “regular” species have been seen.

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