Tag Archives: Least Bittern

Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserves

Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve

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About

Purchased by the Cook County Forest Preserve District in 2003, Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve (BPNP) contains some of the highest quality wet prairie habitat in the state.  Recently, the Army Corp of Engineers have completed restoration work on much of the east pond area.  Plantings and herbicide application continues in the west pond area.  A new parking lot and a modest trail were opened in 2014, significantly increase access to this site.  As restoration work is ongoing, conditions change fairly frequently.  Most notably, the water level is regularly manipulated to aid in the removal of invasive plants.

eBird Hotspot

Getting There

BPNP is a confusing place to find; just outside of city limits in Burnham, IL.  While the Torrence Avenue bridge is under construction (to be completed summer 2017) all traffic must arrive turning north on Torrence from State Street.  From there, turn right (east) onto 140th Street then left (north) onto S Manistee Avenue.   Finally, at the end of the street, turn right (east) 139st Street, which looks more like an alleyway.  Proceed east about 30 yards and a metal swing gate marks the entrance.

 Map

How to Bird

Burnham Prairie has a few trails and no facilities.  Late March – Early January are the most worthwhile times to visit.  Late winter is mostly barren.  As there is a great variety of habitat, it’s easiest to break-down each major trail/path:
(Note: The trail colors only correspond to the above map.  There are no trail markings at this preserve.)

Orange(Entry Road) – As you enter the preserve, you drive down a road bisecting the West Ponds allowing outstanding views of the bird life.  Caspian Tern, herons, Pied-billed Grebes, and swallows can be expected spring through fall.  Depending on the water level, this area can also be extraordinary for shorebirds.  Besides the expected shorebirds, Black-bellied Plover, American Golden-Plover, Marbled Godwit and Willet have all been found here.  Ducks will also frequent this area in migration but, not in numbers as seen in other parts of the preserve.  The Wet Prairie in this area is a great place to see numbers of Wilson’s Snipe in the spring.

Yellow – For a short visit, this gravel path can usually give you a good idea as to what birds are around.  This path has the best views of the East Ponds (scope helpful).  Shorebirds can often be found wading around the north edges of the ponds.  The Slag Field, dotted with a few isolated trees can occasionally produce some interesting birds (in the current year Northern Mockingbird has been found here repeatedly) and is frequented by woodpeckers and migrating Baltimore Orioles.  Sparrows tend to load up along the prairie plants along this path.  As you walk to the northeast portion of the path, around the small hill, you’ll approach the last stretch of path before the train tracks.  This area can be a highly effective viewing station.  To the distant south, you’ll be able to see herons hanging around the south edge of the West Pools, often in large numbers (high counts of Great Egret exceed 70).  In the foreground, the wet prairie is very popular in the spring with teal, Wood Ducks, and the occasional rail.  In the early summer, this area becomes loaded with Marsh Wren.  To the north, the drop off to an oft-flooded depression is very popular with breeding Swamp Sparrow as well as House Wren.  Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Phoebes, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are abundant in season and commonly perch on the chain-link fence.  Lastly, watching the woods in spring and fall can produce modest numbers of warblers and kinglets.

Blue – This trail consists of walking alongside the railroad tracks.  These tracks are rarely used but, they do occasionally hold staging freight cars.  A there-and-back walk along the tracks begins at the north end, alongside the Wet Prairie that is popular with Marsh Wren & Swamp Sparrows.  In migration, Lincoln’s Sparrow can be found here.  Continuing to walk south gives great morning views of the West Ponds with the sun at your back.  Loads of ducks gather here although, it’s likely you’ll flush any birds that are in the closest pond.  Telephone poles and the isolated trees along the tracks are popular perching spots for Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrel; both of which breed in the area.  When raptors aren’t around, these trees are very popular with migrating warblers and sparrows.  Walking further to the south edge of the ponds Sedge Wren, Yellow Warblers, and Common Yellowthroat become the dominant bird.  As you get closer to the Oak Grove, the calls of Willow Flycatchers become conspicuous, as well.  In the Oak Grove area, Henslow’s Sparrow can be heard calling in spring.  In the later summer, Red-headed Woodpeckers frequent this area as well as the Tree Grove east of the tracks.  The quality of prairie plants in this area is outstanding.  However, the birding is difficult and usually not very rewarding; rubber boots are a must and extreme care should be given not to trample the fragile vegetation.  Most often, the birds that are observed from the tracks represent all the birds that can be found in this area.  A walk around the Oak Grove can give a closer view of some of the prairie areas and better views of any birds they contain.  A patch of bushes along the tracks, just north of the ComEd substation, are a favorite spot for migrating, under-story warblers (Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird,…)

Green – This gravel access road leads through trees that border the Grand Calumet River.  During migration, this is the best place in the preserve to find warblers, thrushes, vireo, and flycatchers.  The area around the T-intersection is usually the hot spot.  Continuing further west will generally give you more woodpeckers and sometimes lead to better views of shorebirds that are hanging out around the north end of the West Ponds.

Purple – More a worn footpath than a trail, useful to visit if you’re trying to add additional migrating passerines to your site list but, can be skipped.  Often requires rubber boots and walking around broken glass and other decaying metal waste.

Red – Parallel to the tracks for most of the time and often flooded.  Mostly popular with Red-winged Blackbirds and Killdeer.  This path takes you onto ComEd property.  Access to this area is allowed but, generally, only useful if you’re trying to get to the trees boarding the Grand Calumet River to the east.

Why this place is special

This preserve demonstrates the benefits of preservation and restoration.  The remnant prairie that makes up the south half of the preserve is extraordinary for its plant diversity whereas the completed work on the north and west has created highly-productive bird habitat.  This diversity provides sanctuary for both birds and other animals such as mink and coyote.  In the summer breeding season, when most Chicago-area sites’ counts drop to 20-30 species, Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve can regularly produce species counts around 40-50.  This preserve represents a great effort to return Common Gallinule, King Rail, and other extirpated species to the Calumet region.

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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DeWitt County

Clinton Lake

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CLINTON LAKE BIRDING AREAS:

Salt Creek Bridge on 2545/2550E: Sedge Wren, waterfowl, shorebirds when water levels are lower, raptors, Song Sparrows.

S-3 Parking Lot and the Upper Lake Flats off of 2400E: Phenomenal spot for shorebirds (at least 23 species have been seen here) when levels are lower. Great spot for waterfowl, gulls (Little Gull was seen here), terns, Pelicans, The IDNR lake on the way out often has good waterfowl also. The pines and thickets on the way out can be good for migrants. Rusty Blackbirds can be found here in season.

Salt Creek Wetland Project off of Route 54: Great place for Bell’s Vireo, Alder Flycatcher, Cuckoos, Yellow-breasted Chat during Spring migration. The wetlands have rails, both Bitterns, good waterfowl. When lake levels are full, this is a better place for shorebirds than the Upper Lake Flats. Sparrows can be thick in the prairie plantings on the way down to the wetlands. Wood Duck and Hooded Mergansers like this spot, as do Rusty Blackbirds in season. Red-shouldered Hawk is regular here. This a very good spot for Spring migrants. The area is closed to hunters on Saturdays.

Parnell Bridge and Access off of 2225/2300E: This is the only bridge that is safe to stop on at Clinton. Large congregations of Goldeneye and Mergansers can be found here in migration. Gulls roost on the ice around this bridge in Winter. The Access itself is a very good Spring migrant spot, as well as the best spot on the lake for Purple and House Finch, and Pine Siskin and Redpoll in season. The horse trail that goes east from the road can be very good for frugivores and sparrows. Accipiters seem to frequent here also. The pines in the NW area sometimes harbor Barred Owls.

Weldon Access off of 2100E: This is another good Spring migrant location. The path through the pines has harbored year-round Barred Owls for a couple of years now. During migration, the far shore has thousands of dabbling ducks along with large groups of Mergansers but a scope is required. This is a good spot to watch Bonaparte’s Gulls. Pine Siskins are commonly here using the Black Alders. Belted Kingfisher and Bald Eagles are also often at this spot. Pileated Woodpeckers have been heard in the woods across the lake.

Mascoutin Rec Area and Beach: the drive in can be good for Meadowlarks, Raptors, and Sedge Wren in season. There is a nice nature trail going left at the T where the beach entrance is that is very good in Spring and Fall migration. The beach behind Boondock’s (excellent fish and good food here when it’s open) usually has Gulls and sometimes terns and shorebirds. There are lots of pines and cedars at Mascoutin worth checking for any of the owls (Great-horned, Barred, Long-eared and Saw-whet).

Power Plant Chute just north of Mascoutin: This spot has lots of diverse waterfowl during migration and in winter. Pull-off south of the bridge and scope from the area above the chute.

North of here in De Witt is the Dewitt General Store — one can get food and beverages here.

Power Plant Roads: Several roads behind the Power Plant offer good roadside birding. Everything here is private so stay on the roads. Bluebirds, Mockingbird, Shrikes (rare), Blue Grosbeak, Red-headed Woodpecker (rare), Rough-legged Hawk, raptors, and passerine migrants are all possible back here.

IDNR Office: This is a good spot for waterfowl and gulls. Scope from the lawn of the office, but have identification on you!! They will come out and run your license if they see people scoping the power plant. Goldeneyes like this spot.

Valley-Mill Access off of 1400E: Decent migrant spot for passerines. Good place to scope from the fishing deck to the north for loons, grebes, waterfowl, gulls, and eagles.

West Side Access: Good Spring/Fall migrant spot driving in and hiking a small loop that goes from the SE corner of the parking lot down to the actual boat access. The basin here often has loons, gulls (once a Black-legged Kittiwake), terns, and Coots. Horned Grebe concentrations can be large here in season. Pileated Woodpeckers have been seen and heard in the woods across the lake from here.

The Dead Marshes (Yellow Rail Wetland): This is a brutal place. Park and hike down the teasel infested slope into the marshes. If there is water in them, prepare for ankle deep dipping. Sora, Virginia Rail, Yellow Rail (in season and rare), Swamp, Nelson’s and Le Conte’s (very good spot) Sparrows, Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owl in Winter, and Wilson’s Snipe all can be found down here with effort.

Peninsula Day Use Area off of 1500E: Either road — the one that goes back to the old day use area, or the one that goes straight to the lake, are very good for birds year round. Purple finch and Black-billed Cuckoo like the road back to the day-use area. Going down the other old road gets one to a good scoping spot. Look for loons, grebes, waterfowl rafts (both Pacific Loon and Surf Scoter have been seen from this location).  Get to the lake softly as here the birds are sometimes pretty close and in good south light.

The Overlook: I recently flagged the parking spot and the path back to the Overlook, yet it can still be hard to find. Park on the north greenway shoulder as FAR off the road as possible. Hike back looking for migrants in season. Scope the entire basin from the Overlook slowly and repeatedly. This is the best spot for Red-throated Loon. Scan for loons, grebes, waterfowl, gulls, and terns.

The Marina: The muddy flats just before the marina entrance can be good for waders and shorebirds. Redpolls have been sen around the marina in season, This is also a good Wild Turkey spot. Scope the docks off of the marina for gulls and terns. Also scope the water for loons, grebe, waterfowl, and gulls.

Below is an aerial with these spots pinpointed.

Clinton Lake Map


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Cook County

Birding the Lincoln Park Zoo area

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The zoo grounds and surrounding park are an excellent place to bird during migrations. Chicago’s Lincoln Park, taken as a whole, is arguably the most popular birding destination in Illinois, and probably in the Midwest.

The zoo area has some challenges, such as parking and fences. If you can find a spot, the best place to park is on Stockton Drive, which borders the zoo on the west. N. Lincoln Park West (a half block west of Stockton) also has meter-free street parking. The zoo parking lot is very convenient, but quite expensive. A morning of birding may cost up to $20.

South of the zoo proper is South Pond, branded “Nature Boardwalk”. From late March through early June this area can have spectacular numbers of migrants. One of the main attractions here is the nesting colony of Black-crowned Night-heron. Up to 500 birds can be seen on or about the island in the pond, but in recent years, the colony has nested in the dense American Linden trees along the Grand Promenade, running straight south from the pond. The cattail and sedge marsh along the west edge of the pond has had summering Least Bittern.

The large oak trees to the east of the Grand Promenade is an excellent place to look for warblers and other migrants. Migrants that have been regularly seen in this section include Summer Tanager, Cerulean Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Red-headed Woodpecker. In May, flocks of sparrows can be found in the grass (look for un-mowed dandelions). Clay-colored Sparrow and LeConte’s Sparrow should be looked for, especially along the edges of the paths.

Walking north, along the east side of the pond, there is a group of large Black Locust near the Grant statue. Like the oaks, these trees can be full of migrants, and they tend to hold birds a little longer, as the trees are the last to flower in the park. This group of trees is a very good place to look for Empidonax flycatchers in late May.

As you walk around the pond, scan the island carefully, especially the water’s edge. The many dog-walkers in the park will flush birds that will find respite on the island. Many skulkers might be seen working the island’s tangled shore, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Mourning Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and other species that might come down to drink.

Walking north, follow the path along the shore of the pond, up and over Ridge Drive (the bridge), and enter the zoo at the turnstile gate. The path along the hoofstock yards can be very productive, and check the yards themselves carefully, especially the northernmost two. These two have more cover than the others, and migrants will come down to drink from the watering pools maintained for the antelope and deer on exhibit.

At this point, follow the path to the left (west) to another small boardwalk at the south end of the Swan Pond. This is another migrant hotspot, and the tall Cottonwood trees can sometimes hold a hawk or owl. A Northern Goshawk spent most of a winter here, and Great Horned Owl is frequently seen here. Continue along the west side of the pond, checking the plantings and trees as you go along.

Follow the path along toward the main mall of the zoo, but then stay to the left and follow the smaller pathway up behind the stadium seating at the Sea Lion Pool. Check conifers and flowering trees here, especially for Pine Warbler and Cape May Warbler. This path will bring you out at the entrance to the Children’s Zoo.

The Children’s Zoo has densely planted conifers, flowering trees and flowing water features … and can be a superb birding location. The Black Bear exhibit in particular attracts many birds, and some species tend to linger here in late fall/winter.

After walking through the Children’s Zoo, exit via the main gate. From here you can check the Rock Garden to the north of the entrance (directly east of the fountain). The outside edge of the Black Bear exhibit, east of Stockton at Dickens, is also worth checking carefully.


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Massac County

Mermet Lake

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Located in the very farthest south portion of Illinois, Mermet Lake is well known for having regular Purple Gallinules. Other rare or difficult-t0-see species that have been found here include Neotropic Cormorant, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Least Tern, Anhinga.

The cattail and lily-pad marshes at the north end of the lake is where the Purple Gallinules have been found. Least Bittern and King Rail have been reported here as well. Other species that can be seen along the levee road surrounding the lake include Barred Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, Carolina Chickadee, White-eyed Vireo, Fish Crow, Snowy Egret and Little Blue Heron.


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Lake County

Lakewood Forest Preserve/Bangs Lake

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Lakewood Forest Preserve is a fairly large preserve and has a wide variety of habitats as well. Extensive grassland areas, which require walking off trail, are home to breeding Eastern Bluebird, Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Savannah Sparrow, and Orchard Oriole. During migration a Lark Sparrow is also possible, and Least Bitterns can sometimes be heard calling from the cattail marshes. During the winter, the extensive Pine plantings and wooded areas along Ivanhoe Rd. can house Red Crossbills, Yellow-rumped warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Barred Owls, as well as Pine Siskins, and Brown Creepers. Lakewood is also the only known breeding location for Clay-colored Sparrows in Lake County, at the far SE end of the Millenium trail in the extensive shrubland.

Bangs Lake is just a bit further down 176 to the west and is an excellent spot in the spring and fall for migrating waterfowl. An Eared Grebe was found here in April of 2011.


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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

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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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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