Tag Archives: Lesser Black-backed Gull

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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Peoria County, Tazewell County

Peoria Lake

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Peoria Lake is the large body of water formed by the broadening of the Illinois River between Peoria and East Peoria. It may also be referred to as Lower Peoria Lake to be distinguished from Upper Peoria Lake to the north. It’s deceptively large (approximately 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide) and you can often be looking across as much as 2 miles of open water. Fortunately there are several publicly accessible locations from which to view it. Peoria Lake is a natural migratory corridor which thousands of ducks and other waterbirds use. It is especially productive for diving ducks from November through March. Large numbers of Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, and Canvasback rest and feed here during migration. It’s also good for Bufflehead, Redhead and Ring-necked Duck. Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser are regular winter residents. It’s a one of the best places in the area to look for scoters and other uncommon diving ducks. It’s good for loons and grebes as well.

The strip of woods between Cooper Park South which starts behind Jonah’s Seafood House and extends north of the Carl Spindler Campground to the McCluggage bridge can be very good for migrant landbirds. There is a nice trail system and boardwalks through the area.

East Port Marina is a good area to check for gulls. They like to congregate and loaf on the piers. Jonah’s often throws out old dinner rolls which attracts Ring-billed Gulls and occasionally bigger gulls will come in as well. Herring Gull is common here and Glaucous Gull has been a rare but regular visitor in recent winters. Lesser Black-backed, Thayer’s, Iceland, California, Franklin’s, and Bonaparte’s have all been found here. I’ve seen reports of Sabine’s Gull on Peoria Lake as well, but have never seen or heard of one roosting at East Port Marina.

Here is map of Peoria Lake with some of the better birding spots.


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Lake County

Waukegan Beach

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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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Mason County

Chautauqua NWR

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Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is well known to Illinois birders for waterfowl and shorebird concentrations. The water in the various pools is regulated, and if dropped at the right time of year the habitat can be outstanding for shorebirds. Even if the water levels are fairly high, there are usually mudflats in the SW corner of the upper pool (north of the crossdike). There is a small island and usually mudflats in the NE corner, viewable from the dike at Goofy Ridge. There are parking lots and trail access at the east end of each dike.

In season, and when proper habitat is present, this can be the best place in Illinois to find large shorebirds such as American Avocet, Marbled Godwit, Hudsonian Godwit. Red-necked Phalarope and Wilson’s Phalarope have been found here in numbers some years. Very rare vagrants that have been seen here include Ruff, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper. Gulls also concentrate here, and Franklin’s, Sabines, Little, Lesser Black-backed have been recorded at Chautauqua. The south pool can have tens of thousands of waterfowl during migrations and is one of the best places in the state to see large numbers of Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose and Northern Pintail.

The area around the headquarters can be very good for migrating land birds, and there is an observation tower where you can get a good view of the south pool. The woods around the Goofy Ridge access can also be very good during migrations. Breeding birds here include Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Screech Owl, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Eurasian Tree Sparrow.


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Lake County

Independence Grove

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This forest preserve is one of the most popular in the county, and the main focus for both birders and the general public is the 115 acre lake.  During migration, this is a great place to check for waterfowl.  Common Loon are expected in spring, as well as the common diving ducks, including occasional Greater Scaup.  Red-necked Grebe has been spotted here during fall migration.

The trail around the lake has restored prairie vegetation and secondary growth/edge habitat.  Purple Martins can be seen every breeding season in the conspicuous housing made for them.  The trail usually holds the common edge habitat breeders.  The north side of the preserve has a parking lot where you can connect to the Des Plaines River Trail.  On a good day during spring/fall migration, these trees can be loaded with passerine migrants.

The swimming beach should be checked for gulls.  Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been found here frequently in winter.

In the winter, Rough-legged Hawks have been seen on the western edge of the preserve, as well as Northern Shrike.  Closer to the visitor center are some native plantings that have hosted Common Redpoll in season.


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Lake County

Lake County Fairgrounds

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Though discovered years before, 2012 has seen a rise in interest in the Lake County Fairgrounds as a birding destination.  With close proximity to a dump, it is easy to see what makes this spot stand out in the winter months.

The fairgrounds main parking lot is becoming a good destination for winter gulling in Lake County and one of the only reliable Lake County spots outside of Winthrop Harbor that hosts a wide range of species in the winter.  As per usual, the dominant species in the parking lot are Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gull.  Scattered amongst these species, there have been records of Lesser Black-backed Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Iceland (Kumlien’s) Gull, and California Gull.

Just north of the parking lot is a small ponds that many of the gulls travel to for preening and water.  This pond in April had a beautiful pair of juvenile Bonaparte’s Gulls that spent the better part of a week feeding there.  Besides the gulls, this pond can hold significant amounts of waterfowl.  Recorded so far have been, Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, and American Wigeon.

In summer, the pond dried significantly, revealing decent mud flats.  Large numbers of Great Egret and Great Blue Heron congregated in late summer and shorebirds seen during fall migration included Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Spotted Sandpiper.  Sora’s have been heard and seen in the cattails.

The gravel parking lot to the west of the pond had summering Horned Larks.  In winter, flocks of American Tree Sparrow are common, and on rare occasions, Snow Bunting have been seen and heard.  The fairgrounds is also an easy spot to pick up American Kestrel, as a resident pair has been seen here for more than a year.

NOTE: It’s important to know that gull congregations are only great when the water at the pond adjacent to the parking lot is OPEN. If it is frozen, the gulls WON’T congregate in any significant number. The gulls need open water for bathing and preening. This most likely designates this as a great gulling spot early and late in the season.


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Lake County

North Point Marina / State-line Beach

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One word: gulls. North Point Marina is one of the best places to look for uncommon and rare gulls in Illinois. Species seen here regularly in winter include Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull. California Gull has also been recorded here many times. Other gulls recorded here include Glaucous-winged, Slaty-backed, Mew, and Franklin’s. Other good birds seen here in recent years include Western Grebe and Cassin’s Sparrow.

Recently, the town of Winthrop Harbor opened the beach as a dog-training beach, with the purpose of keeping the gulls away. The result has been a drastic decrease in the number of gulls loafing here, but once the ice builds up in the harbors, the gulls congregate there.


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