Tag Archives: Savannah Sparrow

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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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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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

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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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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Carroll County, Jo Daviess County

Lost Mound unit: Upper Mississippi NWR

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This is a large (very large) area, most of which is off-limits. But the area that is accessible has extensive grassland, scrub and sand-prairie habitat. The habitat is criss-crossed by roads in various state of repair, and birding is primarily done from the car.

The map below gives some suggestions, but many of the target species can be found almost anywhere. Blue Grosbeak and Lark Sparrow are easily found in May and June, as is Northern Mockingbird.

Breeding species found here include Blue Grosbeak, Henslow’s Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Whip-poor-will, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Mockingbird. Other species that have been found here include Summer Tanager, Carolina Wren and, where the entrance road crosses a creek just before entering the property, Prothonotary Warbler.


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For county listers, the Jo Daviess/Carroll county line is in yellow.