Another Montrose Excursion

Montrose Point, IL

Friday 27 March 2026 46 °F

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16:

After a two-month hiatus from birding, I was back in the field, once again at Montrose. I will proudly claim the title “fair-weather birder.” I frankly despise being out in the cold, and I get way too busy with school, church, and various other musical obligations during the winter in general. This winter, specifically my degree recital, leading a music festival, a separate concert series, and a seemingly endless parade of projects and exams kept me from getting out. Anyway, I finally took advantage of a free and slightly milder morning to get out and find some feathered friends.

Even though it was a brief trip, find them I did, starting with COMMON GOLDENEYE in the harbor:

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW in the dunes:

Crazy ice formations typically build up along Montrose Beach in harsh winters here. This winter was alright in Chicago except January which was brutally cold and held us in sub-freezing temps for over twenty-five days into early February. Hence my not getting out a ton.