Brezina Woods
Westchester, IL
Sunday 5 April 2020
48 °F
Today an early Broad-winged Hawk had been reported in Westchester at the Brezina Woods Forest Preserve along Salt Creek. Even though I knew the hawk would be a long shot, I decided to give it a go since it was such a beautiful day and I knew there would be other migrants around, too.
The morning started off with this HERMIT THRUSH in my backyard, a first for the year:
In the afternoon when I visited the forest preserve, I found that there were BROWN CREEPERS galore!
Then, I saw what I first thought to be a mouse but turned out to be this tiny WINTER WREN! Even after seeing this species many times, it is always incredibly striking just how *tiny* these little effers are. Amazing!
Then, I found a really cool fallen tree over the Salt Creek so, with nobody there telling me not to do so, I climbed it until I was over the middle of Salt Creek. Yay.
And it afforded me a beautiful vantage point of a creek. We easily forget that forest preserves all around the Chicago area are hiding little gems of beauty like this!
Furthermore, I was treated to my best views ever of the regal GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. Look at the CROWN! What a king!
My shadow in the evening glow.
And a White-tailed Deer on the way out.
Bird-of-the-day to the Winter Wren with runner-up to the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Somewhat as I expected, the Broad-winged Hawk was a no-show.
Everyone, please stay safe during what is predicted to be the worst week for America in a very long time. If out birding or doing anything outside home, wear a mask, stay away from others, and don’t touch anything. Through thoughtful solidarity, we can get through this time of great suffering.
Good birding,
Henry
World Life List: 1111 Species
Thanks Henry!
by Mary Stevens