Ryerson, Skokie Lagoons, & Bird Walk!
Thursday 21 May 2020
58 °F
Today was yet another successful, full day of spring migration birding! I started at the break of dawn at Ryerson Conservation Area in Lake County because the last warbler I need for the spring, the Connecticut, was seen there by many yesterday (as well as a host of other birds).
I soon got the sense that migrants were sparse, but it was made up for by absolutely stunning views of this male PILEATED WOODPECKER — what a beast. He even drummed for me, bringing out the bass tones of the tree’s inner core resonating through the woods.
And a close-up. That red mustache distinguishes him from the female.
Other classic forest birds were around, as well, including SCARLET TANAGER:
And GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER:
Unfortunately, I saw virtually no migrant warblers and of course, no elusive Connecticut. So, I drove back down to Cook County — specifically to Skokie Lagoons, which has been quite productive as of late. And it did not disappoint! Warblers were everywhere, including a total of seven (!) NORTHERN PARULA:
Female BLACK-THROATED BLUE:
YELLOWS were everywhere:
And the male BLACKBURNIAN is never to be outdone!!!
BLACK-AND-WHITE:
BLUE-WINGED:
And this male CANADA served absolutely crippling looks. Incredible!
Female Indigo Bunting? Let me know your thoughts.
SWAINSON’S THRUSH:
It was a super productive stop as Skokie Lagoons with 21 warbler species seen and heard — very cool!
An Oak Park Bird Walk today with a lovely birder named Anne, and my girlfriend Tian, was also nice with some warblers seen like this CHESTNUT-SIDED:
Female YELLOW:
BLACK-THROATED GREEN:
And NASHVILLE:
It’s a warbler bonanza out there! Bird-of-the-day to the Canada Warbler with runner-up to the Pileated Woodpecker. Great stuff! Now I just need that darned Connecticut! 
Happy birding,
Henry
World Life List: 1115 Species
Hi Henry,
Love your blog. Can you let me know where you bird at the Lagoons and at Jackson Park. They are both vast spaces and I've not birded at either one before.
Can you share the schedule for the Oak Park Walks? Thanks,
Rachel
by Rachel