Piping Plovers 2011

Piping Plovers are federally endangered in the Great Lakes watershed.  This trio was at Waukegan Beach in Lake County (IL) today.  They are plump but small shorebirds that blend in with the sandy beach until they move.  One of the birds was banded (green bands on both legs) the other two were not banded, which means that they are from an unknown/unmonitored location.  In 2001 the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimated the Great Lakes population at only 32 breeding pairs and developed a plan to assist population recovery.  Given these low numbers, it was a special treat to see them today.

Forster's Terns 2011

These five Forster's Terns were perched nicely on the old pier supports.  They resemble Common Terns closely, except that Forster's Terns have a bright white breast, whereas Common Terns have a grey body.

Willets 2011

As I scanned the beach, I saw a man walk right by a pair of rather large shorebirds.  When one of the birds flapped his wings, I saw the striking black and white pattern, which does not show when the birds are at rest.  At the other end of the beach I found a group of nine.

Caspian Terns 2011

I found a group of Caspian Terns at Waukegan Beach today.  The largest tern in Illinois, they have a distinctive large orange bill, and a voice to match.  It is not uncommon for a tern to go fishing and bring back a present for his mate.

Emerging Signs of Spring 2011

 

This Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) made its appearance among the first spring blooms today.  They emerged from below the brittle leaves with delicate pedals.

The Prairie Trillium (Trillium recurvatum) is a bit of a misnomer, since it grows in woodlands.  This one does not have its red bloom yet.

Wilson's Snipe 2011

Not my best pictures, but they show how hard it is to photograph these shorebirds on the wing.  The characteristic long bill shows nicely in the profile shots.  I found at least 6 Wilson's Snipe at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve today.  It was my first time spotting them there in 4 years. 

Great Blue Heron Rookery 2011

This collage of life-and-death shows Great Blue Herons returning to their rookery at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in DuPage County, Illinois.  I observed at least 8 herons on their nests.  The grim picture on the right features a dead heron hanging by its neck.  It may have succumed to recent powerful winds.

Sandhill Cranes 2011

I stumbled upon these two Sandhill Cranes while hiking at Crabtree Nature Center (Cook County Forest Preserve) in South Barrington. I didn't see them at first because their coloring and lankiness made them blend in with the reeds.  Later, I could hear them calling from a distance.  Sandhill Cranes are listed in Illinois as a threatened species.  I hope they stay to nest.

Ross's Goose 2011

A diminuitive Ross's Goose posed with the fountain at Willow Creek Church in South Barrington. Field marks for Ross's are slightly smaller size than Snow Goose and a more stout triangular bill.  Ross's Geese are uncommon migrants through northern Illinois on their way to breeding grounds in the Hudson Bay and Arctic regions of the Far North.  What an adorable face!

Purple Finches 2011

I saw a small flock of 8 Purple Finches along the "Worship Trail" at Willow Creek Church. The female is brown and white with a broad white eye streak. The male has a soft rosy hue.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2011

It's Spring migration time. This male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker made a brief visit to my backyard American Linden today.