Black-throated Blue Warbler in Millennium Park

I saw this very, very, very late Black-throated Blue Warbler in Chicago's Millennium Park on December 29, 2011.  Warblers are NOT expected in Illinois in December.  Previously the latest Illinois record for BTBW was November, 28, 2008.  They are a neotropical species which breeds in the deep woods of the northeastern U.S. and Canada.  Normally at this time of year, BTBWs are "wintering" on islands in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Panama, with the northernmost records being in Florida. 

A little research on eBird shows that a female BTBW was observed in British Colombia on December 18, 2011.  Since BTBWs do not breed that far west, her genetic impulse to migrate must be really mixed up, sending her west instead of south. 

Perhaps the male BTBW I saw will make it to the tropics yet.  It is highly unlikely he could survive a harsh Chicago winter.  BTBW diet mainly consists of insects and some small fruits.   He has been seen taking advantage of the sap oozing from a tree drilled by a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (which is a little north of its typical range, too).  The presence of these birds underscores the importance of maintaining wildlife habitat in the middle of an urban landscape.  Vive le Chicago Wilderness! 

Both birds were easily seen from the sidewalk next to the Cycling Center.  I was especially pleased to add the BTBW to my Illinois list for the year (#242), since I had previously not seen any this year.  The handsome little guy was a real joy.

Christmas in Indiana 2011

Here are a few visitors during a snowy Christmas celebration in Indiana.  There's a pair of Northern Cardinals, an American Tree Sparrow, and a Dark-eyed Junco.

December Backyard Birds 2011

There has been a flurry of activity at the bird feeders lately.  I've been getting more species.  Here are some snapshots of the latest visitors.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee

American Goldfinch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Great Sand Dunes 2011

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a world of sand, stone, and streams.  Situated against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes are the highest dunes in North America. 

"Star Dune," the highest sand ridge, is a strenuous 750-foot climb up shifting sand.  The view from the top is spectacular.  We hiked early on a fall morning while the ridges were frosted with snow.  Cold temperatures and frozen sand made the hike a little easier.  [NOTE: our campsite had a great view of the dunes.  At night the temperature dropped to 25°F, and by morning our breath had encrusted the tent fly with frost.]

It is an extremely diverse region with massive dunes surrounded by alpine peaks, a desert valley, creeks flowing on the surface of the sand, pristine mountains, and rural range land.  There was a herd of American Bison on the plains -- too far away to get a decent photograph.  But a pair of Pronghorn Antelope were grazing a little closer to the road. 

While exploring the valley, we visited the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge.  October was a quiet time on the refuge (most of the breeding birds already left), but we managed to find a Porcupine!  In the absence of any trees, its quills were excellent camouflage in the dry grasses.

We also checked out Zapata Falls, a 30-foot cascade that is hidden a half-mile through a narrow crevasse.  I had to stand directly in the icy water to capture any images of the waterfall.  Here's a video postcard from the Great Sand Dunes.







Pine Siskin 2011

I've always thought that Pine Siskins were a neat winter finch.  They're close relatives of goldfinches but they have streaking on the breast (I know how that sounds) and really sharp pointed beaks.  Their breeding territory is Alaska and Canada, the Rockies and the west coast, but in the winter they can be found throughout the lower 48 and Mexico. 

For the last 5 years I have been keeping a couple of finch feeders (year-round).  They have attacted upwards of 12-15 American Goldfinches at a time, as well as several House Finches and a few occasional Black-capped Chickadees.  Yesterday, I finally saw a PISI in the yard!!!  Check out my newest visitor.