Rollins Savanna 2011

Rollins Savanna in Lake County (IL) is home to some of the most majestic pre-settlement oaks in northern Illinois.  The mosaic of mature oak-hickory woods, expansive grassland, and numerous wetlands attracts a number of species.  The photo above shows (left to right) a male Blue-winged Teal, a Sandhill Crane, a female Gadwall, Mute Swan, and a male Green-winged Teal.  Sandhill Cranes are a State Threatened species.  The presence of three other species highlight the important habitat that Rollins Savanna provides. 

Common Moorhen

The best bird of the day was Common Moorhen, a new Illinois bird for me.  This State Threatened species was once common through much of the state, but has declined in recent decades as quality wetland habitat also declined.  Common Moorhen is a rare breeder in the Chicago Wilderness.  The red face-shield distinguishes it from the very abundant American Coot.  It was very exciting to see this guy swimming in the open, since they can be secretive in the reeds, as shown in the lower right photo.     

Bobolink

Another delight to see and hear was Bobolink, a grassland species of Priority 1 concern in the Chicago Wilderness.  Male Boblinks establish their territory with an etheral bubbling song that sounds like a 1960s space computer.  His plummage is a striking black and white with a yellow cap.  Bobolinks are also under pressure in wintering grounds in South America.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a rare breeder in the Chicago Wilderness, and is a State Endangered species. They prefer high-water marshes with dense cattails, and are sensitive to changes in water levels due to "development."  The long-term trend for YHBL shows a 4% annual decrease.  The males have a bright yellow head and a raucous voice that sounds like a chainsaw!

Fullersburg Spring Wildflowers 2011

The spring wildflowers at Fullersburg Forest Preserve (DuPage) were in full force.  Clockwise from top-left they are Common Blue Violet, Common White Violet, Wood Poppy, Spring Beauty, Large-flowered Bellwort, Rue Anemone, Lesser Periwinkle (introduced), White Trillium, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Common Yellow Violet.

Gray Catbird 2011

A new yard bird!  This handsome Gray Catbird arrived this morning, the first time I have observed GRCA in the yard.  Like many other birds, they enjoy scratching through the leaf-litter, so it's best to leave some leaves for them in your yard.  The Gray Catbird gets its name from the "mewing" call that it gives from the secrecy of shrubs.  Unfortuately, cats are a serious threat to them. 

These common birds are declining (50% in the past 50 years).  One of the main reasons for the decline is predation by domestic cats.  Outdoor cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year.  Many bird species are under increasing pressures such as habitat loss, pesticides, window and tower collisions, mineral and gas exploration, and climate change.  But one of the biggest threats is outdoor cats.  It is also one of the easiest threats to reduce: KEEP CATS INDOORS.

For more information on the impact of domestic cats on wild birds, check out this video (http://www.youtube.com/abcbirds#p/u/1/-fvN7FNUPas) and the resources from the American Bird Conservancy.

Blackburnian Warbler 2011

The Blackburnian Warbler is one of my favorite warblers.  I love the male's flaming orange-yellow throat and bold facial pattern.  They favor the top of the tree canopy, making it a challenge to get a good view of them.  This guy was at LaBagh Woods  in Chicago with a cloud of birds, working the lower branches.  He even made a visit to the ground, so he was very easy to see.  Chicago is just one stop in his migration from the mountains of Peru to the North Woods of Canada and back.  BLBW was named after Anna Blackburne (1726 – 1793), an English botanist who helped describe new species from the New World. 

Prothonotary Warbler 2011

Usually Prothonotary Warblers are found in wet woods and swamps where they nest in tree cavities and nest boxes.  Perhaps he and his mate will find a suitable place to nest in the Chicago wilderness.  This one was hanging out at LaBagh Woods in Chicago with a flock of traveling buddies, mostly Palm Warblers and Chipping Sparrows.  His bright yellow-orange coloring made him stand out from the crowd.  He was quiet the whole time I was watching.  PROW's song is very loud: "Sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet!"

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2011

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are fairly easy to see.  This little guy was buzzing around for bugs on a low shrub at Gompers Park in Chicago.  He was very chatty while foraging. 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2011

I put out the hummingbird feeder on May 1, and within 24 hours I found this male Ruby-throated Hummingbird making use of it.  They have been in the area at least since April 27.  I was pretty excited about this one's arrival, since I have not noticed RTHUs coming through the yard much in the past two years.