Hello to All,

Okay. I admit it. Sometimes the birders who saw up are far more interesting that the occasional sighting of a resident bird who is trying to survive a Chicago winter like the birders.  This was one of those ‘birders over birds’ Walks.  I was very glad to see everyone, as I skipped a few Walks since November. 

The biggest thrill was to see the sun break through the cloud cover at 9: 35 a.m.  After a week of consistent overcast skies, this Day Star was the cause for a spontaneous dance by the birders. 

BIRDERS:      (1) Randy S. who was our expert complier, (2) Jennie S., (3) Gary M., (4) Eric G., (5) Cheryl M. on the mend, (6) Hillary G. Hyde Parker. First timer joining the Walks, (7) Chris R. who had to cut out early to attend to his duties as a MSI guide, (8) Karin D., (9) Mark W. who has returned to our Walks after a two year hiatus, caused by U of C professorship duties. Mark has decided to reset his life priorities, which places birding near the top as a personal stress release. Mark is a keen eyed birder and always adds to our sightings. (10) Pat D.

TIME:             8:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.

PLACES:        Wooded Island, Bobolink Meadow, Outer Harbor

DISTANCE:    2 ¼ miles

WEATHER:    Cloudy. First burst of sunlight after a week of overcast skies, Temperature 35 F, Winds South 5 to 10 mph

TOTAL SPECIES COUNT:  21 & ( 2 other taxa)

Jackson Park – Wooded Island & Bobolink Meadow:         

1.     Canada Goose – 215

2.     Mallard – 3,  59th St. Harbor, 2 males, 1 female

3.     Common Goldeneye – 2. 59th St. Harbor, 1 male, 1 female

4.     Hooded Merganser – 2. 59th St. Harbor, 1 male, 1 female

5.     Red-breasted Merganser – 1, 59th St. Harbor, sex unknown

6.     Duck Species – 6

7.     Larus Species – 2

8.     Red-tailed Hawk – 1. Adult. Perched on lamppost on the NE side of Bridge over Hayes Drive.

9.     Downy Woodpecker – 1. Male. Photos taken by Randy S.

10.  American Kestrel – 1. Male. Snacking on a high tree perch SE section of Wooded Island.

11.  American Crow – 4.

12.  Black-capped Chickadee – 5.

13.  European Starling – 2.

14.  American Goldfinch – 1.

15.  Dark-eyed Junco – 25. 8 north of Wooded Island. Rest SW of Wooded Island.

16.  White-throated Sparrow – 2. SW of Wooded Island.

17.  Northern Cardinal – 5. 3 males. 2 females.

Lake Michigan (LM), Outer Harbor (OH), Inner Harbor (IH)

1.     Canada Goose – 41. LM – 3, OH – 33.

2.     Mallard – 16. OH. 10 males. 6 females.

3.     Redhead – 4. OH. 4 males.

4.     Greater Scaup – 28. OH – 27. IH 1. 12 males. 16 females.

5.     Bufflehead – 1. OH. 1 female.

6.     Common Goldeneye – 8. OH – 2. IH – 6.  5 males. 3 females

7.     Common Merganser – 4. LM. 2 males. 2 females.

8.     Red-breasted Merganser – 22. LM. 9 males. 13 sex unknown.

 This is a group report, with many birders contributing to the list. Most of the birds were seen by at least several or all of the birders.

Corrections, additions and comments are welcome.

Recordings are not used to attract birds.

This report will be documented on eBird as a group report for the Wooded Island Bird Walks.

The Walks are free and open to one and all. They are held year round. Newcomers are warmly welcomed. 

Darrow Bridge: Darrow Bridge has been barricaded by the Department of Transportation. A high black metal iron fence has been erected on all four sides. The fence will remain in place until Darrow Bridge is completely rebuilt, which could be several years away. The Bridge has been deemed unsafe. .

Saturday morning walks: Start at 8:00 a.m. covers a distance of two miles.  Birders walk counterclockwise around the Columbia Basin (North Lagoon) onto Wooded Island. Exiting Wooded Island at the south end, the birders walk along the soccer field and enter the south end of Bobolink Meadow. The Meadow’s path leads to the Music Bridge and back to the East Parking Lot. In late fall, winter and early spring, the birders check for birds on the lakefront and Outer Harbor near LaRabida Hospital, and the Inner Harbor.

Metered parking is available in the MSI South Parking Lot that is accessible from South Lake Shore Drive. There is a Stop Light at Science Drive. This Stop Light is approximately 200 yards south of the major intersection with signs for Museum of Science and Industry. Make a turn at the 57th Street and Science Drive Stop Light towards the Museum. Turn Left (south) at the intersection of Science Drive and Columbia Drive. Go through the parking lot to the west end.

Birders meet in the southwest corner of the MSI South Parking Lot.

Best of Birding to All,                  

Patricia Durkin

Chicago Audubon Society Representative

Wooded Island Bird Walks