Hello to All,
Although sounds of migrating birds were reported in the wee hours of the morning, Wooded Island was not chosen as a favored stop over. Sometimes it happens that way.
Over the years, we see roughly the same number of species, but the number for each species can vary, and in general, the specific species numbers seem less with each passing year. This has been a significantly bugless summer. Warblers are insectivores. We need more bugs and less pesticides.
BIRDERS: 14 (1) Eric G., (2) Christina H., (3) Bruce McC., (4) Suzanne G., (5) Jeff G., (6) Deb D., (7) Mitch D., (8) Lee P. from California, (9) Chris R., (10) Pat A., (11) Jennie S., (12) Karin D., (13) Pat D.
TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
PLACES: Wooded Island, Lagoons, Soccer Field, Bobolink Meadow
DISTANCE: 2 miles
WEATHER: Sunny. Warmed up from 62 to 72 F. Mostly calm winds from the W 5 to 15 mph
TOTAL SPECIES COUNT: 30
1. Canada Goose 6
2. Wood Duck 3
3. Mallard 10
4. Chimney Swift 21
5. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
6. Ring-billed Gull 1
7. Double-crested Cormorant 3
8. Great Blue Heron 3
9. Great Egret 2
10. Green Heron 4
11. Downy Woodpecker 4
12. Northern Flicker 1
13. Eastern Wood-Pewee 3
14. Eastern Phoebe 1
15. Great Crested Flycatcher 1
16. Red-eyed Vireo 1
17. American Crow 2
18. Black-capped Chickadee 2
19. White-breasted Nuthatch 2
20. European Starling 1
21. Gray Catbird 8
22. Brown Thrasher 1 On Wooded Island, along the west side of the foot path.
23. Swainson's Thrush 5
24. American Robin 4
25. American Goldfinch 5
26. Black-and-white Warbler 1
27. Common Yellowthroat 1
28. American Redstart 2 Females
29. Northern Cardinal 2
30. Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Female. On Wooded Island. WSW of Japanese Garden. Heard by all birders. Seen by some birders.
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.
Birders meet on the east side of Darrow Bridge.
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 East 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 East Parking Lot.
Parking and Lots: The East Parking Lot is preferred. There is also unmetered parking along Stony Island Avenue from 56th to 59th Street.
Best of Birding to All,
Patricia Durkin
Chicago Audubon Society Representative
Wooded Island Bird Walks