Almost two weeks ago, I went with a friend to the Chicago Portage to see what birds turned up after the snow. It was a beautiful, sunny day. My pictures of the most numerous species, Red-Winged Blackbird, aren’t worth publishing (maybe I wasn’t trying hard enough to get a picture), but other early visitors and some regulars complied.
Cedar Waxwing
Winter is hanging on a bit longer, but it sure beats the freakish 80-degree temperatures of last year. Undeterred, the Cedar Waxwings have begun to arrive on schedule, finding sustenance in leftover freeze-dried berries.
The Downies have been here all year, but I cannot ignore them.
Downy Woodpecker
We were delighted to see this Brown Thrasher.
Brown Thrasher
Phragmites at the Portage
The invasive Phragmites remain mighty, barren stalks that provide cover for the arriving sparrow species.
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
The trees are like old friends along the path.
We found this Red-Bellied Woodpecker tending to a hole…
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
and one of several cardinals enjoying the sunshine…
Northern Cardinal
On our way out, a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks flew over: here’s one. Red-Tails used to nest at the Portage. I hope this pair decides to stay.
Red-Tailed Hawk
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Thank you for these great photos. Spring is right around the corner.
Thanks for the compliment. Birds are the official messengers of spring!
Birds are arriving..spring is on its way..love the old trees..they are like friends along the path.
Thanks, Syl! Often when there’s little going on at the Portage I find myself entranced by the haphazard look of the place and all its nooks and crannies.
Nice pictures, especially the red tailed hawk. Haven’t seen too many migrants in the garden, yet. Lots of grackles and redwing blackbirds this morning, also house finches.
At least you’re getting blackbirds. I don’t have anything even that exotic in my yard yet. Find myself missing the Juncos this weekend!
Love your photos, Lisa. A nice little story to go along with them, too. It is already spring down here, and we have your 85 degree temps now. 🙂
Thanks Bob. We cannot shake the cold this year! Wind chills are hovering around zero. I keep telling myself this is better for the birds and the trees than last year’s heatwave…