Hope Spring(s) Eternal

Carolina Wren, Chicago Portage

Carolina Wren, Chicago Portage

However deceiving the weather may be, the birds are on schedule. I checked on the Portage and McGinnis Slough last Sunday morning. A grey, chilly day, with a forecast of some snow in the arfternoon. But this lovely singing Carolina Wren was my reward at the Portage. He was a bit too far away to get the clearest image, but he kept on singing.

Song Sparrow, Chicago Portage

Song Sparrow, Chicago Portage

And of course a Song Sparrow announced his presence.

Portage Goose IMG_3102_1

And a Canada Goose blowing in the wind.

Mallard IMG_3043_1

However common Mallards, the males are beautiful this time of year.

Robin Portage IMG_3173_1

And an American Robin for good measure.

Portage IMG_3017_1

The Portage was just barely waking up.

McGinnis Slough

McGinnis Slough

So I went to check McGinnis Slough.

Bufflehead

Bufflehead

Most of the waterfowl was, as usual, far away, but I managed a picture of this male Bufflehead.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

One of two Red-Bellied Woodpeckers checking out this tree stump.

Grackle IMG_3082_1

Many Grackles, this one caught in flight.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

And my first warbler of the year – predictably a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, but still very nice to see.

10 thoughts on “Hope Spring(s) Eternal

    • Gee, thanks, Bob! I was just so thrilled to see the wren, Carolinas have been eluding me for a long time. I guess with climate change that might not be the case too much longer…

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