As promised, here are a few photos from this morning’s fortunate encounter with the Black-Crowned Night Heron. What attracts him to this portion of the Chicago River is anybody’s guess. Must be something about the morning commute. For sure no one is paying attention to him…except for some annoying birder with a camera.
Later this afternoon I took a walk through Millennium Park and found a singing Northern Cardinal who must know me because after I took his picture he waited patiently while I shelled a three-peanut nut for him.
And there were Cedar Waxwings, heard and then seen. I seem to be encountering more of these birds downtown lately.
And now I must bid you all goodnight.
Good shots there Lisa! 🙂
Gracias. My faith in this bird is renewed. 🙂
I really like the shot of the Lyric Opera Bridge on Music for Birds. Very clever and meaningful! Beautiful birds.
Thanks, Linda! It didn’t occur to me when I took the picture, I was thinking more about what a busy morning it was on the river for the heron to be visiting. So maybe that’s the key to the heron’s visit: he comes for the opera! 🙂
It amazes me that sometimes the smallest bit of water or greenery can be such an oasis in a city. I’m lucky to see a waxwing here in the ‘country’ yet the right plantings bring them into the middle of a city!
Thanks for your comment, Frank! I know what you mean, I’m still waiting to see a Cedar Waxwing in my yard. Although I think maybe Lake Michigan was the initial draw for these birds. Cedar Waxwings tend to move in flocks but I have seen only pairs down here so I’ll be interested to see if they’re just visiting…or maybe setting up housekeeping in Millennium Park. That would be amazing. According to the Cornell website this is peak nest-building timing for their first brood. Now that I’ve looked them up I think I’ll have to go back a few times and check to see if they’re still around…and carrying food. 🙂
Interesting and promising! I did see a pair visiting the neighbor’s arborvitae last week for two days running. I figured it was too late for nests, but maybe it’s not? I would be absolutely thrilled for them to nest nearby, I’ve never had the chance to watch them for more than just a few minutes in passing and to watch them raise a family would be something!
Yeah, so I went back the next day to where I saw the Waxwings and couldn’t find them anywhere, which doesn’t necessarily mean they’re out of the area…but one thing about nesting birds is that unless you happen to get lucky and find a bird on a nest or see them carrying food to it, it’s hard to catch them in the act! Takes more time than I usually am able to devote to it. I am sure for instance that if I really took the time and paid attention I could figure out where the birds who visit my yard are nesting…but I still have no idea. 🙂
haha, I guess I spend way more time sitting around in my yard! Sometimes the cowbirds tip me off to a nest… just in time for me to evict their egg(s).
Sleep well.
Thank you for this post. I’ll look more carefully when downtown. This is amazing.
Thanks, MaryLee. I’m glad I finally caught the heron with the camera, if for no other reason than to have proof that I have seen him. This is the first time I saw him fly. I think there was too much boat traffic that morning for him to decide where to sit.