I managed to get to the Chicago Portage on Tuesday. The first signs of spring migration were abundant. As I walked in from the parking lot, I heard a familiar “tick” call high above and soon located a Yellow-rumped Warbler. I saw another individual later.

And I discovered later when I was going through my photos that I had captured a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in flight with a Yellow-rumped Warbler flying in the opposite direction!

I began to see a few Field Sparrows on or near the gravel trail.

There was a Blue-winged Teal in the water.

And lots of turtles…

At one point I captured a distant Osprey flying with nesting material in its talons.

A Turkey Vulture flew right overhead.

I managed to capture a somewhat distant White-throated Sparrow.

The Portage continues to green up.

Red Admiral butterflies are starting to show.

Then there were birds that have been here all winter waiting for spring…

Right before I left, a Great Egret flew in. My flight photos turned out better than the distant ones after the egret landed.

Oh yes. Don’t forget the deer…

And the napping ducks…

I spent this morning at Columbus Park with the Oak Park Bird Walkers. We had a good time and saw enough birds to keep us busy for a couple hours. I think we’re off to a good start.
Tomorrow morning will be sunny and quite warm, but I will be singing for Choir Sunday. I am mystified and deeply moved by the piece we are performing, Sacred Place by Alex Berko, so it will be okay to be stuck indoors (at least we’ll be singing about the natural environment).

We don’t seem to be quite finished with cooler overnight lows just yet if I can believe the future forecast, but the days keep getting longer and the birds will keep coming. And I will be back as soon as possible.