The last time I was at the Chicago Portage was on Thursday morning. We were experiencing a brief respite from the heat. Soon after I started walking, I was surprised to see a Black-crowned Night-heron fly overhead.

I was hopeful, but never knowing what to expect, I first checked the spot on the water where herons like to fish and saw nothing. I walked back to the bridge closest to Harlem and apparently flushed another Black-crowned Night-Heron that was likely right near the bridge.

As I walked along the trail trying to spot a heron, I found other creatures. I haven’t seen this butterfly in a long time and it was pretty far away, but I managed to get an image.

American Robins are now starting to show up not just as adults, but offspring as well.

Backtracking here for a moment, I memorialized European Starlings were guarding their nesting spot on the statue when I first arrived.

When I did my list, I thought I had not seen or heard a Great-crested Flycatcher, but I found one in my photos later.

Other residents made brief appearances: a Northern Cardinal and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

But when I got around to the heron spot again, on my last trek past it, I found a Black-crowned Night-Heron after all. It could have been either of the two I saw before or perhaps a third. The first photo below might give you an idea of how far away I was standing with my 400mm lens.

I was tempted to go back this morning, but after I went outside to fill the feeders, I determined it was already too hot. We may get some storm activity later this evening and things will cool off a bit. We could sure use some rain along with that.

The last time I saw herons at the Portage was way back on June 6. As I started walking the trail, I found a Green Heron that was close but difficult to photograph through the tall grasses.

A male Baltimore Oriole was doing his best to stay hidden.

Common Whitetail dragonflies have been abundant all month.

But just as it seemed not much more was happening, a Great Egret flew in.

Soon it became apparent that the Red-winged Blackbirds were going to be a problem for the Great Egret. I started walking away.

As I walked past where the egret had finally claimed a spot, I was able to barely capture it through the vegetation.

I did also have a Great-crested Flycatcher that day.

And a Northern Flicker flew by for good measure.

It was still party time for Brood XVII of the periodical cicadas. They are pretty much over by now.

Every day feels like starting over with this hot weather. While the over-the-top temperatures are disorienting to my routine, I don’t have to read too many articles about heat-related deaths and the dangers of heatstroke to remain cautious and stay inside. There are still plenty of things to do. I might be back sooner than later. Stay safe wherever you are.