The first week of November was fairly quiet on the Des Plaines River, which as of Friday was still really low. But last Monday, November 3, the sun was shining and the birds were enjoying it. I looked out from the wall by the Hofmann Tower and caught a House Sparrow in flight.

Looking south along the river I had to make note of the fall color, however heavy on the yellows this year.

As I went to cross the street to the other side of the Joliet Avenue bridge, I heard the female Belted Kingfisher who is at the top of this post, as she flew across the river. She landed and perched where I took too many distant photos.

Walking eventually brought me a White-throated Sparrow, who seemed adamant about its identity in the third photo below.

I spotted just enough of a male Northern Cardinal in the leaves.

A pair of Canada Geese swam down the river.

And a Great Blue Heron barely emerged from its perch.

I took another view of the Des Plaines River from around the bend.

American Robins have been foraging and bathing by the river’s edge.

I found an American Goldfinch matching autumn colors.

A beautiful Song Sparrow was singing as if it was spring.

I noticed an interesting fungus.

When I got all the way back to the Hofmann Tower, I looked out across the river to see a few Mallards with a tagged goose, 21N. I don’t know this goose. I guess I can try reporting it when the government is up and running again.

Then I two juvenile Bald Eagles flew overhead. I took photos of both of them, but they appear indistinguishable.

Here are two more photos of the Belted Kingfisher.

We are under a Winter Storm Warning from 9:00 tonight until noon tomorrow. It looks to be a “lake effect” event, with predictions of a lot of snow – perhaps even a foot of it – and terrible road conditions for the morning rush. I’m far enough from the lake to ignore perpetual surf warnings, but lake effect snow could be substantial. If the forecast can be believed, we will return to warmer temperatures starting Wednesday, with rain predicted for Sunday. All I know is, I haven’t been out for a walk all weekend and it doesn’t look like I can walk tomorrow morning. It’s starting to drive me more than a little crazy. Those walks are about a lot more than lugging the camera around. There is, however, a bright side to a foot of snow. I could shovel it, and at least have a reason to be outside.