It’s been a busy month at the Chicago Portage and I can’t seem to get caught up. So I’m going to do a quick spree through some memorable photos. The weather has been up and down and it feels like spring migration is likewise in fits and starts. We are still feeling the effects of a lot of April rain. Here we go…
Two Wood Ducks flew over on April 12.
Two days later, I saw a Muskrat, an Osprey, a Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Chipping Sparrow.
On April 16, I got good looks at a White-throated Sparrow and a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
On April 20, I caught a moment between two Brown-headed Cowbirds.
A Golden-crowned Kinglet was practicing its acrobatic skills.
And there was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet whose crown I nearly saw.
I am already not paying much attention to Red-winged Blackbirds, but this one was tempting in flight.
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are coming back.
Here’s another beautiful male Yelloiw-rumped Warbler.
And on April 23, I managed some action photos of the male Belted Kingfisher, also at the top of the post, who has shown up more frequently.
I am a little or a lot worn out, depending on the moment, from a very busy weekend with both mornings starting out at 4:30 AM. Sunrise getting earlier makes it a little easier. We are still experiencing cooler temperatures which are frustrating my attempts to keep up with the surge of green going on in the front and back yards. I try to remind myself I will soon be complaining about the heat. More Spring to follow…
Crumbs, two 4.30 starts! I would be more than worn out.
I had a walk to lead Saturday and then we had an early rehearsal before our performance on Choir Sunday with a string ensemble, harp and piano… it was a lot to do in addition to the getting up 3 hours before I have to be anywhere… 🙂 I survived.
Night birding can be challenging. Are you using a flashlight at 4:30? Yes, it does take time to prep and travel to your birding sites. But, the warblers are now just days away as they begin their push north in numbers. Very nice Kingfisher photos.
Thanks, Bob. It was just a busy weekend with the auction walk on Saturday and Sunday we had an early start at Unity. All good and I’m glad it’s over for the moment. With the winds coming from the south we should see more migrants…
We had the Kingfisher on the auction walk but he only flew in and out with his usual comments.
Great shots, Lisa! I suffer too, Spring migration ALWAYS puts me behind every year too! 😉 Better add fall, that one does too!
Thanks, Donna! I am almost glad things have temporarily slowed down a bit with the weather and with me. I sometimes wonder why I am saving years’ worth of “unused” photos an external hard drives. But it hasn’t stopped me…yet. Carry on!
Lordy, I am the same way, Lisa! Sometimes I am thankful for a rainy, windy day so I can’t do Spring yard work and can work on photos 😂 The Spring yard work gets in the way of my birding!