Carolina Wren, Chicago Portage

However deceiving the weather may be, the birds are on schedule. I checked on the Portage and McGinnis Slough last Sunday morning. A grey, chilly day, with a forecast of some snow in the arfternoon. But this lovely singing Carolina Wren was my reward at the Portage. He was a bit too far away to get the clearest image, but he kept on singing.

Song Sparrow, Chicago Portage

And of course a Song Sparrow announced his presence.

And a Canada Goose blowing in the wind.

However common Mallards, the males are beautiful this time of year.

And an American Robin for good measure.

The Portage was just barely waking up.

McGinnis Slough

So I went to check McGinnis Slough.

Bufflehead

Most of the waterfowl was, as usual, far away, but I managed a picture of this male Bufflehead.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

One of two Red-Bellied Woodpeckers checking out this tree stump.

Many Grackles, this one caught in flight.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

And my first warbler of the year – predictably a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, but still very nice to see.