Philadelphia Vireo, Douglas Park, 9-28-14
Last Sunday’s Chicago Ornithological Society/Illinois Young Birders Field Trip to Douglas Park in Chicago was well-attended. Fall colors had just begun, enhancing the park’s landscaping. Upon reviewing the warbler photographs, it’s interesting to see how the subtleties of the birds’ fall colors blend so well with the trees. For the most part the birds were too far away to get good photos but I’m including a few blenders-in anyway.
Magnolia Warbler
American Redstart
Bay-Breasted Warbler
Warblers are always a challenge to photograph. As it turned out, the Bay-Breasted Warbler above was the only one that sat out long enough, and still I am not entirely sure it’s not a Blackpoll.
I couldn’t help but photograph the back of this participant’s shirt.
Belted Kingfisher
Birds in flight were at least easier to find against the blue sky background. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that much white on a Cooper’s Hawk before, with this particular angle and the light.
Cooper’s Hawk
There were so many Chimney Swifts, all filling up to start that long flight back to Chile. It’s only because they were so numerous and at times flying low that I was able to manage a fairly clear shot.
Chimney Swift
Canada Geese flying might not be anything spectacular, but I like the way this flight pattern plays against the tree branches.
Canada Geese
and later, three coming in for a landing…
I could not resist taking a picture of the back of this participant’s shirt.
Below, the last Eastern Phoebe I’m likely to see this year.
Eastern Phoebe
All in all, it was the trees’ fall colors reflecting on the water that stayed with me.
I’m falling asleep sitting on the futon listening to the New York Philharmonic on the radio with intermittent thunderclap accompaniment going on outside. I’ll be back with more city visitors.
