Even though the rain had pretty much subsided after last night, it was still hanging in the air, making all day chilly, cloudy, and I had planned a few household chores this morning, so I did not go for a walk. I did manage my last swim of 2023, though. Anyway, it’s nice to look back to earlier days in December when there was some sunshine. Here are a few photos from December 8, 11 and 13.
I first saw three Canada Geese standing on the wall near the Joliet Avenue Bridge. Then a bit later I saw 26N, a male banded on 7/14/2016.
And there were some Rock Pigeons atop the Hofmann Tower. Nothing new there.
On the 11th I saw 26N again with 54H, a female banded 7/7/2015.
I’ve seen American Robins off and on all winter here and there, but I have not always had an opportunity to photograph them.
A Blue Jay was enjoying the bright sunshine.
Dark-eyed Juncos were made more interesting by their surroundings.
But on that day when I approached the turn in the river, where I normally look forward to crossing the swinging bridge and walking through Riverside Lawn, a crew was busy sawing and burning trees and vegetation around the telephone pole that has been designated a future Osprey nest.
So I went back along the paved trail and crossed the Joliet Avenue bridge to walk into Riverside Lawn at the other end for a while, staying clear of the destruction. I saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker…
a White-breasted Nuthatch…
and a White-throated Sparrow.
On the 13th, there was an abundance of more bright sunshine. Below is the same view of the Des Plaines River as the one above, and another look across the river at the continuing clearing.
An American Robin or two caught my eye.
And a Downy Woodpecker was foraging low.
But the biggest surprise was seeing an Eastern Bluebird. It wasn’t particularly close to it, but I managed to get a few photos before it took off. Actually as I look at these photos, I think there were two individuals, with the first three photos of a female and the male in the last photograph.
I took this view of the Riverside Lawn trail below, suspecting it might be the last time I see it after all the clearing is done.
Four Mallards took off, heading upstream.
And here’s one more of the Dark-eyed Junco at the top of the post.
The calendar has messed up my swimming routine, and the weather has interfered with the walking one. I have gotten out of bed every morning not knowing exactly what to look forward to. Just playing it by ear. A little snow is promised for New Year’s Eve. That might be nice for a change.
I wish you a peaceful New Year. I hope to be back to this page soon…in 2024.