
Palm Warbler
Before I left for downtown two Sundays ago, there was a young rabbit outside my front door between me and my car. There was also a very nicely kept spider web attached to one of my front stair railings.
This will be brief, as was my last warbler flock experience.
My first lakefront park stop was the area north of Buckingham Fountain.
I saw more warblers than I was able to photograph. In all, there were maybe 8 species. Above, Cape May Warblers, below, American Redstart.
Also available, a Red-Breasted Nuthatch…

Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Palm Warblers (above) dominated the flock. Across from all the activity was a fenced-in garden area where this transforming Northern Cardinal was feasting on seeds.

Northern Cardinal through a fence
Then there is the warbler below. I struggled over this ID but now I’m thinking it is a Cape May too.
I made my way over to Millennium Park and went up the stairs to Lurie Garden. The only warbler I found is below. Since it resembles nothing else, even though the mask is barely visible, it must be a Kentucky Warbler. It remained low in the foliage and everything else about it said Kentucky Warbler to me.
Below, one more of my best subject – the Palm Warbler enjoying a worm.
There was no noticeable activity elsewhere that morning, and it’s been slow ever since. A strange, fitful migration season. But I am grateful for whatever birds I have seen and hope they are making safe trips to their winter homes.