Visits to the Chicago Portage will likely be brief these days as the weather has turned colder, often gloomier, and the birds are not always easy to find. But there are other things to watch for as well.

“Welcome to Muskrat Estates.” I wish I could post a sign stating this on the bridge near Harlem because the muskrats have now built another sizable nest. I took these photos last Friday, November 22. A few Mallards could still be seen enjoying Muskrat Estates.

A bit later I found a few more Mallards feeding where there was still duckweed. The duckweed is receding i the colder weather.

At the top of the hill, such as it is, in the goldenrod, I found an American Tree Sparrow blending in nicely.

House Finches were nearby.

I spotted a Dark-eyed Junco.

Then a moment later, I noticed a Red-tailed Hawk sitting in a faraway tree.

A Downy Woodpecker caught my attention.

The Red-tailed Hawk flew in to a closer perch.

And then the hawk was on the move again.

I spotted a Downy Woodpecker on the ground.

And a female Northern Cardinal didn’t seem to mind my attention as she perched long enough for me to take her picture.

An American Goldfinch was taking a water break on the paved trail.

I found another American Tree Sparrow.

The Red-tailed Hawk was on the move again.

And then I heard Sandhill Cranes overhead. I barely managed to capture a few of them behind the trees in the cloudy sky, but it was nice to hear and see them.

I am spending a quiet Thanksgiving Day at home with the birds. I’ve been having fun in the kitchen lately trying new recipes and improving upon old ones. Our temperatures are about to plunge for the weekend, so I may as well keep cooking: this is definitely soup and bread weather. There’s also something peaceful and restorative in preparing food.