Hello to All,

A sizable and nice group of birders showed up for a summer morning stroll. A couple, who were new birders, came to meet the “Angry Birder” of Chicago Tribune fame: Wooded Island Regular, Karin Droegemueller.  We started with eighteen birders, but after three hours of walking, stopping, and staring, a few drop off along the way. I tell birders to stay as long as they can or wish.  If we had access across Darrow Bridge that would cut down the distance and shorten the time. But access is years away, so we do the best that we can, under the circumstances.

Hello to All,

Today the enthusiasm and camaraderie among the birders equaled the usual thrill of seeing birds.

Hello to All,

Hello to All,

The early morning rain showers convinced many of our regulars to stay home and enjoy another cup of coffee, but three intrepid birders came out to see what we could find, and we were glad we did!  The rain stopped right about the time our walk started and the skies slowly cleared while we were in the park.

In the Osaka Garden, the mallards have figured out how to get food from the koi feeder.  They “jump” up a bit and knock the bottom of the feeder with their bills.  When a bit of food falls they eat it up.  What clever birds!

Hello to All,

It has been a very good breeding season for our summer residents.  The Eastern Kingbirds proved very fertile.  Cedar Waxwings increased their numbers. Nests are being found, here, there and everywhere.

Hello to All,

Hello to All,

Another great summertime bird walk!  Paul Clyne reported a chipmunk sighting this week on Wooded Island, and sure enough, the little creature ran across the North Bridge to Wooded Island in front of us. We did not spot the coyote that walked inside the fence along the soccer field.

Hello to All,

The rain gods held their powers in check so we would have another nice summertime bird walk. 

Hello to All,

 We discovered a pair of Cedar Waxwings on a berry bush inside the gate to the Japanese Garden.  They were at eye level and very nonchalant about our presence.  A new nest was found just outside the Japanese Garden, although not occupied.  There were numerous Cedar Waxwings on Wooded Island. 

A pair of Baltimore Orioles was seen feeding young at the nest opening on the southeast side of the Island. Let’s hope the nestlings are orioles and not cowbirds.

Hello to All,

If you only have a few minutes to be in the company of wild birds, just sit on the bench near the Purple Martin Houses and watch their aerial acrobatics and listen to their soft, gurgling sounds as they speak to each other; in the air; on their front porches.  The experience will do wonders to your mental and physical wellbeing.  Petting the head of Copper, our Golden Retriever, who visits with us each week, is another relaxer.