Montrose Point bird sanctuary's "magic hedge" - all photos by author
The Chicago fall bird migratory season is upon us. When people think of the outdoors and fall they usually only consider the beautiful changing of the leaves. This phenomenon is excuse enough to make it outdoors, as is getting outside before it gets too cold, but fall bird migration is yet another reason to get off the couch as the temperature turns cool and crisp.
Some species have already made their way through the Chicagoland area, but do not fret as October and early November maybe the best times to see migratory birds. This could be especially true this year as late summer was actually warmer than early summer, so this weather pattern could delay migration for certain species.
Sandhill cranes in flight
Chicago and the surrounding vicinity feature many great locations to view southbound birds. In the city itself the Montrose Harbor and bird sanctuary is a great place to start as over 320 species of birds have been found at this spot located blocks off the Wilson red line stop and accessible to Lake Shore Drive via the Montrose exit. The highlight of the sanctuary is the famous “magic hedge,” which is a 150 yard stretch of shrubs and trees that attracts a large numbers of migratory birds including a large variety of warblers, thrushes, sparrows, and snow buntings.
Walk down from the hedge and hit the dunes by the beach and the hooked pier and a whole different array of birds can be seen. Loons, long-tailed ducks, and many types of gulls can be seen down by the water. The Harbor is also a good spot to see certain birds of prey in the fall including northern harriers, merlins, and peregrine falcons.
Looking down on the harbor and the dunes at Montrose harbor
Speaking of birds of prey, the Illinois Beach State Park watches the hawk migration from August to December and uses volunteers. Fifteen different species are recorded everyday through these months. The peak time for most raptors is mid-October through early November, so the best times to view hawks, eagles, and falcons is now.
Some great spots in the suburbs include the Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Crabtree Nature Center and Baker’s Lake in Barrington. The great aspect about bird watching is interesting birds can be found anywhere including the backyard. This is especially true during migration season. This fall get out and see the colors, but do not forget to look for your fine feathered friends.
A couple of great resources to find good local spots include the Illinois birding forum and the Lake-Cook County Audubon Society.
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Comments
I'm not actually much of a bird watcher, but some of them are really fun to see.
Great links! We get Sandhill cranes south of Albuquerque at Bosque Apache every winter. What an experience to see them fly.
Great selection of photos and useful information.
a good thing to do on the weekend. thx.
Thanks Ted,
You've inspired me to seek out the sandhill crane migration here in the Bay Area (well, about 1.5 hours outside but close enough). I've been wanting to go for years, and finally got off my duff to look into reservations. (You have to book ahead for guided tours.) I'm so curious to see these birds in the wild! After watching Winged Migration years ago, it inspired me to learn more about birds, and I have a huge affinity for them.
Thanks for the uplifting feature!
Northerly Island is another good downtown spot to see birds.
We have a park near us where bird watchers write down which birds they saw on a big dry erase board. It's very interesting. Of course when we're around we never see any because my dog likes to chase them so the birds are smart enough to hide in the trees. LOL!
Thanks Doug for the suggestion. I will have to check that out.
Love the cranes in flight. Here on the coast we have seagulls in flight (I have a few of those photos) but also lots of cormorants, beautiful black birds with long necks and a long wing span.
Good post from long ago ;)
Good post from long ago ;)
Good post from long ago ;)
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