The Big 'Chicago' Year - Yes, We're Still Birding!

17 August 2013
Jackson Park
Warm and Sunny

Eastern Kingbirds

My 7yo son and I decided to do a Big 'Chicago' year after watching 'The Big Year' with Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson about 5 times last year (click here to see first article). I haven't posted about all of our birding adventures but we had a great time last week at Jackson Park. We aren't experts or die-hards, but we like to bird and be outdoors.

Double-created Cormorant

Jackson Park is just south of downtown, a short trip down lakeshore drive for us. We saw 26 different species of birds and captured some good pictures.

Northern Cardinal

Great Blue Heron

Eastern Kingbird
American Goldfinch
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Chimney Swift
Great-crested Flycatcher
American Robin
House Sparrow
Grey Catbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-eyed Vireo
Green Heron
Caspian Tern
Black-crowned Night Heron
Wood Duck
Song Sparrow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Barn Swallow
European Starling
Downy Woodpecker

White-breasted Nuthatch

Seagull (unidentified)

American Crow
Spotted Sandpiper
Red-winged Blackbird

We also saw several different butterflies, including Cabbage Whites, Tiger swallowtails, and Monarchs as well as at least 3 different types of dragonflies, including the skimmer variety.

Besides seeing so many wonderful birds and other animals, the prairie and aquatic flowers were in full bloom. One of the things I like most about birding is just being out in nature, something that can be enjoyed even here in the city of Chicago.

As I have said before, Chicago is a great place to bird as it is in the middle of a major migratory path, the Mississippi Flyway.

Fall Migration season is just beginning and more birds will be coming through on their journey south for the winter. However, this is a more challenging time to bird as many birds will be first years, born this summer, with juvenile plumage, which is not as distinct as adult spring plumage (or feathers).

Water Lily

When you are out and about in the city remember to keep the number for the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors on hand (773 988 1867) as spring and fall migration is a time when many birds are injured by flying into windows. These folks will tell you what to do or send someone to collect the injured bird.

If you have a little space of your own you can start creating your own natural habitat that will attract more birds and wildlife. Check out Ecosystem Gardening for great information on how to get started in your own backyard.

Are you birding this fall? Where's your favorite place to go? What's your favorite bird to see?

Alexandra Gnoske is a Nature Lover, Writer, and Environmental Expert.