Gray Catbird

Saturday, August 4th, 2007

Gray bird with black cap in tree
Gray Catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
Jackson Park, Chicago, 2007-07-28

Eastern Comma

Wednesday, August 1st, 2007

Brown and orange butterfly, worn
Eastern Comma, Polygonia comma
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, 2007-08-01

American Goldfinch

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

Black and yellow bird on thistle
American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis, ♂
Northerly Island, Chicago, 2007-07-27

Black and Yellow Mud Daubers

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Black and yellow wasps digging in mud
Black and Yellow Mud Dauber, Sceliphron caementarium
Outside Soldier Field, Chicago, 2007-07-25

Ring-billed Gull

Sunday, July 29th, 2007

Ring-billed gull sitting on breakwater
Ring-billed Gull, Larus delawarensis
Chicago lakefront. 2007-07-25

Starting My Illinois List

Thursday, July 26th, 2007

Last night after the conference was over for the day, I went for a stroll along Lake Michigan from north of Soldier field to the 31st Street beach. It was not an especially birdy location, too little habitat, too many boats, cars, and lawns. It’s supposed to be better in winter and migration. Still I got 13 species, all new for me in the state:

  • Canada Goose
  • Mallard
  • American Kestrel
  • Ring-billed Gull
  • Rock Pigeon
  • Chimney Swift
  • American Crow
  • Barn Swallow
  • European Starling
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Common Grackle
  • American Goldfinch
  • House Sparrow

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