Hello to All,

The extension trip to the lakefront, Outer Harbor and Inner Harbor is now part of our Walk.

The species list below is a combined list by Randy S. and Pat D. for Wooded Island and Bobolink Meadow.

Of note in the Outer and Inner Harbors were a female Ring-necked Duck and Common Goldeneyes in the Inner Harbor.  While Randy S. was scoping the Inner Harbor, Pat D observed a very cold looking Hermit Thrush near a park bench along Marquette Rd, east of Richards.

Bufflehead and Greater Scaup (male/female pair) were in the Outer Harbor, plus five Herring Gulls.

BIRDERS:      11. (1) Randy S., (2) Steve B., (3) Gary M., (4) Marian N., (5) Cheryl M., (6) Jennie S., (7) John D., & (8) Catherine S.- first time birding Wooded Island. (9) Renate G., (10) Karin D. & (11) Pat D.

TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. – Wooded Island, Bobolink Meadow & Lagoons

            10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. – Lakefront & Outer Harbor – 6 birders

            10:55 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Inner Harbor – Randy S. & Pat D.                     

PLACES:        Wooded Island, Lagoons, Soccer Field & Bobolink Meadow

                        Lakefront. Outer and Inner Harbors

DISTANCE:    2.25 miles total

WEATHER:    Partly Cloudy. Temperature 32 to 35 F. Wind SW 7mph.

TOTAL SPECIES COUNT:  26 (+ 1 possible warbler species)

1.     Canada Goose  385     Randy S. count.

2.     Wood Duck  1 Female. Randy S.

3.     Mallard  6     Two male/female pair in the West Lagoon, seen from the South Bridge.

4.     Hooded Merganser – 6. 1 adult male. 1 immature male. 4 females per Randy S.

5.     Bufflehead  1     Female. Reported by Jennie S. SE corner of East Lagoon.

6.     Common Merganser  1     Female. East Lagoon

7.     Red-breasted Merganser  8

8.     Mourning Dove – 1 Flushed in Japanese Garden. Heard only. Possibly more than one. Reported by Randy S.

9.     Ring-billed Gull  2

10.  Double-crested Cormorant  1

11.  Red-tailed Hawk  1     At start of Walk, the hawk was perched on a branch in the Japanese Garden, facing east. May have roosted there overnight.  Later the hawk flew NE beyond the Museum.

12.  Downy Woodpecker  1

13.  Hairy Woodpecker  2     South end of Wooded Island. In trees on both sides of water. A male and female together.

14.  Northern Flicker  1     Landed on hideous chopped bare tree on east side of Wooded Island. Seen from Bobolink Meadow by Pat Durkin.

15.  American Crow  1

16.  Black-capped Chickadee  6

17.  White-breasted Nuthatch  1

18.  European Starling  4

19.  Hermit Thrush  1

20.  American Robin  8

21.  American Goldfinch 4

22.  American Tree Sparrow  5

23.  Fox Sparrow 1

24.  Dark-eyed Junco  10

25.  White-throated Sparrow 10

26.  Northern Cardinal  9

27.  Passerine Species – 1. Faintly heard in woods at north end of Bobolink Meadow by Randy S. Possible Common Yellowthroat

This is a group report, with many birders contributing to the list. Most of the birds were seen by at least several or all of the birders.

Corrections, additions and comments are welcome.

Recordings are not used to attract birds.

This report will be documented on eBird as a group report for the Wooded Island Bird Walks.

The Walks are free and open to one and all. They are held year round. Newcomers are warmly welcomed. 

Darrow Bridge: Darrow Bridge has been barricaded by the Department of Transportation. A high black metal iron fence has been erected on all four sides. The fence will remain in place until Darrow Bridge is completely rebuilt, which could be several years away. The Bridge has been deemed unsafe.

Birders meet on the east side of Darrow Bridge.

Saturday morning walks: Start at 8:00 a.m. covers a distance of two miles.  Birders walk counterclockwise around the Columbia Basin (North Lagoon) onto Wooded Island. Exiting Wooded Island at the south end, the birders walk along the soccer field and enter the south end of Bobolink Meadow. The Meadow’s path leads to the Music Bridge and back to the East Parking Lot. In late fall, winter and early spring, the birders check for birds on the lakefront and Outer Harbor near LaRabida Hospital, and the Inner Harbor.

Metered parking is available in the East Parking Lot that is accessible from South Lake Shore Drive. There is a Stop Light at Science Drive. This Stop Light is approximately 200 yards south of the major intersection with signs for Museum of Science and Industry. Make a turn at the 57th Street and Science Drive Stop Light towards the Museum. Turn Left (south) at the intersection of Science Drive and Columbia Drive. Go through the parking lot to the west end.

Birders meet in the southwest corner of the East Parking Lot.

Parking and Lots: The East Parking Lot is preferred. There is also unmetered parking along Stony Island Avenue from 56th to 59th Street.

Best of Birding to All,                    

Patricia Durkin

Chicago Audubon Society Representative

Wooded Island Bird Walks