Migration Magic in Chicago

For birders in the Midwest, the spring months are a time of great excitement. From mid-April to the end of May, bird enthusiast visit birding hotspots with high hopes of viewing a wide variety of beautiful migrant birds. Spring birding is especially appealing because so many birds are donning their brilliant breeding plumage for the purpose of attracting a mate. Viewing the dazzling lipstick red feathers of the male Scarlet Tanager or the fiery orange throat and black masked plumage of a Blackburnian Warbler sends bird lovers hearts aflutter. Birders also find the joyful chorus of melodious bird songs a most welcome sign of spring. Crooning tunes not only attracts mates but shows ownership of a particular territory.

Chicago's expansive waterfront is along the migration route known as the Mississippi Flyway. More than 300 migratory bird species have been sighted along the stunning lakefront, inland waters, area parks, beaches and ponds of The Windy City. Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary and North Pond Nature Sanctuary are two of my favorite locations to visit during spring migration.

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is located in Lincoln Park. This nature haven becomes most active in the springtime, providing rest, food and shelter for migrating birds. The diverse habitat includes meadows, hedges, shrubs, sand dunes, a harbor and beach area.

North Pond Nature Sanctuary, also located in Lincoln Park, consists of a resplendent pond surrounded by and including a variety of trees, aquatic plants, savanna plants as well as woodland and upland prairie terrains.

All the photographs featured in this post were taken at these two bird oases gems located in the city of Chicago.

A handsome Chestnut-sided Warbler forages amid tree branches

The appealing buttery yellow plumage of a female Yellow Warbler

A diminutive Blue-gray Gnatcatcher pauses momentarily to sing

Canada Warblers can be seen gleaning insects from dense undergrowth and brushy thickets at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

Belting out a tune ~ American Redstart

A Gray Catbird shows off its black cap and stunning slate gray plumage

Seeking nourishment amongst the tree limbs ~ Ruby-crowned Kinglet

A dazzling male Scarlet Tanager at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

A sightly Magnolia Warbler enjoys the surroundings at North Pond

Insects and insect larvae are the food of choice for this Black-throated Green Warbler

Splendor in the grass at North Pond ~ Blackburnian Warbler

Seeking sustenance in the trees ~ Rose-breasted Grosbeak

A beautiful Prairie Warbler uses a bristly stalk as a perch

A female Wood Duck and her busy little ducklings delight in a pleasant day at the pond

Posted by Julie A. Gidwitz