Saturday August 31, 2013-Warblers Beginning to Arrive

Although I didn't get any good shots of warblers today-too dark and the birds were foraging very high, there were plenty of warblers around. Tennessee, Redstarts, Cape May, Wilson's, Magnolia, Blackpoll were observed. Someone had fun today putting together some nature art. We watched a DVD "Birding  Central Park Effect" last night. I wonderful film that strikes home in Jackson Park. A most for all birders.

Native Art

Live

Peace

Be Happy

Smile!

Our favorite Black-crowned Night Heron

You can get mighty close to this heron

Crows mobbing a Cooper's Hawk

     

Cooper's Hawk attacking Swifts

Cormorants at the Cormorant Tree

Wasp in the Rose Garden

Black-eyed Susan

Wednesday August 28, 2013-Some Interesting Birds and a Hummingbird Moth

Not too many migrants. However hundreds of Swifts feeding on the water surface (too difficult to capture with the camera). Next time I'll do a Youtube. The Hummingbird Moth was a highlight. I forgot to Youtube it, maybe next time. It turns out that the moth is the same species that we see in abundance in Borrego Springs California (not every year). So many, that Swainson's Hawks by the hundreds spend part of spring migration gorging on the caterpillar stage of the moth. I will update the blog with a photo of the hawks on the ground. We have had as many as 1800 hawks in the same area. You can see the blog for Borrego Springs at: Borregohawkwatch.blogspot.com

Great Crested Flycatcher

Catbird with seeds

Catbird

Hummingbird Moth-White-lined Sphinx Moth

Hummingbird Moth-Compass Plant

Hummingbird Moth

Swainson's Hawks eating Sphinx Moth Caterpillars in Borrego Springs, California

Koi in the Osaka Garden Pond

Finally a shot of the Museum without 1700 Building in the background-foggy day

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

You want to go through? Pay the toll!

Six of  8 Wooducks and a Mallard

Magnolia Warbler-1st of the fall

Few Birds But Great Butterflies Wednesday August 21, 2013

It was very quiet yesterday on Wooded Island and adjacent areas. No warbler species but some nice butterfly sightings. The Koi are part of the group of 26 in the Osaka Garden. Here is a link to a Youtube of a Monarch Butterfly-http://youtu.be/GKdJl9kaUTs

Juvenile Night Heron-Osaka Garden

Night Heron Food-No, Too Big-Osaka Garden

The Watchers at a new sculpture

Cabbage Butterfly

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

Saturday August 10, 2013-Perfect Weather and Waiting For Migrants

Today was pleasant and we are still waiting for fall migrants. Some nice shots of butterflies on the Butterfly Bush near the golf course. Visitors from Florida and Colorado today.

Green Heron

Cardinal

Cardinal in Flight

American Goldfinch

Eastern Kingbird

Female Monarch Butterfly

Female Spicebush Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

End of the day at the Music Bridge

A Warm Humid Day With Some Nice Heron Shots-Wednesday August 7, 2013

No Black-crowned Night Herons or Green Herons today. However 5 Great Egrets and a nice close up of a Great Blue. Some nice shots of insects as well. 

Great Egret

Wasp in the Rose Garden

Another Wasp in the Rose Garden

Skipper Species

Great Blue Heron in Japanese Garden Entrance

Close Up of Great Blue Heron

Widow Skimmer Male

Saturday August 3, 2013-A Fine Weather Day With Some Interesting Birds and Insects

We had a nice weather day as Chicago continues to have a mild summer. Here is a quiz and a few shots that might disturb you.

Friends gathering before birding

Quiz Bird Fresh From Bathing?

Perhaps This Will Help?

Swamp Milkweed and Bee in the Rose Garden

Gathering of Cormorants

Is Something Wrong Here?

A Closer Look. It appears to be a hook and much blood.

Two Wasps at the same flower

Warbling Vireo

Male Blue Damselfly

Female Blue Damselfly with male in flight

Spicebush Butterfly