Starting My Illinois List
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
Saturday I’m going to try to do a little more serious birding. They’re a couple of potential life birds not too far away including Henslow’s Sparrow and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
