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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Sachem Skipper

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

Skipper butterfly perched
Sachem Skipper, Atalopedes campestris
Ridgewood Reservoir, 2007-07-14
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Long-horned Bee

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

Black bee in flower
Long-horned Bee, Melissodes bimaculata
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2007-07-22

There are actually several species and genera of Long-horned Bees. They don’t have individual common names.
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Eastern Amberwing Female

Monday, July 23rd, 2007

Dragonfly
Eastern Amberwing, Perithemis tenera, ♀
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2007-07-22

Broad-winged Skipper

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

Skipper butterfly perched
Broad-winged Skipper, Poanes viator
Ridgewood Reservoir, 2007-07-14
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Eastern Carpenter Bee

Saturday, July 21st, 2007

Black and yellow bee with shiny abdomen

Eastern Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa virginica
Ridgewood Reservoir, 2007-07-14
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