Jonathan Schuler on 12/27 reported via IBET: I don't want to be premature here, but I have not seen the Yellow-Throated Warbler in my backyard since about noon on Dec. 23. The bird had been incredibly consistent with its routine from Nov. 20, and every day thereafter through Dec. 23 (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day when I wasn't home to observe). It was observed for the CBC as well, and in my research, appears to be the latest this species has been spotted in the state. My hope is that it took the opportunity to fly to warmer pastures.

I had upward of 30 people visit my backyard to see and photograph this bird in the time it was here. Thanks to this forum and Kane County Audubon for confirming the ID when it first appeared. I was apprehensive about the ID since it was so late and I had never seen one before. But I found everyone online and who showed up to my house to be incredibly respectful, helpful and friendly. Thanks to all!

Mark Bowman on 12/23 reported via e-mail: A few days ago I was able go over to [a yard] in St Charles and see if I could see the YT warbler. The owner, Jon, was very cordial and welcoming. He has a great set-up in the back with multiple feeders and a waterfall which attracts a lot of birds. Within 30 minutes, I saw the warbler twice. Once he came in with a few house finches. The second time he came in by himself followed by a red-breasted nuthatch. Hopefully, the little guy will be able to make it thru the winter with the help of this house owner.
 

Jackie Bowman on 12/19 reported via e-mail: Tuesday's bright and sunny weather brought us a new Yard Lifer, and it was a bird I've been waiting for the perfect photo op for almost 9 years. What a great surprise to find a male Green-winged Teal hanging out in our backyard pond with about 30 Mallards. The pond still has about 20% open water. Wednesday morning he was gone with about half of the Mallards. Wasn't it nice of him to take a rest from water and pose on the ice for me? I can't remember how often I've seen a Teal out of the water.
 

Green-winged Teal photo courtesy Jackie Bowman

Jackie Bowman on 12/18 reported via e-mail: The Yellow-throated Warbler is still visiting the Schuler yard in St. Charles after almost a month.  Jon is doing a great job of providing a bountiful buffet for all the birds there.  We had a chance to visit and photograph the warbler this week, who'd have thought we wouldn't have to travel to South Florida for an opportunity like this the third week of December?
 

Eric Secker on 12/17 reported via IBET: About 650 Sandhill Cranes currently [about 3:30 PM] flying south very low over the Fox  River in Elgin.

Al Stokie on 12/15 reported via IBET: Hello Bird People,

Today I along with Scott Latimer did part of Mike Madsen's section of the Fermi Lab Count. Scott & I had 32 species for the day & we covered Fabyan Woods, Gunnar Anderson F.P. &  The Island Park in Geneva off Rt 38. I'll just do highlights of which there were a few good ones.

The Island/Geneva

Lots of Canada Geese & Mallards but the only real highlight was when I found 2 Brown Creepers in a big Oak Tree with some W.B. Nuthatches. Scott also had 1 Great Blue Heron which I missed.

The River By Gunnar Anderson & Gunnar Anderson F.P. Itself

GREEN WINGED TEAL (1-M)
Goldeneye & Common Mergansers
Ring Billed & Herring Gulls
KINGFISHER (1-F)
WINTER WREN (1)
House Finch (1-M, our only House Finch of the day)

Fabyan Woods

Great Blue Heron (3)
More Goldeneye & Common Mergansers
BALD EAGLE (1-AD & 1-IM)
KINGFISHER (1, a male this time so we had 2 for the day)
FLICKER (1)
Brown Creeper (1)
RUBY CROWNED KINGLET (1, not the Kinglet I expected to see)
EASTERN BLUEBIRD (1 heard only)
PINE SISKIN (4 with Goldfinches in the Sycamore trees)

We found not one Robin, only 2 Juncos & no regular sparrows at all but other sparrows were seen by other members of the team as well as 2 CAROLINA WRENS.

Bird-Of-The-Day to the Ruby Crowned Kinglet & Runners-Up to the Green Winged Teal, the Winter Wren & the Siskins. It was a pretty god day for a X-Mas Count!

Jon Duerr on 12/6 reported via IBET: We left the house for a walk a little before 2:00 and heard the [Sandhill] Cranes. They were super high and flock after flock just kept coming! I guesstimated over 2000 passed over St.Charles.

Jonathan Schuler on 12/5 reported via IBET: For fear of sounding like a broken record here, the Yellow-Throated Warbler remains a constant presence at my feeders in my backyard. It has been seen everyday since Nov. 20, with the exception of Thanksgiving when I wasn't home to look. It has obviously found something it likes and it appears to be sticking it out through this weather -- including the blizzard, cold, ice, snow and rain we've seen the last two weeks. The bird is exceptionally striking with vibrant yellow, black and white coloring. And since it makes the rounds between a hot pepper seed cylinder/suet/pond, the looks are super close and super great. I'm not a list person when it comes to birding -- I prefer the experience over checking off a box. Seeing a robin on a cool adventure is my idea of fun. But this bird has both been a lifer for me and a really, really great experience. Not bad for your fairly typical suburban back yard!