John Heneghan on 7/30 reported via e-mail: Every year about this time a Phoebe shows up and follows me while I mow. It grabs bugs kicked up by the mower. Big Rock
 

Theresa LeCompte on 7/30 reported via e-mail: Spotted this tree-topping Green Heron at Mirador Subdivision Ponds this morning.
 

Taylor Jory on 7/24 reported via eBird: Coming across an American Bittern at Pingree Grove Forest Preserve. "Flushed from about 10 feet away while working way out in the middle of the marsh; large brown heron with long, sharp bill & bold brown stripes running down underside"

Mike Bily on 7/23 reported via IBET: Yellow Throated Warbler continues at Fabyan Forest Preserve, in the vicinity of the Japanese Garden, ranging from the sycamore trees on the bluff (north of the villa) to the pine trees east of the Garden (by the river).

The periods of repeated song are less frequent and shorter in duration than earlier in the year, but it is usually no more than 10 minutes between performances.

In years past these birds have emigrated by mid-August.

Teddy Noll on 7/17 reported via eBird: In North Aurora, a Cerulean Warbler. "Heard calling from the top of oak forest. Only audio verification."

Jason Newton on 7/9 reported via eBird: At the fluddles on Mighell Road, 3 American Golden-Plovers.

Sid Packard on 7/8 reported via e-mail: I’ve lived in the Dundee area for most of my 59 years, and these are the first Osprey I’ve seen.  Taken on Penny Road.  Enjoy!
 

Michael Ryon on 7/7 reported via IBET: Saw an American Bittern at Nelson Lake. "medium to large heron with stocky body, short neck with heavy brown streaks, dark outer wings. in flight over wetlands"

Jim Jarosz on 7/7 reported via IBET: [Drove to Chapman Road near Burlington]...I watched for about 40 minutes enjoying the cool morning and the Turkey Vultures circling in the breeze. [A Swainson's Hawk] finally flew out from some far trees and was immediately mobbed by 4 blackbirds and chased back into another nearby treeline...

July 7th - Chapman Road - Kane County
Mourning Dove 2
Killdeer 3
Turkey Vulture 3
Swainson's Hawk 1
American Crow 1
Barn Swallow 3
American Robin 3
sparrow sp. 2
Red-winged Blackbird 3
blackbird sp. 4 mobbing the Hawk as it flew

Theresa LeCompte on 7/5 reported via e-mail: Found this Leucistic Song Sparrow at Vaughan Athletic Center this morning. [Leucism: a condition resulting in partial lack of color in an animal.]
 

Bob Andrini on 7/4 reported via e-mail: Sharing a picture of the Yellow-breasted Chat that has been seen at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve for the last week or so.