Ken Schneider on 5/29 reported via e-mail: During our short morning walk in the north prairie at Nelson Lake/Dick Young Forest Preserve, Mary Lou and I heard 2 or 3 singing male Henslow's Sparrows within a 100 yard stretch along the path north of the top of the hill, but only saw this one . There were numerous Dickcissels and 4 Bobolinks along the path from the parking lot to the top of the hill.
 

Steve Smith on 5/29 reported via IBET: There is a very accessable Cliff Swallow colony at the new Sherman hospital on Randall Rd just south of Rt 90 in Elgin. The nests are under the circular entrance drive on the lake side. You can view the birds from close range above or below the drive way level.

Christopher Cudworth on 5/28 reported via IBET: For those of you in Kane County craving the company of a white-eyed vireo, I can heartily recommend a spot in the North 40 of Johnson's Mound. Take the woodland trail right off the main entrance road that curves into the woods to the north. Follow the two-track and enter the grassland by the giant radio tower. Take the CENTER trail and go over the hill. At the far northwest corner turn right again and walk approximately 40 yards to a series of small shrubs along the trail. The bird is serenading passersby with some frequency, even in mid-day.

On the way keep your eye out for the other following species that were present on Saturday when I visited, on a run:

Eastern kingbird
Dickcissel
Bobolink
Western meadowlark
Eastern meadowlark
Tree swallow
Eastern bluebird
Indigo bunting
Yellowthroat
Yellow warbler
Rose breasted grosbeak
Great crested flycatcher
Blue-grey gnatcatcher
Field sparrow
Song sparrow
Barn swallow

Also, this morning (Monday) at Nelson Lake/Dick Young Forest Preserve, the following species were heard and / or seen during a 5 mile run
Bobolink (9)
Grasshopper sparrow (6)
Henslow's sparrow (7+)
Dickcissel (15+)
Red winged blackbird
Grackle
Barn swallow
Tree swallow
Yellowthroat
Yellow warbler
Sedge wren
Vesper sparrow

The overall best territory for grassland birds right now at Dick Young is the far southwest portion of the preserve, where the habitat managers have encouraged an environment of lower growing grasses. There you'll find bobolink, Henslow's, sedge wren and grasshopper sparrow, Dickcissel and if you're lucky, Vesper sparrows ahead of you on the path. Really a nice spot for summertime grassland birding.

Joe Lill on 5/27 reported via IBET: Normally it takes me three or four visits to Chapman Rd. in order to nail down a Swainson's Hawk for the year. The birding gods smiled today, though, as a Red-winged Blackbird chased a Swainson's across I-90 just west of Rt. 47 in Kane County at about 7:30 this evening.

Eric Secker on 5/27 reported via IBET: This evening my wife and I watched a SNOWY EGRET fly in and land in the bay along the Fox River at Judson University in Elgin. The bird perched awkwardly on a small log that was floating out in the middle of the bay. He stayed for 15 minutes or so before taking off to the north. The bird is probably long gone, but if you want to look for it, it might be worth checking up by Trout Park in Elgin, along the river in West Dundee, or where the river widens at Fox River Shores F.P. I'll check the river again tomorrow at Judson in case the bird returns.

A new bird (#277) for my Kane County life list and a nice treat in our own "backyard".

I also had a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE fly by headed north along the river today. I also saw one about three weeks ago also following the river north. I have seen them a few times in western Kane Co. where they hang around the grain silos, but I haven't found a regularly reliable location. This is only the third time I have had one east of Rt. 47, but also the third within the past six months (out of almost daily walks at Judson mind you). The first was one on the Christmas Bird Count this past December that flew over and was likely coming at times to the large platform feeder that was up on one of the balconies near Fox's Restaurant in downtown Batavia.

We also had all six swallow species this evening including PURPLE MARTIN, CLIFF, BANK, N. ROUGH-WINGED, BARN, and TREE SWALLOWS. There was also a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER on the mudflats along with more common shorebirds.

Ron Dickenson on 5/27 reported via e-mail: Mooseheart Red Tail Hawks getting ready to fledge from their nest today.
 

Parent Red-tailed Hawk with eyases photo courtesy Ron Dickenson

Red-tailed eyas preparing for first flight photo courtesy Ron Dickenson

Jackie Bowman on 5/27 reported via e-mail: This morning I opened our back door to observe what damage our five little bunnies may have done to my new plantings in the flower garden. At first I thought that I had startled one of them as out of the corner of my eye I saw a movement of brown from underneath the lilac bush. As I turned to look at him, I see that the brown body I saw was not a bunny, but a WOODCOCK! I quickly called Chris to come and see him and confirm my sighting. Unfortunately no pictures, as he flew off into the trees across the way. What a weekend here in our very suburban neighborhood in the middle of town. I think I need to stay home from work more often!!!

Tim Balassie on 5/26 reported via IBET: Observed a Swainson's Hawk today (26 May) to the east of Chapman Rd in Kane Co. The bird was located 0.5 mi east of Peplow Rd. Did not see a mate so unsure of the nesting/breeding status.

Ken Schneider on 5/26 reported via e-mail: We observed the Red-headed Woodpecker nest tree NE of Illinois & Rte 25 for over an hour each of the past two mornings. We also walked a couple of hundred yards north on the bike path. As was our experience the first day, there was no sign of either of the pair. Perhaps the female is now incubating and the the male is out foraging, or the nest hole may have been occupied by some of the numerous starlings. However no starlings approached the nest hole very closely. We heard an Orchard Oriole and numerous Warbling Vireos, and saw several Yellow Warblers.

Don Lowe on 5/26 reported via IBET: Scott Hierbaum and I birded the Dick Young FP prairie this morning.

The Dickcissels are plentiful this year. We counted at least 16, with several singing right next to the main loop.

We also found 7 Henslow's Sparrows in various locations.

There were only 3 Bobolinks today.

Jackie Bowman on 5/25 reported via e-mail: I finally have a day off to plant my garden and clean out our garage. All of a sudden I see something swoop in the garage and land up above the shelf just a few feet from my head. Much to my amazement it's a "LIFER" for me, a YELLOW BILLED CUCKOO in Geneva, Kane County, IL!!! Fortunately I was able to take a few photos before he flew out to the safety of the trees in our neighborhood.
 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo photo courtesy Jackie Bowman

Kurt Frieders on 5/24 reported via e-mail: The Red-Tailed Hawks that have been nesting on our property (in Aurora township) recently welcomed a brood of two eyasses. At this point they are getting fairly big, and probably somewhat close to leaving the nest. Both parents are seen daily actively hunting.
 

Red-tailed Hawk eyas (rhymes with bias) photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Red-tailed Hawk eyases photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Chris Mussachio on 5/23 reported via e-mail: Our newest member to the Red-Tailed Hawk family finally spotted today in the Dundee area.
 

Red-tailed Hawk and chick photo courtesy Chris Mussachio

Chris Mussachio on 5/22 reported via e-mail: One adult Great-Horned Owl and 2 owlets at Fabyan Forest Preserve today.
 

Andrew Aldrich on 5/22 reported via e-mail: I birded Oakhurst yesterday evening and had just a couple species of note: 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 1 Veery, 1 Canada Warbler, and a Mourning Warbler who was nice enough to pose for a photo.
 

Mourning Warbler photo courtesy Andrew Aldrich

Walter Lutz on 5/21 reported via e-mail: We have a cardinal pair in the process of building a nest in one of our butterfly bushes that is right up against the house. The other day I see what turns out to be a female cowbird checking out the nest and has continued to lurk around daily checking out the nest. Very interesting but can't say I'm too happy about the cowbird.

(On a side note, I was canoeing the Fox River over the weekend near Ottawa and observed nesting Bald Eagles)

Kurt Frieders on 5/21 reported via e-mail: Just yesterday we had our first ever Indigo Bunting in our yard (in Aurora township). This bird is a fledgling which must have just hatched somewhere nearby. It was eating cracked corn from under one of our feeders. Saturday also saw the return of our first Ruby-Throated Hummingbird of this year. This female has been visiting our feeder every day since. On Saturday night we also welcomed the return of a pair of Great-Horned Owls that roost in one of our trees every now and then. The male Baltimore Oriole in our yard was finally joined by a female on Saturday. We also have been visiting the Red Headed Woodpeckers down off of the Fox River. Other encounters there include Northern Flickers, Bank Swallows, Killdeer, Barn Swallows, Cedar Waxwings, Northern-Rough Winged Swallows, Song Sparrows, and Tree Swallows.
 

Red-headed Woodpecker photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Northern Flicker photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Sue Wagoner on 5/21 reported via e-mail: This "octamom" Possum was crossing my backyard on the way to her den, providing a little excitement in an otherwise very quiet backyard. Very few birds frequent my yard this year- is it the climate change and the unusual migratory pattern, the fact that my neighbors have removed a few large trees, or the pair of Cooper's Hawks that have taken up residence here?
 

Opossum family photo courtesy Sue Wagoner

Sue Diaz on 5/20 reported via e-mail: Very nerve wracking to see [Sandhill Cranes] trying to cross [Fabyan near Western Avenue]. I stopped and turned on the fourway flashers. What a relief to see them turn around and go back to the wetlands instead of stepping into oncoming traffic. Neat to see them but would rather not see them in traffic!

Mark Bowman 0n 5/20 reported via e-mail: thanks to Vern LaVia for the directions to the RH WOODPECKER right at 25 and Illinois Ave. in Aurora. The pair was digging away finishing their hole and I think they are going to have a successful marriage as I caught them in the act !!! There was a KINGBIRD also in the local trees and a number of SWALLOWS, they appeared to be BARN and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED though I did not pay that close attention
 

Red-headed Woodpecker photo courtesy Mark Bowman

Amorous Red-headed Woodpeckers photo courtesy Mark Bowman

Gloria Dimoplon on 5/20 reported via e-mail: I visited Burnidge FP for a short walk early Saturday morning. Highlights for the morning: Spotted Sandpiper, Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Red-headed Woodpecker.

Marion Miller on 5/19 reported via e-mail: Rich and I took an evening stroll at the Batavia Riverwalk. We heard and saw at least 2 Common Nighthawks near the Police Station Parking lots.

Chris Mussachio on 5/18 reported via e-mail: Bobolink spotted at the new Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve.
 

Bill Koch on 5/17 reported via e-mail: I visited Jelke Creek today at lunch. Had some small numbers of shore birds. The best birds being the three Semipalmated Plovers located in different places around the preserve. In the largest middle pond Pectorals, Least and Spotted Sandpipers were foraging along with Lesser Yellowlegs on top of the floating algae mat.
 

Semipalmated Plover photo courtesy Bill Koch

Al Stokie on 5/17 reported via IBET: My main target for today was the Kane Co Summer Tanager at Norris Woods which Scott C has been talking about. But I learned that it's hard to find a bird when you can't find the location!

Norris Woods turned out to be not exactly where I thought it was or at least the parking lot was not. Eventually I figured it out & the Tanager was singing right where it was supposed to be but actually seeing it was not so easy. All I could see were red bird movements as it moved to different singing spots. Finally I got one good look although not a long one. Then I checked out some of the trails but it was like birding in the summer as I found no migrants at all including Warblers. Some of the birds I did find were:

Red Bellied Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Carolina Wren (singing loudly), Red Eyed Vireo, Rose Breasted Grosbeak & many Indigo Buntings. When I returned the Summer Tanager was much easier to deal with as if it was sorry for all the work it made me do earlier. It's red on the head, chest & top of the back but not elsewhere.

Then to Sauer Family F.P. which is right now a hard place to deal with. All the pathways are overgrown with mostly clover & other plants so walking is hard & the walks are long. Plus there are hordes of tiny gnats which swarm your head as you walk. Then when you get to the water spots there are hardly any birds except Mallards & Red Winged Blackbirds. I did hear one Pheasant & a Marsh Wren & got to see one singing Sedge Wren & a Grasshopper Sparrow. I think I'll hold off on this place for a while.

Ken Schneider on 5/17 reported via e-mail: This morning we arrived at the Norris Woods parking lot at about 9:00 AM, and just as Scott promised, we immediately heard the Summer Tanager singing as we stepped out of the car. Jack was there with his camera and he had already gotten some nice shots. For me this was an FTP (first-time photographed bird). The tanager stayed for only a few more minutes, and we did not hear or see it again during the next hour, so we were lucky indeed! Later, near the bend in the bike path we heard a singing Red-eyed Vireo. However, we did not step on any warblers and, aside from yellowthroats, only saw one warbler, a Black-throated Green.
 

Red-eyed Vireo photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Summer Tanager photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Jack Pomatto on 5/17 reported via e-mail: Today, 5/17/12 the Summer Tanager reported earlier at Norris Woods was seen and heard singing in the area around the kiosk from at least 7:00 A.M. till at least 9:00 A.M. The image enclosed was taken at 7:45 A.M. This bird is not in full adult plumage.
 

Summer Tanager photo courtesy Jack Pomatto

Chris Mussachio on 5/16 reported via e-mail: There was at least a dozen of these Cedar Waxwings at Buffalo Park.
 

Scott Cohrs on 5/16 reported via IBET: The Summer Tanager first noted on May 5th was still in the same spot this morning. He likes to sit and sing from the tallest tree (Sumac maybe?) behind the kiosk near the parking lot [at Norris Woods]. The last few times I have stopped at Norris, you can hear him as soon as you pull in.

Later, I almost stepped on a Connecticut Warbler along the interior trail that parallels the bike path. For those familiar with that path, it was right near the sewer manhole cover. Blackpoll, Bay-breasted and Black-throated Green were the other interesting warblers.

After I dropped the kids off at school, made a 2 minute stop at Pillsbury Pond. Several Willow Flycatchers were singing, as well as my FOY Alder Flycatcher.

Ken Schneider on 5/15 reported via e-mail: We hoped to find some warblers when we visited the south end of Lippold Park today, but only heard a couple of yellowthroats. At about 9:30 this morning, Mary Lou and I were walking north at the beginning of the dirt trail that runs between the grassland along the west side of the parking lot and the riverside tree line, when we saw three or four sparrows and two robins foraging on the trail some distance ahead. All but one of the sparrows were Song Sparrows, but one seemed longer and slimmer and walked instead of hopping. About all we could make out with the binoculars was a strong line over its eye that suggested it was a Lark Sparrow. I took several photos that confirmed its identity.

The Lark Sparrow did not allow a very close approach, and after making a couple of short flights along the trail it flew into the thicket of trees at the northwest end of the grassland. We could not re-locate it. Not sure how unusual this sighting may be, but thought others may be interested.
 

Lark Sparrow photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Vern LaVia on 5/15 reported via IBET: The saga continues. Monday's observations of the Aurora pair of Red-hd Wdpckrs near Illinois Ave. & Rt. 25, in the northerly parking lot with the large pile of wood chips (on Illinois Ave., 100 yards west of Rt. 25): I saw two male Hairy Woodpeckers "displaying" for one female Hairy on the same limb containing the Red-headed Woodpecker's nesting hole. It appeared they may have been trying to take over the hole! But one RhW came swooping out of nowhere to fend them off, while the other RhW made very unusual calls from within the hole--almost squawking like a parrot!??--poking its head out from the hole and sweeping its beak back and forth at a rapid pace as if fighting-off the Hairy clan.

A hundred yards north, in an old dead tree on the river's edge, Starlings are now occupying the hole that a pair of Flickers were using only last week! The pair of Flickers remained clinging to the tree about 5 feet down from the Starling, and while very agitated, they seemed to be excavating another hole in the same tree!

42 years of birding...and simple observations like this can still fascinate and excite me!

Ann Haverstock on 5/14 reported via e-mail: May 14th, 8:30 A.M. Olive-sided flycatcher...West Fabyan, up slope, last seen just North of the Fabyan house.

Chris Mussachio on 5/13 reported via e-mail: Spotted this Rose-Breasted Grosbeak and 2 Red-Bellied Woodpeckers at Freeman-Kame Forest Preserve on Mother's Day.
 

Rose-breasted Brosbeak photo courtesy Chris Mussachio

Red-bellied Woodpecker photo courtesy Chris Mussachio

Brendon Lake on 5/13 reported via e-mail: Mother's Day at Fabyan Forest Preserve was very motherly indeed. Notable sightings include three families of mallards with young ones, an active robin's nest with two young ones and a mother tidying the nest, and a rather extended canada goose family with 14 goslings! Also present were the great-horned owlets with momma sitting just a tree away, watching as a few people threw a frisbee near the base of the tree she was sitting in. On a non-mother related note, other sightings include plenty of indigo buntings and baltimore orioles.
 

Great Horned Owlet photo courtesy Brendon Lake

John Heneghan on 5/13 reported via IBET: Pretty good morning. Black and White Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Canadian Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Connecticut Warbler, Redstart, 1st year male Orchard oriole, Baltimore Orioles, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Ovenbird, Catbirds, Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, White Breasted Nuthatch, Phoebes, Scarlet Tanager, Towhee, Chickadees, Cedar Waxwings, Indigo buntings (pair), Brown Thrasher, Red Bellied Woodpecker.

Rich Miller on 5/13 reported via IBET: Heard then saw the Black-billed Cuckoo @ 7:15am [at Campton FP] on trail near small pond. Skimpy on warblers this morning.

Sean Fitzgerald on 5/12 reported via eBird: A Western Kingbird flying across the river south of the bridge at Fabyan Forest Preserve.

Tim Balassie on 5/12 reported via e-mail: For those looking - had my first Kane County BELL'S VIREO today (5/12) at Pingree Grove FP. The bird was located in the scrub leading to the marsh boardwalk.

Tim Balassie on 5/11 reported via e-mail: FYI had my FOY COMMON NIGHTHAWK over Saint Charles tonight (5/11).

John Heneghan on 5/11 reported via IBET: We had a Brown Thrasher show up at the feeders today. It seemed to be eating the corn on the ground. Had a female coopers hawk walking the railing on the porch trying to figure out how to get the sparrows in the bushes. Had a female oriole at the orange and nectar, but did not stay around. Noticeable absence of orioles and grosbeaks this Spring at the feeders.

Kurt Frieders on 5/11 reported via e-mail: Yesterday I went to Fabyan FP in search of the owlets that I had visited just the day before. In the time I was there neither myself or two other people were able to find them. Someone was able to find the mother Great Horned Owl however, and we all had good looks at her. While I was there I was able to spot and photograph an Orchard Oriole. I spent almost all of my time looking for the owls, but did manage to see several Baltimore Orioles, Myrtle Warblers, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds. Also the four Black Capped Chickadees that hatched in our nest box (in Aurora township) just left the box yesterday. I photographed them the day before when they were literally fighting each other to poke their heads out of the box.
 

Orchard Oriole photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Black-capped Chickadee photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Andrew Aldrich on 5/11 reported via e-mail: I've attached a photo of the Hooded Warbler at Oakhurst from yesterday. Also had Great Crested Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Orchard Oriole, in addition to most of the species reported the other day.
 

Hooded Warbler photo courtesy Andrew Aldrich

Chris Weishaar on 5/9 reported via IBET: Was out once again [yesterday] along the west side of the Fox River [at Fabyan FP]. My highlight for the day was the yellow-throated vireo. The complete list:
 

There was also a Flycatcher I could not positively identify as I didn't hear it. It was definitely not the Phoebe or Peewee.

Chris Weishaar on 5/8 reported via IBET: Was at the Fabyan Forest Preserve/Japanese Gardens yesterday afternoon along the west bank of the Fox River. The tally, highlights being the Grebe and Red-eyed Vireo:
 

Julie Long on 5/7 reported via e-mail: While looking for the young owls at the Fabyan forest preserve Sunday at noon, I found a Northern parula warbler, as well as a yellow throated warbler. They were both just north of the Japanese garden in the sycamores. One of the owls was in an oak tree near the pavilion south of the garden. We did not locate the other one but did not spend a lot of time looking for it either.
There also was a yellow throated warbler on our Sat. bird count. It was at Leroy Oakes and he was singing in a sycamore near the red barn and the historic house.

Andrew Aldrich on 5/7 reported via e-mail: I had a singing male Hooded Warbler at Oakhurst this evening. It was going back and forth along the creek near the northeast side of the lake, and I eventually lost sight of it in the woods. Other birds of note: Chimney Swift, Cliff Swallow, Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Marsh Wren, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Wilson's Warbler.

Kurt Frieders on 5/7 reported via e-mail: This Sunday saw the arrival of a male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak to our window feeder (in Aurora township). He has been visiting the feeder quite often and seems more than willing to pose for pictures. On the same day we had our first sighting this year of a Baltimore Oriole in our yard. He was feeding at our Hummingbird feeder, and so far appears to be alone. Last year we had a pair for a month. While stopping to photograph a Great Egret behind Copley Hospital, I also noticed a Green Heron. The Green Heron was walking the edge of the pond looking for a meal.
 

Baltimore Oriole photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Rose-breasted Grosbeak photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Green Heron photo courtesy Kurt Frieders

Ken Schneider on 5/6 reported via e-mail: The car can serve as a very effective blind. This morning, with thunder in the background, I drove around the vacant block in front of our North Aurora condo. Earlier, I had heard both a Spotted Sandpiper and a Vesper Sparrow singing. Both have nested here in the past, but within a few days, ground will be broken for over 100 new townhomes on this site. First I found the sandpiper atop a favorite rock pile, but it flew away as I readied my camera, only to be replaced by a Savannah Sparrow. I found the sandpiper again further away in a fluddle across the street. I had given up the search for the Vesper Sparrow, but stopped to get the mail that I forgot to pick up yesterday. I heard it singing on another rock pile and drove back. It posed briefly before disappearing, just as rain started falling. Other species that nested in this field last year included Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Song Sparrow and Horned Lark. So far I this spring I have seen all but the latter. It's sad to think that their homes will probably be gone before the end of breeding season.
 

Spotted Sandpiper photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Vesper Sparrow photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Savannah Sparrow photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Judy Hoenig on 5/5 reported via e-mail: Driving down Bowes near Long Common in Elgin. We spotted a Red Tailed Hawk in the middle of the road with dinner. Upon closer view it had a squirrel pinned down. We got too close and it flew a few feet away into a wooded area with the squirrel.

Kurt Frieders on 5/5 reported via IBET: Saw a lot of the usual birds at Oakhurst this morning along with more Baltimore Orioles than I have ever seen there. I was almost back to my car at the upper lot when a Pileated Woodpecker flew right in front of me at about 15 feet. This was completely shocking to me as I have never seen or heard one there before. I certainly hopes it sticks around.

John Heneghan on 5/4 reported via e-mail: Went to Big Rock FP this morning. Quite a few Yellow Warblers, Gnatcatchers, Common Yellowthroats, Warbling Vireos, Scarlet Tanager, House Wren, Orioles, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Red Headed Woodpecker, Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Cormorants, Grey Catbirds, Yellow Rumped Warblers, Thrasher, Indigo Buntings.

Fabyan: The owlets were still in the tree. Gnatcatchers (building a nest near the Japanese Garden), hummingbird, orioles, rose breasted grosbeaks, yellowrumped warblers, house wren, warbling vireo, catbirds, indigo bunting.

We had 3 Indigo buntings at the home feeders and male and female hummingbirds. We have had oranges out to welcome the absent orioles. The red bellied woodpeckers have been going to town on the oranges.
 

Ron Dickenson on 5/4 reported via e-mail: Red tail hawks' nest with two young ones at Mooseheart today. In a pine tree close to Mooseheart rd.
 

Christopher Cudworth on 5/4 reported via IBET: Hour's walk at Arends produced these birds
 

Marion Miller on 5/3 reported via e-mail: Birded Tyler Creek in Elgin for a short while after work this afternoon. Disappointed with lack of warblers there, but did enjoy the Baltimore Orioles and FOY Great Crested Flycatcher.
 

Great Crested Flycatcher photo courtesy Marion Miller

Chris Musacchio on 5/3 reported via e-mail: Great Crested Flycatcher spotted at Tyler Creek. Also saw the 2 owlets again at Fabyan Forest Preserve. While driving home on Route 31 just south of McLean Blvd., I saw a Red-tailed hawk flying over head with a snake in his talons. Sunroof really paid off today.
 

Great Crested Flycatcher photo courtesy Chris Musacchio

Ed Vedral on 5/3 reported via e-mail: This afternoon we had (foy) a hummingbird in our yard. We are in Campton Hills.

Steve Myers on 5/3 reported via e-mail: One of the owlets at Fabyan Forest Preserve.
 

Great Horned Owlet photo courtesy Steve Myers

Debbie Wisser on 5/2 reported via e-mail: This afternoon, after work, I birded at Jon J Duerr. There weren’t large numbers of birds, but there were some new arrivals for me. First of the year sightings for me: Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Baltimore Oriole, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Other Warblers seen were: Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Palm Warbler. Non warblers included: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Cedar Waxwing, Barn Swallow, White-throated Sparrow, Cooper’s Hawk, Turkey Vulture and Wood Duck.

Eric Secker on 5/2 reported via IBET: Sally and I birded at Judson University late this morning and again in the afternoon. There was quite an influx of new birds compared to yesterday including many Baltimore Orioles, 3 Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, and a variety of sparrows and warblers.

We tallied 76 species for the day. Not bad for our "backyard".

We had 16 species of warblers even late in the day, highlighted by my first Kane Co. PRAIRIE WARBLER and a BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. Other highlights included a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and a rather late DARK-EYED JUNCO that came in with the new birds this morning.

There were quite a few SAVANNAH SPARROWS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS around. Warblers included: Prairie, Black-throated Blue, Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Northern Parula, Orange-crowned (2), Chestnut-sided(2), Black-throated Green, Black-and-white (4), Northern Waterthrush(2), Tennessee (5), Nashville(+), Common Yellowthroat, Palm(+), and Yellow-rumped(+).

The full list is below.
 

Ken Schneider on 5/1 reported via e-mail: A lone Wild Turkey walked across the bike trail at Les Arends., and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were building their nest. Got to see and photograph the owlets at Fabyan, but Chris got much better shots. Also saw this beautiful Eastern Palm Warbler at Les Arends. After putting up with the dull Western Palms in Florida all winter, it was a thrill to see one in living color!
 

Wild Turkey photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Palm Warbler photo courtesy Ken Schneider

Chris Musacchio on 5/1 reported via e-mail: Great Horned Owlets taken today at Fabyan Forest Preserve. I owe a special thanks to Ken Schneider and his wife (who also posted pictures on 5/1) they were the ones who spotted the owlets at Fabyan Forest Preserve today and gave me the opportunity to take those photos.
 

Great Horned Owlet stretching its wings photo courtesy Chris Mussachio

Jack Pomatto on 5/1 reported via e-mail: Today, 5/1/12 a lone individual Broad-winged Hawk was seen soaring over Ferson Creek Fen in St. Charles at about 11:00 A.M. Maybe we will be treated to some kettles during count day.

Marion Miller on 5/1 reported via e-mail: Rich and I walked the south eastern edge of Nelson Lake at 6:45am today in hopes of finding warblers. We came up empty, but did see 2 Eastern Kingbirds (FOY) in the field near the first turn of the path. White-crowned Sparrows were plentiful.