Jay Sturner on 10/30 was the first of many to spot: At Bennet Park in Geneva, an Eared Grebe swimming with a Horned Grebe and a Pied-billed Grebe. As described by Marion Miller in her eBird report comments,  "All three grebes were in close proximity to each other and offered many opportunities for comparison. The Eared Grebe was smaller and exhibited a smaller head width and thinner neck with a darker peaked crown. It was duskier to face below eye line and neck and lacked the distinct black/white markings along the eyeline of the Horned Grebe. The Eared Grebe had a smaller bill that appeared slightly upturned when viewed through spotting scope. A few photos taken but not as good as those already posted in other's checklists. First found by Jay Sturner."

Katie Aretos on 10/29 reported via e-mail: Just moved to kane county in December and have been having fun watching the birds near my farm. Came home this morning to a beautiful mature bald eagle circling the front of my house. Ellithorpe Rd Hampshire.

Liz Gerity on 10/28 reported via e-mail: A surprising first for our Campton backyard this afternoon. A Pileated Woodpecker spent about half an hour hopping from tree to tree.

Jason Newton on 10/24 reported via eBird: At Nelson Lake/Dick Young FP, two Sedge Wrens ("Buffy wrens with barred wings and streaked crowns. Both individuals seen simultaneously in dry prairie.") and a Harris's Sparrow ("Seen on the south side of the preserve at (41.8288191, -88.3859365). Associating with white-throated sparrows.")

Matt Wistrand on 10/24 reported via eBird: A Common Yellowthroat at Prairie Green in Geneva. "First-year male with a nearly complete black bandit mask."

Barb Zumpano on 10/23 reported via eBird: Finding at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, a Swainson's Thrush. "Seen with robin. Buffy sides, Olive sides and eye ring."

Walt Lutz on 10/23 reported via eBird: Seeing a House Wren at Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve. "Seen up close. Obvious wren - all consistent brown color. Long tail."

Theresa LeCompte on 10/19 reported via eBird: At Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. "Male. No mistaking rosy patch on white chest. White in wings, black head. Seen in trees near creek."

Andy Raupp on 10/18 reported via eBird: "Still have 1 [Ruby-throated Hummingbird] hanging out in our yard" in Elgin.

Laura Werner on 10/18 reported via eBird: A Chestnut-sided Warbler off Silver Glen Road west of Randall Road. "Good looks. Came down to bathe in koi pond."

Joy Duerr on 10/17 reported via text: We had a hummer in our (St. Charles) yard today!

Hummingbirds continue in the area. Andy Raupp on 10/16 reported via eBird: A Hummer in his yard in Elgin. "Still have one visiting our feeder"

Timothy Balassie on 10/16 reported via eBird: A Veery at Aurora West Forest Preserve. "...Chest basically clean, no spotting or streaking. Back, tail and wings rufous colored."

Bob Andrini on 10/16 reported via eBird: At Pillsbury ponds in Geneva, the intersection of Kautz and Averill roads, a Green Heron and a Black-crowned Night-Heron. "Small heron, heavy brown stripes on chest, solid grayish- green back. Long thin bill"

Henk Jan Oosterhuis on 10/14 reported via eBird: Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Black-and-white, and Pine Warblers were the rarities among other birds at Burnidge Forest Preserve.

Bob Andrini on 10/14 reported via e-mail: Saw our first Juncos of the season today at Leroy Oakes FP.

Marion Miller on 10/2 reportede via eBird: A Hooded Warbler at Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve. "Beautiful male seen at eye level less than 10 yards in front of me. Bright yellow face with total dark black hood outlining face. Initially moving along brushy tangles then flew closer and looked at me in response to phishing..."

Oliver Burrus on 10/1 reported via eBird: While at the McDonalds drive-thru in West Dundee, spotted an Anhinga fly-over. "Soaring about 200 ft high, headed south along Fox River, I’ve thin very long tail, thin pointed bill, and overall more slender GISS, easily eliminated DCCO. I’ve seen this species in Florida many times, so I have experience separating them from DCCO. Attempted to digibin but was unable to snap a pic as the bird was headed fairly fast South. If you’re down in St. Charles or south, keep your eyes peeled, it appeared to be following the river!"