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SPRING BIRD COUNT

(Submitted by Jon J. Duerr)

The 36th Illinois Spring Bird Count was almost perfect. The conditions were wonderful with moderate temperatures, low wind (until late in the day) and the sky was clear with only thin clouds in the afternoon. Nineteen teams took to the field and found 158 species, one of the highest Kane County counts. Also, two species were added, having never been seen on counts: Rusty Blackbird and Alder Flycatcher. We also achieved 15 new high counts listed below. It was ‘almost’ a perfect count! The warblers, thrushes and vireos decided to either hide or move on. We had some of the lowest counts in years for some of those species: Palm Warbler 98 when its high was 805. The following are the new high counts with the previous high:

Red-winged Blackbird 3007/2358
Chimney Swift 649/366
Common Yellowthroat 242/230
Red-bellied Woodpecker 175/115
Cerulean Warbler 5/2
American Robin 1632/1194
Sandhill Crane 30/26
House Wren 271/203
Sora 113/64
Marsh Wren 41/30
Great Egret 59/53
Gr. Crested Flycatcher 37/35
Osprey 3/2
Ruby Throated Hummer 7/7
Eastern Kingbird 85/67


The numbers for Crows, Blue Jays, and Chickadees remain low, but Chickadees and Blue Jays recovered slightly.

Crow 102, 111 in 2007, 436 highest
Blue Jay 285, 263 in 2007, 486 highest
Chickadee 199, 133 in 2007, 371 highest


The totals for the count plus previous counts are linked to the KCA webpage (www.kanecountyaudubon.org)

19 birders began a ramble of DeKalb County at Lake Shabbona on a blustery, cold Saturday for a total count of 53 species. 33 species were seen while in the State Park, 17 of which were waterfowl. Of note were the Red-breasted, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Red Head, Ruddy and Ring-necked Ducks. From Lake Shabbona we headed south to Leland to the business property of Pizzo and Associates. We were graced with a lovely pair of Harriers Hawks and fodder for an educational moment. Is it is Brewer’s or a Rusty Blackbird? Educated through fact, photos and skins during our April meeting, the conclusion was drawn that we did indeed view a Brewer’s! A quick stop along the roadside near Afton Forest Preserve yielded an Am. Widgeon, Am. Kestrel and Shoveler. After lunch at McD’s (no wonder my cholesterol is so high) we enjoyed a sun kissed walk in Wilkonson/Renwick Marsh. The Brewer’s/Rusty discussion continued. Bird songs were plentiful as well the scent of rich wet dirt. As the number of birders dwindled, we continued on to the nature walk behind Michaels on Rt. 23, adding both Red and White-breasted Nuthatches. Assured of a DeKalb delicacy at Ollie’s frozen custard, 9 ‘old coots’ completed a day of birding about 2:30. Mark your calendars, this may prove to be an annual event!

18 people arrived on a beautiful spring morning with the temperature starting in the upper 50’s. The sun was just beginning to warm the air as we gathered counting numerous birds including Barn Swallows and Baltimore Orioles before we even finished introducing ourselves at the parking lot. Song Sparrows, Redwing Blackbirds and Eastern Bluebirds watched intently as we walked along the bridge which swayed gently as we stopped to gaze at an Eastern Phoebe perched on a bare branch. Indigo Buntings, Eastern Towhees and Scarlet Tanagers were singing their favorite songs as we bonded with them through binocs. Magnolia, Wilson’s, Hooded and Chestnut-sided were among the mixed flocks of warblers that passed energetically as we strained to see them high in the trees. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Lark Sparrows were frolicking along the restored prairie edges as our group passed. Ginny Widrick volunteered to write down the names of the birds identified as we were walking. She stayed quite busy recording 62 different species for the morning. We all had fun with great birding and nice weather shared among friends.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 31st and June 1st 2008 KCA completed an exciting trip to Grayling Michigan to see the Kirtland’s Warbler. Exciting because whenever you get a rare target bird, you get excited. Eight members joined the trek and included: Bob and Kathy Andrini; Jane McMillan; RaeAnn Christ; Ruth Meyer; Ed & Marianne Zielezinski; and Paul Mayer. After an early morning talk by USF&W at the Ramada Inn in Grayling, the group was taken to the nesting sites among the Jack Pines about six miles from Grayling. Then, almost as if on cue, the bird appeared and gave everyone great looks. By 8:30 AM it was over and the group was ready to bird the Grayling area for other northern specialties. Congratulations to the four members of the group (Ed and Marianne, RaeAnn and Ruth) who added the Kirtland Warbler to their life lists.

The trip netted 53 species which included not only Kirtland’s Warbler, but Evening Grosbeak, Pine Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Raven as well. Enjoyed by all, you may wish to consider this a trip for next year.

Following are the dates, times and places for our upcoming activities. If there are any questions, please contact the trip leader or Bob Andrini. Summer meetings change to walks. We meet at the location of the walk at 6 PM. Many members will bring a supper and meet at 5:30 for some socialization and bird talk.  The Potluck in September will also start at 6 PM. It is important for participants to dress properly for the walk, and should bring bug spray (just in case).