After resting up, we headed over to Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve in hopes of finding a White-eyed Vireo. Success! We believe this bird is or will be nesting here.
We then jetted over to Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve where last Tuesday Birdfreak found a Clay-colored Sparrow. He was there singing away…could we hope for nesting?
Sunset at Deer Run Forest Preserve
With a new bird high, we headed to Deer Run Forest Preserve. Our plan was to stay until dark. A long hike to where we once found a Yellow-breasted Chat went chatless. A lucky alternative was a close encounter with a Black-billed Cuckoo!!
We had new finds of Orchard Oriole and Savannah Sparrow. Henslow’s Sparrow hiccuped as darkness fell. A familiar peent alerted us to American Woodcocks which we observed displaying. Other night birds included Barred and Great Horned Owls and a Common Nighthawk.
Sunset at Deer Run Forest Preserve
