House Wrens are known to be a bit big for their size. We witness them often dive-bombing squirrels, chasing away Blue Jays, and scolding if someone even dares look in the direction of their nest box. Even their appetites can be a bit large. Dakota believes this House Wren is feasting on a large grasshopper
Tag: birding Illinois
Casual Mississippi Kite: Photo Life List #239
Mississippi Kites are not often spotted in Winnebago County, Illinois, so when I (Veery) and Dakota received a phone call that one was only a few miles away, we jumped at the chance. Grabbing the Birdfreak Cannon and the two cousins (Sammie and Allison) we set off in the hopes of gaining a life bird.
Continue reading Casual Mississippi Kite: Photo Life List #239
Heavy Rain + Frogs = Herons
Starting in late winter, throughout spring, and so far this summer we’ve had lots of rain. Just the other night a heavy thunderstorm dropped 2 inches of rain. The downside to all this rain has been the suspected flooding of local rivers (they don’t call them flood-plains because it sounds neat). But, the increase of
CNP Update: Downy Downies
Sometimes, you don’t have to do much to get kids excited about birdwatching (or adults for that matter). The “common” birds are a great way to show off how awesome birds are to anyone. Caring for these commoners helps build a lasting desire to protect the creatures you care about, creating future and lasting conservationists.
CNP Update: Bird Number 100
The Callaway Nature Preserve recorded a number of new species this spring, including our 100th bird! The Philadelphia Vireo is officially our 100th species for the CNP Life List, a bird that is difficult to photograph. We have since past the 100 mark and also had an amazing influx of new birds on Memorial Day
CNP Update: Wilson!
Migration seems to be delayed by 5-10 days in our area but has been steady and extremely enjoyable. This past week we have had more new year birds for the Callaway Nature Preserve. One of the highlights was a group of Wilson’s Warblers, a little yellow warbler with a neat black cap that looks like
CNP Update: Still going…
Another week at the Callaway Nature Preserve and we are still finding warblers and other migrants. Two new species have arrived, a Yellow Warbler and a Philadelphia Vireo which is new for the Callaway Nature Preserve Life List! (number 98!) There are more nesting hopefuls…one very energetic pair of Gray Catbirds and a busy Common
CNP Update: Migration Mania
This past week has ranged in temperature from 37 to 80. It has rained, stormed, and gone from high to low humidity and then back to high. Through it all, the birds are still traveling. Warbler fever is definately going around here in Northern Illinois….does anyone else feel a bit crazy yet? Friday started off
