Save Bell Bowl Prairie is a grassroots effort to protect an ancient, remnant gravel prairie called Bell Bowl Prairie. The prairie is modestly sized at 12-14 acres (reduced from 25 from recent construction). The most important area of this is only 4.88 acres. The prairie is located adjacent to the Chicago Rockford International Airport and
Tag: Illinois
Blue Grosbeaks at Rockford/Chicago International Airport
Thanks to a fellow birder’s discovery, I made my way to a small nature preserve that I never had even heard of called Bell Bowl. This preserve is on the Rockford/Chicago International Airport’s property but is open to the public. So I made my way down a nondescript road to the preserve. Hanging around the
Continue reading Blue Grosbeaks at Rockford/Chicago International Airport
Tree Swallows Already!
On Sunday (March 18) I spotted my first Tree Swallow of the season. Seems early in northern Illinois but with temperatures topping 80 degrees and insects already in high numbers, it also seemed fitting. Tree Swallow digiscoped at Afton Forest Preserve in DeKalb County, Illinois.
Rock Cut State Park Hawk Watch – 2011
October 15, 2011 at Olson Beach, Rock Cut State Park, Winnebago County, Illinois Cooper’s Hawk in flight (birdfreak.com file photo) About ten to twelve members of the NCIOS turned out at Rock Cut State Park on Saturday morning with the purpose of counting migrating hawks. It was a sunny morning but a brisk wind over
Rock Cut State Park Birding Trails
We just found out that one of our favorite birding spots, Rock Cut State Park, may have officially designated birding trails. Two women are working to establish four birding trails, one to highlight each season. The trails would be restricted to foot travel only to allow for birders, including groups, to have it to themselves.
Great-Horned Owl at Our Apartment
For a few weeks now we’ve had a large and beautiful Great-Horned Owl perching in a big tree by our apartment building out in the country. I tried digiscoping but the problem is the owl always perches behind branches, near dusk, and in poor lighting (with the sun going down directly behind him). So, here
Burlington Prairie – Dickcissels
I took Bella Nova Scotia to a local forest preserve called Burlington Prairie. The weather was hot (as it has been everywhere lately) so we just took a fast loop. Dickcissels were calling constantly from all directions. Dickcissel Bella Nova Scotia Thirsty pup going for a drink Beautiful open farm country!
Visit to the Field Museum in Chicago
We took the train into Chicago to check out two special displays at the Field Museum: The Horse and Whales. Both were incredibly awesome but did not allow photography. However, we did browse the huge collection of birds where there are 95% of all North American species represented! There are also a ton of world
