June 5, 2015 Wood Thrush The wood thrush’s scientific name, Hylocichla mustelina, is derived from the Greek words for woodland, thrush and weasel—the last word perhaps referring to the bird’s reddish brown coloration. Look, and listen, for wood thrushes in habitat that includes mature trees, leaf litter for foraging, and a nearby source of fresh
Bird, Fly, Wood Thursh
May 7, 2015 Robins Nests Sheltered from the wind and rain, and out of reach of predators, female American robin, Turdus migratorius, incubates her brood atop a custom-built pie plate platform. When we humans build our homes, we want them to be solid, safe and secure. They are our primary means of shelter from the
Bird, Fly, Nest, Robin
December 26, 2014 Starling European starlings molt in fall, replacing old feathers with new ones that have bright white tips. Over time, these ends wear off, and by spring the birds have attained a breeding plumage that is dark and iridescent. Photo supplied by Bob Andrini, Kane County Audubon. Depending on how your holiday season
Bird, Fly, Starling
The white-throated sparrow, besides its namesake throat patch, can be identified by its striped head and yellow between the eyes and bill. Its distinctive song, “Poor Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody” can be heard in our area throughout the winter months. November 7, 2014 White-throated Sparrow Poor Sam Peabody. Peabody, Peabody. Now, I’ve never met this
Bird, Fly, White Throated Sparrow
September 25, 2014 Cedar Waxwings A young cedar waxwing waits for its next insect meal to be delivered. Juvenile waxwings can be distinguished from adults by their streaky breast, underdeveloped crest and a lack of red wax deposits on the wings. Photo courtesy of Steve Muenz of St. Charles. Whether we realize it or not,
Bird, Cedar Waxwings, Fly
Gray and nondescript, the American dipper nonetheless delights birdwatchers with its nonstop antics. September 19, 2014 American Dipper I would wager that most folks have heard of the Big Dipper, the famous constellation. Shoot, even astro know-nothings like me can point it out in the night-time sky. I also believe people know about the Little
American Dipper, Bird, Fly
September 12, 2014 Barn Swallows A barn swallow rests on a lichen-covered branch. Barn swallows typically make their homes near humans, a trait that has helped them become the most prolific swallow species on the planet. Photo provided by Kane County Audubon president Bob Andrini. The neighbor’s kids were out the other day, chattering excitedly
Barn Swallow, Bird, Fly
While her mate defends their territory, a female American goldfinch collects seed from purple coneflower. Although most songbirds in our area feed heavily on insects during the breeding season, goldfinches maintain their seed-eating ways year round. August 8, 2014 Goldfinch Did you hear what I heard? Every morning for the past week or so, as
Bird, Fly, Goldfinch
They’re creepy and kooky, and more than a little controversial. But beautiful nonetheless. Double-crested cormorants, resplendent in breeding plumage (note the double crests, one on each side of the head) take advantage of the sun’s rays to dry off and warm up at Fermilab in Batavia. Photo provided by Steve Myers, North Aurora. August 1,
Bird, Cormorants, Fermilab, Fly
A little creepy and a little kooky, double-crested cormorants are an increasingly common sight along the Fox River as well as assorted local ponds. July 25, 2014 Cormorants “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They’re altogether ooky…” Right about now, you’re probably fighting the urge to snap your fingers, hum along, and fill
Bird, Cormorants, Fly