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Bird Watching

The Growing Spring Presence of American White Pelicans in Illinois

Feb 28, 2025 ● By Sheryl DeVore

The American white pelican, with a 9-foot wingspan and orange pouch, migrates through Illinois in spring and fall. See them at Lake Renwick, Nelson Lake, and Chain O’Lakes this season!

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Bird Flu Affecting Migratory Birds, Especially Waterfowl

Feb 28, 2025 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Ducks, swans, geese, and other waterbirds are natural hosts for avian influenza, with recent cases in Minnesota involving American white pelicans. Report dead birds to Illinois DNR.

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Natural Chicago Educational Corner: Rough-Legged Hawk

Feb 28, 2025

The Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) has variable plumage and a wingspan of 52-54 inches. It nests on cliffs or in conifers, preying mainly on rodents. Found across the northern hemisphere, it migrates south in winter.

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Adult ring-billed gull
Winter Gull Watching Affords Glimpses of Rare Beauties From Up North

Jan 31, 2025 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Gulls, resilient and diverse, thrive in Illinois with 22 species, including rare winter visitors. Expert Amar Ayyash highlights hotspots like Montrose Harbor and the annual Gull Frolic. Visit IllinoisBirds.org.

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Great Egret with fish in mouth.
May is the Ideal Month for Novice Birdwatchers

Apr 28, 2023 ● By Sheryl DeVore

In May, some 300 or more different species can be seen in the Chicago region.

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A prairie land
Bird Watchers Rejoice

Oct 29, 2021

The Illinois Audubon Society has received a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation in support of native habitat restoration at the 17-acre 770 Westleigh Preserve owned by Lake Forest Open Lands, in Lake County.

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A male Red-breasted merganser swimming
Migrating Ducks Add Color to Midwest Waterways

Sep 30, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Songbird migration is mostly over, but there’s another group of birds just starting its migration.

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Short-eared owl at Midewin NTP. Photo by Ken Murphy.
Bird Spotting at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Dec 04, 2020

Kestrels, Cooper’s hawks, great horned owls, barred owls and more are delighting birdwatchers at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, near Joliet, IL.

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Colorful Migrant Warblers Share Special Relationships with Native Plants

Apr 30, 2020 ● By Sheryl DeVore

May is peak time for birdwatchers and nature lovers to hear and see about 30 species of warblers as they migrate through the Chicago region. Birdwatching is a fun, eco-friendly way to enjoy nature and get outside while staying at home.

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Christmas Bird Counts

Nov 27, 2019

For birdwatchers, Christmas season lasts from December 14 through January 5. That’s when Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) are held throughout the Chicago region, the state, the nation and many other parts of the world.

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March 2025 Issue

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Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine April cover monarch butterfly and milkweed
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