Aren't You a Little Early?

Hey Mr. Flicker and Mr. Fox Sparrow!  Do you guys know that March 19th is technically still Winter?  Shouldn't you still be hanging around the smaller latitudes for a few more weeks?

Northern Flicker

 Fox Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Long-Tailed Duck

Chicago had another rare visitor recently. This little guy, with the very striking markings, is a Long-Tailed Duck. He hung around Burnham Harbor for a few days. According to the All About Birds description, this is a non-breeding male. They typically do not come this far south, preferring the upper Great Lakes and Canada region. I love his coloring and the way his tail curls up.

Early Birds

A few of the birds that have arrived in Chicago so far this Spring.

Clockwise from top left

Male House Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, male Red Winged Blackbird,

Robin, Song Sparrow, House Finch, White Throated Sparrow,

Common Grackle, female House Sparrow

Common Grackle

Another early bird is the Common Grackle. They are hard to miss because they are quite loud.

Almost hidden in a nest

Out in the open -- enjoying some early Spring sunshine