Red-Tailed Hawk

This Red Tailed Hawk got his feathers ruffled. By the wind ... but not by me. In fact, I think he was more than happy to get his photo taken. Initially, he greeted us at the entrance (where he then captured a snack). Later, he flew over to the other side of Northerly Island where we were walking to grab another snack. He seems to be eating well and becoming quite the urban Hawk.

Northern Shrike

Where else would a Northern Shrike be but on ... Northerly Island. And, of course, only a possible sighting of a cool bird like a Northern Shrike would lure us out on a cold winter day. This one seemed to be enjoying the sun (as we were as well) in between food reconnaissance missions.

Dickcissel

This happy little bird, a Dickcissel, was singing away on Northerly Island in downtown Chicago. He's got great coloring - I think it looks like he's wearing a snazzy suit with a black ascot. It's actually not hard to catch him in mid-song since he opens his beak so widely to sing out (which he does often).

Savannah Sparrow

This Savannah Sparrow, at Northerly Island, seemed only too happy to mug for the camera.

"Hey! You with the camera! Take my picture!"

"This is my dramatic look!"

"Uh-Oh! That feather is out of place. Every one has to be just right!"

"I'm ready for my close-up"

"I can't believe I ate the whole thing!"

Killdeer

We've seen some Killdeer at two locations in Chicago: Montrose Beach (near the Magic Hedge) and Northerly Island. I like their very clean clear markings. They're fun to watch as well. They tend to run and then suddenly stop and sit. Apparently they stop to see if they've scared up any bugs to eat.

At Montrose Beach

Taking in the view at Northerly Island

AAACK! A Photographer!

Eastern Towhee

We saw a pair of Eastern Towhees at both Northerly Island and The Magic Hedge last weekend. They create quite a fuss on the ground - leaves shuffling and flying up as they scratched and foraged for food.

Male Eastern Towhee

Female Eastern Towhee

Birdwatchers Tip
When first trying to identify birds, make sure you get pictures/views of all sides of the bird you are trying to identify. This helps when comparing what you've seen to books or the Internet.
It would help more if "Bird Books" included pictures of the side of the bird that I usually get.