Diario de zachar1

Spent the early afternoon on Jay's boat. Very relaxing. Got some pictures of Caspian Terns and Barn Swallows which are very common at the harbor.

Bikes down to Montrose Bird Sanctuary (Magic Hedge) with Jay Patel for some birding. Saw three different species of Warblers (Yellow, Redstart, and Blackpoll). Other notable finds included Lincoln's Sparrow, Grey Catbird, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. Birds not photographed included Barn Swallows, American Robins, and Cardinals. Also saw Eastern Cottontail and Eastern Chipmunk. Awesome day, I'll be sure to come back.

College visit to Pomona. Spent about an hour in the morning at their farm/garden. Saw lots of birds, butterflies, and lizards. Fox squirrels were plentiful. Saw a single desert cottontail.

Drove about an hour northwest to Glacial Park in McHenry County IL. Cold, dark, drizzling day, but the birds didn't seem to mind. The park has some very nice glacial geology -- hills, wetlands, prairie and forest are mixed together to create wonderful micro-habitats. Saw a pair of Mute Swans on the way in. In the park saw White-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, Canada Geese, Mallards, and a pair of Northern Shovelers. There were also at least two pairs of migrating Sandhill Cranes that put on a wonderful show. Apparently, they have been at the park for a week now. Of particular note was a bald eagle that we saw from a distance.

After spending about two hours at Glacial Park, we got back into the car and drove about 15 minutes to Moraine Hills State Park. It is a slightly larger park with a much better trail system. We did a 3.2 mile hike around the Northern Woods. Along the way we saw Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Geese, Mallards, Turkey Vulture, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Blue Jay, Eastern Bluebird, and Wood Duck. We may have also seen an American Kestrel, but it flew away to quickly to get a good picture to identify it for sure.

I was here once before after XC regionals 2016. Finally came back with my bike and camera around 3:00. Passed some retention ponds about half a mile south with Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. Right away when I reached the park I saw a Belted Kingfisher so I knew it was going to be a good day. Rode around the basin and saw some good bird life. Eastern Phoebe, Red-winged blackbirds, Mallards, Savannah Sparrows, probably a Song Sparrow, Ring-billed gull, and a Great Blue Heron. Also saw 2-3 Muskrats. Just as I was about to leave, I noticed a Red-tailed Hawk perched nearby. I think it was the same individual that I saw earlier but couldn't get a picture of. Overall, it was a very good day. Saw a lot of different species in a short amount of time. Hope to return and maybe check out the nearby Air Station Prairie.