Trip Report: Skokie Lagoons Canoe Trip - 2013 June 3

On June 2, a hearty bunch braved the cold and rain for birding, canoeing, and kayaking on the Skokie Lagoons. Escorted by Ryan Chew of Chicago River Canoe & Kayak and his able assistant Martha, we geared up at the Tower Road launch site. Except for the large species such as ducks and herons and the swallows, viewing was extremely difficult due to the mist and rain.  Most everyone was dressed for the inclement weather and the life jackets added a layer of warmth.  Despite the weather, a good time was had by all. The following list of species was compiled by Jill Niland and Sigrid Schmidt.

Canada Goose  15
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  26
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Great Blue Heron  30
Great Egret  2
Green Heron  1
Ring-billed Gull  2
Caspian Tern  4
Rock Pigeon  7
Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee  4
Great Crested Flycatcher  5
Eastern Kingbird  1
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  20
Tree Swallow  8
Barn Swallow  11
Cliff Swallow  3
Black-capped Chickadee  2
House Wren  2
Swainson's Thrush  1
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  3
European Starling  5
Common Yellowthroat  3
Yellow Warbler  3
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1     Heard the distinctive "pleased, pleased, pleased to meet ya" from an island as we paddled quietly past. The land at Skokie Lagoons is full of second growth, scrubby areas.  It could be a migrant.
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  9
Red-winged Blackbird  11
Common Grackle  20
Baltimore Oriole  2
House Sparrow  2