Trip Report: Eggers Grove 2017 June 3

Cedar Waxwing collecting webs for a nest

It felt like summer Saturday morning with temps in the 70s and 80s early on, but a group of 15 met to explore the marsh and woodlands of Eggers Grove in Chicago's far south side.  We got word of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron that was seen the day before (spoiler alert: we didn't relocate it) and started heading towards the marsh. 

Black-crowned Night Heron

Breeding birds were singing all around with Yellow Warblers, House Wrens, Eastern Wood-pewees, and Warbling Vireos dominating.  In the woods, we came across a pair of Red-eyed Vireos tending to a nest.  A Cedar Waxwing was seen collecting nesting materials, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo flew by flashing white tail spots and reddish wingtips.  Ruby-throated Hummingbirds buzzed by but never landed for good looks.  

The lake had a nice assortment of waders with a few Black-crowned Night Herons and a flyby Green Heron.  Caspian Terns were hunting over the water, and Marsh Wrens were singing from the cattails.  A Red-headed Woodpecker was seen cleaning out a cavity in a dead tree - always a nice bird to see in city limits.  An enormous Snapping Turtle, a shy toad species, wildflowers, and various Butterflies and Dragonflies were the non-avian highlights.

Aside from a few mosquitos and missing the rarity, it was a great walk.  Thanks again to everyone who attended!  Complete checklist can be found here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37351861

More about Eggers Grove here: http://fpdcc.com/eggers-grove/

Check out our calendar for upcoming trips!

Toad

Damselfly