Date: 5/23/26 4:58 pm From: Ron Stakland <rons...> Subject: [ia-bird] Prairie Warbler and Other Lee Co. Birds
I had a hit and miss day in Lee county today, but mostly hits. Few warblers, but that was okay because I got my fill at Montrose Point in Chicago last Sunday with around two dozen species seen, many in large numbers. My goal today was the Worm Eating Warbler but I struck out, despite going way up the ravine where I've seen it before. I heard but did not see any Chats in that area so decided to try Turkey Run Wildlife Area where I've seen them in prior years. This turned out to be very birdy, highlighted by the bluest BLUE GROSBEAK I've ever seen accompanied by a YELLOW BREASTED CHAT in the same sapling sitting less than two feet apart. After a minute the Grosbeak decided the beauty pageant was over and flew away but was immediately replaced by an ORCHARD ORIOLE in an adjacent sapling. It performed a brief fan dance with a leaf then gave me a full, satisfying look before also decamping, leaving the Chat to carry on alone. I also heard and saw two COMMON NIGHTHAWKS fly over in broad daylight. Feeling lucky and riding a wave of serotonin, I decided to head up the road and try for the PRAIRIE WARBLER in its usual location a few miles east and south of the town (hamlet? crossroads?) of Croton. I had to work for it but ultimately triumphed and got great looks at it sitting and singing atop a small tree.
All five species mentioned here were FOY for me. It took a lot of steps, but I had the kind of satisfying day that makes me pity the non-birders of the world. May you all have many such days!
Ron Stakland
Fairfield
