• 04-11-2010, 08:59 PM
    CaraRose
    Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    I decided that while I was dogsitting for my aunt out in the suburbs, I might as well take some time on the weekend checking out someplace new. I went to Middlefork Savanna, a Lake County forest preserve that is supposed to be a great birding site.

    I was greeted by a robin
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/4513501532_94d844b79a_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    Then met some of the neighbors
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    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/4513507980_9946036e81_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/4512862409_27828c3f2c_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    I set out then on the main trails, and crossed a bridge over the channel and set off on a foot traffic only trail that wove through a marshy area dotted with ponds.

    Very quickly, I saw an egret.
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/4512869537_2d1c08fa61_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    Further down at a larger pond, there were blue winged teals
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/4512874679_7d99df1a2e_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    Then another egret flew in.
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4512875781_7a13c92715_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    A song sparrow stopped nearby to serenade me
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    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4513518740_1501251fdc_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    I met a lady who told me if I head south down the main trail I come to a series of deeper ponds that tend to attract a lot of waterfowl, so I headed back towards the main trail. Along the way a ranger was out he told me there were Northern Shovelers in the ponds I was heading towards.

    He was also kind enough to spot and point out a garter snake that I probably would have never seen.
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4513522896_638f238e2c_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/4513524546_8086e64848_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    As I headed to the ponds, I spotted yet another egret.
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/4513525732_5cfe7389ea_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4512885223_82632e7446_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    I got to the pond and there was indeed Northern Shovelers! Unfortunately they were pretty far out. Heavy crops from my 300mm
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/4512886741_2609ae1073_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/4512887225_8d48eb8d38_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/4512887841_46ba4a2d3e_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4512889603_cdfdb8243d_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    These guys were further out... two shovelers and a grebe?
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/4512887483_8c4a8531b4_o.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    As I headed back, I passed the same Egret again.
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4512891713_e846db17c1_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    As I was in the parking lot walking to my car, a crane flew over me...Sandhill!
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4512893109_64e2b7c698_b.jpg" border=2 width=800>

    All and all, a pretty nice day!
  • 04-12-2010, 06:39 AM
    OldClicker
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    Nice shots! You were a long ways up here. The Middle Fork is a very nice preserve with very little use. - TF
  • 04-12-2010, 08:23 AM
    scott-devon
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    Very nice shots Cara, looks like a great place for birding.
  • 04-12-2010, 11:49 AM
    Singletracklovr
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    It's always fun to checkout a new place. You never know what might turn up.
    Nice captures.
  • 04-12-2010, 11:56 AM
    armando_m
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    Good series !!
  • 04-12-2010, 04:03 PM
    Eric D
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    Fantastic mixture of birds....I really like that peak a boo look in pic #4

    Don't forget to number your pictures when posting so many pic's, makes counting hard for this old man!! ;)
  • 04-12-2010, 07:25 PM
    SARtech
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    Good stuff Cara. I adore #4!
  • 04-13-2010, 07:31 AM
    CaraRose
    Re: Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve (Image Heavy)
    Thanks, everyone :)