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
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Then met some of the neighbors
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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.
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Further down at a larger pond, there were blue winged teals
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Then another egret flew in.
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A song sparrow stopped nearby to serenade me
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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.
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As I headed to the ponds, I spotted yet another egret.
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I got to the pond and there was indeed Northern Shovelers! Unfortunately they were pretty far out. Heavy crops from my 300mm
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These guys were further out... two shovelers and a grebe?
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As I headed back, I passed the same Egret again.
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As I was in the parking lot walking to my car, a crane flew over me...Sandhill!
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All and all, a pretty nice day!

Nice shots! You were a long ways up here. The Middle Fork is a very nice preserve with very little use. - TF

Very nice shots Cara, looks like a great place for birding.

It's always fun to checkout a new place. You never know what might turn up.
Nice captures.

Good series !!

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!! ;)

Good stuff Cara. I adore #4!

Thanks, everyone :)