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


Then met some of the neighbors






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.


Further down at a larger pond, there were blue winged teals


Then another egret flew in.


A song sparrow stopped nearby to serenade me




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.




As I headed to the ponds, I spotted yet another egret.




I got to the pond and there was indeed Northern Shovelers! Unfortunately they were pretty far out. Heavy crops from my 300mm








These guys were further out... two shovelers and a grebe?


As I headed back, I passed the same Egret again.


As I was in the parking lot walking to my car, a crane flew over me...Sandhill!


All and all, a pretty nice day!