Spring Migration in Southern Illinos - May 2012
by
Henry Detwiler
A fine trip visiting my parents in Carbondale, and doing a lot of biridng in Jackson County
110 species seen on May 7th. Click here for bird checklist
Click on
thumbnail pictures for full-sized photos.
One of the highlights of my birding trips to southern Illinois is seeing the warblers, both migrants and residents. Tennessee Warblers made up the bulk of the birds passing through, followed closely by Blackpolls and Yellow-rumpeds. Other migrants seemed in short supply this spring, but included a few Northern Waterthrushes, Palms, and a Black-and-White Warbler.
|
American Redstart
Among the breeders, American Redstarts were almost everywhere. Louisiana Waterthrush were common in suitable habitats at Giant City Park, Pomona Natural Bridge, and Clear Springs Wilderness. Yellow Warblers were vocal and easy to find at Oakwood Bottoms and Evergreen Park.
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
|
Red-bellied Woodpecker
|
I was very fortunate to get re-acquainted with a bird I hadn't seen since I lived in Carbondale 30 years ago!
Kentucky Warbler |
Summer Tanager
Wood Ducks
|
After grabbing soough the Nature Conservancy gift shop.
Pyrrhuloxia
|
The next mornine on it in full view, as Juan captured it on his Canon's video.
Bobolink
|
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
|
|
|
Blackpoll Warbler
|
Bald Eagle
That evening we c
|
Brown Thrasher
Saturday |
Canada Geese at sunrise
|
Prothonotary Warbler
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
During an et excellent looks at both of the owl species. |
Lunch wn's Vireo and Hermit Thrushes.
Scarlet Tanager
Racoon
|
Acorn e next stop at Agua Caliente Park all the nicer.
Box Turtle
|
Cerulean Warbler
Only a cked Rattlesnake!
|
|