North Central Illinois Ornithological Society

Took this Sunday a.m. at the airport,the end of the South runway.
Were Falcon Rd. meets Belt Line Rd..
This Bald Eagle was just sitting there.
Augie

Barbara and I saw an immature Goshawk fly over our woods and prairie about 4:15 p.m. today. There have been several Goshawk reports from along Lake Michigan already this fall, so I hope that this is going to be an irruption year for this species. That normally means a cyclical decline in grouse numbers up north.

Judith Petty reports that at 3 pm there was a Surf Scoter at Rock Cut's Olsen Lake.

To all that may not have heard about the planned closing of 11 state parks in Illinois, please check out the site Save Our State Parks , read and hopefully sign the petition.

You can also call the Governor's Office and let him know that you want to keep these parks open!
Chicago Office: 312.814.2121
Capitol Office: 217.782.6830

The parks that are planned to be closed are: Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon; Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park in Sheffield; Illini State Park in Marseilles; Channahon Parkway State Park in Morris; Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg; Kickapoo State Park in Oakwood; Moraine State Park in Leroy; Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton; and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor.

4 Snow Geese (white) and 1 possible Ross's Goose were at Baumann Park this morning. The Snow's flew off in a westerly direction, separately from the large group of Canada's that were also on the lake. The Ross's flew with the Canada's. If they are foraging locally, it's possible they may spend another night or two "resting" in Cherry Valley.

Check the Sunday RRStar sports section, or call the Boone County Conservation District, for weekend dates on which Kinnikinnick, Distillery and Anderson Bend Cons. Areas will be closed for deer hunting. Unfortunately, it includes December 13-14, so the Rock Cut CBC won't be able to access those areas to count birds.

I received an email from Andy Sigler that he and Al Stokie birded Distillery this morning and found a LeConte's Sparrow, as well as a Lincoln's Sparrow and many of the otherwise usual suspects. They said that it wasn't particularly birdy, and that most of the birds were in the eastern end of the property.

I received an email from Andy Sigler that he and Al Stokie birded Distillery this morning and found a LeConte's Sparrow, as well as a Lincoln's Sparrow and many of the otherwise usual suspects. They said that it wasn't particularly birdy, and that most of the birds were in the eastern end of the property.

Today I got a message from Brian Leaf of Severson Dells which explained an unfortunate accident that occurred to Mary Kay Rubey, an excellent wildlife photographer from right here in Rockford.

Her message:

"I'm selling my spotting scope to pay some unexpected medical bills. It's a Swarovski AT 80 HD with 20x-60x zoom angled eye-piece. If you know anyone who is interested, please let me know."

Not wanting to post her phone number, you can call Brian Leaf at Severson Dells if you are interested and he can relay the information. His number: (815) 335-2915.

The scope with eyepiece retails new for around $2,830. Swarovski is a top-of-the-line optic company and it is terrible for Mary Kay Rubey to have been injured.

- Eddie

The title says it all. Winter Wrens have appeared in our brushpiles. Every fall I decide that they are my very favorite bird.