ID Yourself: Hawking Advice I

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VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6 November/December 2011 ID Yourself: Hawking Advice I f there is one set of birds that can in a Swainson’s hawk than on a red- drive people to utter intensity and By Alvaro Jaramillo tailed or red-shouldered hawk. Rather perhaps something resembling wor- than thinking of wings as either pointed ship, it is the raptors. Some birders Photos by Alvaro Jaramillo or rounded, think of pointedness and go crazy over gulls or shorebirds, roundedness on a sliding scale, with but the hawk fanatics are in a class merlin and peregrine falcon on the by themselves! In the extreme, “pointed” extreme and Cooper’s and these people reduce all birds to one sharp-shinned hawks on the“rounded” of two types: Raptor or raptor food. extreme. Placing raptors you see in flight on this sliding scale is more useful If you are new to all of this, or are than trying to decide whether the birds’ still learning to tell raptors apart, it wings are pointed or not. is tough to master the basics. Often the gap between the expert and the Some raptors are oddly and thus dis- beginner can be quite wide, particu- tinctively shaped. A good example is larly with a group of birds that has Florida’s snail kite, with its very broad such an intense following as hawks. wings and pinched-in tail. Apparent tail You don’t have to become a hawk length is affected by the tail width, so fanatic after reading this article, but birds with long and narrow tails such as I do want to give you some tips so northern harriers look very long tailed, you can enjoy these powerful and whereas a short and wide tail—as in impressive birds. a red-tailed hawk—never really looks Sharp-shinned Hawk juvenile long. Tail length is a good differentiator Shape and Flight Style within falcons. The one with the longest Because we usually see diurnal but not quick. In many ways the hawk. Look at such elements as wing tail by far is the American Kestrel. raptors—those active during the red-tailed hawk is the perfect bird length, wing width, pointedness of Its tail gives this bird a very different day—in flight, it’s not surprising to have as a reference because it is the wing, tail length and width, and shape than the darker but similarly sized that shape and flight style are the somewhat average or intermedi- body size. merlin. most important ID clues—more so ate in many aspects of its shape. A even than colors. If you are strain- Swainson’s hawk with its long and Wing length is tricky because it Now, how does the bird fly? Just as ing to see the red tail to identify pointed wings makes the redtail affects other aspects of the wing horses vary in gait as they move from a a red-tailed hawk, you are likely look broad and rounded winged, shape. In most long-winged hawks, walk to trot, canter, and gallop, hawks overlooking a lot of information on whereas the wide wings of a com- the outer part of the wing—the have their own particular flight patterns. flight and shape that should allow mon black-hawk make the redtail “hand” beyond the bend of the The three to think about are flapping you to identify that bird well before look svelte! Similarly, the redtail wing—is long. Most long-winged flight, soaring, and gliding. you can see its tail color. (Also, makes a broad-winged hawk look hawks also look narrow winged, and keep in mind that juvenile redtails puny, but itself looks puny next to many appear to have more sharply Let’s start with flapping. Is your raptor have brown tails, so the tail color an eagle. The redtail’s intermediate pointed wings than their shorter- making standard forceful flaps in no par- isn’t even reliable.) “average Joe” look is worth using winged cousins. ticular pattern perhaps, like most hawks as a reference point for all other do? Or does the wing flap look weird, as Redtails are big-bodied hawks with large raptors you see. Pointedness in wings varies among though each flap is traveling from the moderately long wings that are hawk species. It is acute in the falcons, base of the wing out to the tip like a

Red-tailed Hawk adult Perigrine Falcon Swainson’s Hawk juvenile Bald Eagle relatively broad and somewhat So what to look for when watching for which a pointy wing is a defining break-dancer doing “the worm”? The rounded at the tip and with a short, a hawk overhead? One method is to character, and also is striking in birds latter is something you see in birds that broad tail. They tend to soar a lot. start with shape and compare it with such as white-tailed and Mississippi have long outer hands, such as the When they flap, the flaps are strong that of your average Joe red-tailed kites. For example, it is more subtle Continued on page 2 ID Yourself: Hawking Advicecook county Spring bird count 2007 Continued from page 1 cOMPASS We wish to thank the 163 birders who took part in the Cook County portion of the Illinois Spring Bird Count on May 5th. Cchicagohicago AudubonAudubon SocietySociety northern harrierWe or covered turkey morevulture—it areas than just everlooks before odd. but there are still a number not yet covered. Please contact us if you wish to NorthNorth Park VillageVillage Shorter-wingedparticipate birds such next as year a sharp-shinned. Excellent work hawk by all! tend 5801-5801-cC N.N. Pulaski roadRoad chicago, IL 60646-6057 to look snappy when they flap. The hawks in the genus Chicago, IL 60646-6057 Accipiter—sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks and north- 2007 2006 2005 www.chicagoaudubon.org www.chicagoaudubon.org ern goshawk—typicallySome “re gular”make quickspecies flaps numbers (snappiest are fairly in consistent: CANADA GOOSE: 2,021 2,019 2,187 the small species) and then a long glide. But note that the (773) 539-6793 MALLARD: 1,030 1,028 752 red-shouldered hawk, which is in the genus Buteo, also D-C CORMORANT: 572 626 646 flaps quickly and glides. This alone separates it consis- AMERICAN ROBIN: 2,567 2,544 3,212 tently from otherW HwidespreadITE-THRO Awings.TED S PARROW: 1,715 1,886 1,811 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH: 965 1,077 1,017 Ask yourself if Somethe wings “regular” are held species out fflat,luctuated if they a bitare (up or down): elevated in a shallowAMER IVC Ashape,N CO OorT if: they are flat but curl 439 231 127 up at the tips. HowBLA CyouK- CanswerROWN thisED NquestionIGHT H EwillRO Nhelp: 46 283 518 you narrow downSOLIT theA possibleRY SAN species.DPIPER :Most hawks hold 26 76 126 their wings prettyCA SflatPIA Nwhen TER soaringN: or gliding, but some 189 454 1,059 hold them in a distinctRING-B IV,LL anED aerodynamic GULL: shape known as 3,992 11,902 12,906 a dihedral. ThisCHIMNEY wing postureSW IisF Tdistinctive: in the turkey Turkey336 Vulture dihedral643 235 vulture and northernHOUS harrierE WRE Nbut: shows up to a lesser 180 259 139 extent in Swainson’sRUBY -andCRO ferruginousWNED KIN hawksGLET: as well. species are larger—sometimes406 substantially—than237 the3 91 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER: males, especially in3 the99 raptors that eat19 1birds, such as 2the91 Editor: Skipper Joy Wolters Although the bald eagle holds its wings flat, the golden Layout Design: Orca Graphics eagle shows a distinctBLUE-W dihedral,INGED WgivingARBL itE Ra :look that can accipiters. The size difference28 is much6 5less marked in fish-44 Editor: Skipper Joy Wolters NASHVILLE WARBLER: eating raptors such 3as2 6osprey. 164 220 The CompassLayout Artist: is the Noëlofficial Maguigad publica- suggest a turkey vulture with a huge, pale-naped head. tion of the Chicago Audubon Society, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER: 856. 1,721 1,895 The Compass is the official publication of Raptors with dihedrals often hunt close to the ground. a chapter of the National Audubon PALM WARBLER: The other trick is that67 9raptors in their1,6 first38 year of life,1,4 46 the Chicago Audubon Society, a chapter of The dihedral is particularly useful in maintaining lift in Society. The Chicago Audubon Soci- WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW: 563 490 2,025 the National Audubon Society. The Chicago turbulent environments, such as near ground level. particularly buteos and eagles, are a slightly different Audubonety, an Illinois Society, non-profit an Illinois non-profitcorporation, SAVANNAH SPARROW: 157 40 307 shape than their respective adults. The juveniles have corporation,has been granted has been tax-exempt granted tax-exempt status by Some “species of concern” or of interest: status by the federal government. The longer flight feathers than the adults, giving them a the federal government. The Compass Soaring is a classicRING way-NE CweK EthinkD PH ofEA raptors—cheatingSANT: 4 4 4 Compass and the Chicago Audubon Society longer-winged and longer-tailed look. When you have an areand not the responsible Chicago Audubonfor the accuracy Society of allare gravity as they BstealLUE lift JA Yfrom: a rising air thermal. The 336 271 422 adult red-tailed hawk shape in mind, the young redtails informationnot responsible published for the or foraccuracy opinions of all birds are tryingAMERICAN to maximize CROW the surface: area of their 163 189 228 expressed in this publication. can trip you up—they look longer and slimmer, with information published or for opinions wings and tail toBL getAC theK-C mostAPPE ofD theCH IascendingCKADEE: air. So in a 188 222 248 wings that perhaps suggest a ferruginous hawk. With Compassexpressed (ISSN in this 1097-7899) publication. is published bi- soar, the wings RareED extended-HEADED and WO broadenedODPECKE bothR: at the tip 24 17 22 redtails, always look for the dark “patagial mark,” the monthly by the Chicago Audubon Society, and the inner wing,WOOD while TH RtheUS tailH: tends to be flared and 37 41 48 5801-CCompass N. Pulaski,(ISSN 1097-7899) Chicago, IL 60646-6057.is pub- wide. This is veryGO LdifferentDEN-W IfromNGE Dthe W Aglide,RBL EwhereR: the bird dark patch on the underside4 of the leading24 edge of the 28 Distributedlished bi-monthly to membership by the ($5 Chicago allotted from dues). Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, gets forward speedBRO byWN a- Hgradual,EADED controlled COWBIR Dfall: in eleva- wing, as a distinctive68 9feature. 487 529 Audubon Society, 5801-C N. Pulaski, IL.Chicago, Postmaster: IL 60646-6057. send address Distributed changes to tion. Here the raptor decreases drag, brings in the wings, Compass,to membersship c/o Chicago ($5 allotted Audubon from Societ y, Morphs (Not Phases) 5801-C N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60646-6057. tightens up theBelow primaries are sample (making listings the wing of 2007 look Documented more Species u) 1 Townsend’s Warbler – LaBagh Woods FP, first dues). Periodicals postage paid at pointed), and closes the tail. When migrating hawks ride You grew out of your various phases—or perhaps you Chicago, IL. Postmaster: send address (written or photographed) from various areas, where observed by Michal Furmanek, then by Janet and Ann Audubon info hotline: (847) 299-3505 thermals up and then glide out of them to the next are working through them right now—but the key is that changes to Compass, c/o Chicago they were found, and by whom: Pelligrini (for SBC); many observers the following 3 days. Report sightings to: (847) 265-2117 thermal, they changea) 1 ‘swan shape species from’( broadTrumpeter and wideor Tundra) crea- – Montrosephases havev) 1a Summertime element. Tanager By – Bemiscontrast, Woods hawks FP, thatJeff Armstrongare Audubon Society, 5801-C N. Pulaski, RaChicago,re bird alert:IL 60646-6057. (847) 265-2118 Harbor, Tom Kelly, et al. dark stayw) dark 1 American for their Tentireree Sparrow lives—they – LaBagh don’t W oodsgrow F outP, Bud tures to faster-moving, streamlined birds. Report injured birds-Chicago Bird b) 2 Green-winged Teal – Paul Douglas FP, Stan Stecof a darkW “phase.”agner It is better to refer to these color varia- Report sightings to: (773) 539-6793 Collision Monitors: (773) 988-1867 An extreme typec) of1 Little flight Blue is the Heron stoop, – Busse when W theoods raptor FP, Alan Andersontions as x)morphs. 3 Vesper Sparrow – south Cook FP’s along Des Plaines d) 2 Northern Harrier – Bartel Grasslands FP, Dick Riner, River, John Duran ActivityReport injured line: (773) birds 539-6793, to Chicago press Bird 1 tucks in its wings and dives. Peregrine falcons are known Collision Monitors: (773) 988-1867 et al. y) i) 1 Dark-eyed Junco -- LaBagh Woods, David Web page: www.chicagoaudubon.org for their high-speed stoops, and even golden eagles stoop, Morphs are another trick that raptors have up their e) i) 1 juv. Bald Eagle – Palos Hills area, John Duransleeves.Brenner Many raptor species can come in different AudubonActivity line: Office (773) Administrator: 539-6793, press Skipper 1 but in many raptorsii) the 1 Bald stoop Eagle is done -- Gillson with aPark, more Evanston, loosely Chet ii) 8 Dark-eyed Junco -- Northerly Island, David Wolters (773) 539-6793, fax (773) 539- versions, kind of like different paint jobs on a new car— Website: www.chicagoaudubon.org tucked wing, notCresham tight as in a peregrine. Willard, et al. 6830, [email protected]. Office it’s the same car, but each paint color gives you a different Office Administrator: Skipper Wolters iii)1 juv. Bald Eagle – Bartel Grasslands, Dick Riner, iii) 1 Dark-eyed Junco – Bemis Woods FP, Jeff hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 feel. For some reason, morphs in the red-tailed and broad- (773) 539-6793, [email protected]. Watching hawket al.species flap, soar, and glide at different Armstrong p.m. Closed Fridays. angles is a usefulf) 1thing—the Willet – Gillson more Park,you look,Evanston, the more Chet GreshamID winged hawksiv) are 1 restrictedDark-eyed toJunco the western– feeder, partsFrancie of Muraski-their Office hours: Monday-Thursday 9:45 a.m. ranges. Also keep in mind that morphs in North American - 4:00 p.m. Closed Fridays & Holidays. clues you willg) absorb 12 Least to help Sandpipers you identify -- Calumet the species area, M theargaret Baker Stotz OFFICERS next time around.et al. hawks occurz) 1 onlyLeConte’ in thes Sparrow buteos. --An Jackson exception Park, is Randy the very President: Joe Lill, (773) 631-3154 Officers h) 2 Bonaparte’s Gull -- Gillson Park, Evanston, Chetrare hook-billedShonkwiler kite and that Robert shows J. LeSeur up in south Texas. [email protected] President: Roger Shamley, (773) Males, Females,Gresham and Immatures aa) 1 Blue Grosbeak -- Turtlehead Lake FP, Gary Clinkman Vice President: Alan Anderson, (847) 390- i) 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove -- River Forest, Jill Anderson bb) 1 Dickcissel – Bartel Grasslands FP, Dick Riner 274-5362, [email protected] As if it isn’t challenging enough that raptors are often in Some buteos are amazingly variable, but the red-tailed 7437, [email protected] j) 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo -- Turtlehead Lake FP, Garyhawk takescc) the2 Rusty cake—it Blackbirds can come – Jackson in all Park,sorts Amarof patterns. Ayyash TrViceeasur President:er: Jerry Chris Garden, Van (773)Wassenhove, 545-4632, the air and changingClinkman their shape as they fly in different (NOTE: The documentation forms will be reviewed by state Many hawks have a dark and a light morph, although [email protected](773) 477-4618, [email protected] ways, there arek) other 1 E. pitfalls.Screech-Owl For one, – Harms males W oodsand femalesFP, Jerry Garden SBC compiler Vernon Kleen before acceptance.) sometimes there is a dark morph and one that is paler and SecrTreasurer:etary: BobbiBarbara Asher, Kratochvil, (708) 771-2085, (708) 485- tend to differ inl) size. 1 Olive-sided Generally, Flycatcher the females – Cranberry of a given Slough FP, Judy Species observed this year but not in 2006 include: more reddish brown, often referred to as a rufous morph. 3678, [email protected] Pollock REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, [email protected]. The key is to learn the more easily identifiable pale Secretary: Annette Prince, (630) 841-7110, m) 1 Loggerhead Shrike – Turtlehead Lake FP, Gary COMMON TERN, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, E. SCREECH- COMMITTEE CHAIRS morphs of all the hawks, and get a handle on that shape Clinkman OWL, WILLOWFLYCATCHER, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, Hotline:[email protected] Doris Johanson, (847) 299-3505. n) i) 1 Winter Wren -- LaBagh Woods FP, David issue; thenCERULEAN add brown WARBLER, and black, TOWNSEND’S and you have WARBLER, the dark Awards: Alan Anderson (see Nominating COMMITTEE CHAIRS Brenner morph. HOODEDTail patterns WARBLER, and colors CONNECTICU are often TWusefulARBLER, in separat- below) ii) 2 Winter Wren – Jackson Park, Paul Clyne ing darkAMERICAN morphs. For TREE example, SPARROW dark-morphAND RUSTY adultBLACKBIRD. redtails Birdathon:Awards: Alan Joe Anderson Lill, (773) (see Nominating 631-3154, below) o) i) 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet – Des Plaines, Robertdo haveSpecies a red tail.not observed this year but that were recorded in 2006: [email protected]: Joe Lill, (773) 631-3154, Johanson, et al. AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, [email protected] Chair: Joe Lill, (773) 631- ii) 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet – Jackson Park, Paul COMMON LOON, WILD TURKEY, RED-SHOULDERED Migration 3154Conservation [email protected] Chair: Carolyn A. Marsh, Clyne, et al. HAWK, SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER, AMERICAN Field Trips: Doris Johanson, (847) 827- Hawks are usually migratory, and they migrate in the day, (219) 659-7904, [email protected] p) 1 Northern Mockingbird – Northerly Island, David WOODCOCK, WILSON’S PHALAROPE, BLACK-BILLED 5930 making hawk migration watching a great way to spend Education Chair: Roger Shamley, (773) Willard, et al. CUCKOO, BARRED OWL, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, Stewardship: Jerry Garden, q) 1 Prothonotary Warbler – southern Chicago lakefront,your time.WHITE-EYED It can be truly AND spellbindingBELL’S VIREO, to HORNEDsit at one LARK, spot RED- 274-5362, [email protected] and watch a river of hawks go overhead. Many of the (773) 545-4632, [email protected] Michael Dani, et al. BREASTED NUTHATCH, and BREWER’S BLACKBIRD. A Nominating:Field Trips: Jeff Alan Sanders, Anderson, (847) (847) 657-6431, 390- good hawk-watching spots are well known, and a quick r) 3 Connecticut Warbler – McClaughry Woods PF, PHILADELPHIA VIREO was reported anonymously. The 7437,[email protected] [email protected] Sharron Hart, et al. Internetreport search could can notlead b eyou verified to one, and, preferably therefore, nearunfortunatel where y, Editorial:Stewardship: Skipper Dave Joy Kosnik, Wolters, (847) (773) 456- 539- s) 1 Canada Warbler – LaBagh Woods FP, Walter you live.could Productive not be part migration of the o fspotsficial count.typically include 6793, [email protected] 6368, [email protected] Krawiec, et al. a coast, a large lake (such as one of the Great Lakes), Publicity: Bill Schwaber, (847) 475-4986, Nominating: Alan Anderson, (847) 390- t) 1 Yellow-breasted Chat – Lincoln Park (Caldwell Lilyor north-south oriented mountains in the area. Because [email protected] Pond), Steve Huggins raptors generally do not like to cross open water, a north 7437, [email protected] shore of a large lake or coast in the fall or a south shore in Program Chair: Joe Lill, (773) 631-3154, NOTE: To see complete species totals for the years 2006, 2005,the spring2003 can: create a concentration point. Most hawk- [email protected] 2003, please visit: watchinghttp://ww sites arew.chicagoaudubon.or best in the fall, althoughg/webPDFs/2003/compass0703 those on the . 2006: pdf south shore of Lake Ontario can be superb in spring. http://www.chicagoaudubon.org/webPDFs/2006/compass_vol2 (If you have questions, please contact Alan Anderson, Cook 0-4_2006.pdf County Compiler for Spring Bird Count 2005: [email protected] factor for hawk watching or phone is weather, the Chicago especially Audubon office http://www.chicagoaudubon.org/webPDFs/2005/compass0405wind. andat 773-539-6793.rain. Hawks )do not like flying in heavy rain, so pdf Snail Kite Continued on page 3 page 2 page 2 ID Yourself: Hawking Advice Continued from page 2 A Jackson Park Sighting of the Rare Green-tailed Towhee By Patricia A. Durkin For the past several years, the Saturday morning Chicago Audubon Society Bird Walk group would occasionally meet up with a birder named Randy Shonkwiler. The meetings would take place on Wooded Island, which is in Jackson Park behind the Museum of Science & Industry, or in Bobo- link Meadow, also in Jackson Park. Randy and I would look over our notebooks and share the day’s sightings. Many of his finds would be included on our day’s reports. Randy is a superb birder and has a great eye, ear, and memory for details. He is among a flock of birders I have termed the “Wooded Island Regulars;” that is to say, birders who call Wooded Island, Bobolink Meadow, and the harbors along the Chicago lakefront in Jackson Park their home turf.

As we were gathered behind the museum on Darrow Bridge on Saturday, October 1, 2011, a birder mentioned to me that he had met Randy earlier in Bobolink Meadow. They both Swainson’s Hawk juvenile spreadtail saw a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron and an Ameri- can Kestrel with a morning snack in its talons. The sight- avoid heading out when it is wet out- ings went down in my notebook. side. They also do not like headwinds or strong tailwinds. In fall, the best winds It was a great morning for birding. The sparrows had ar- Green-tailed Towhee. October 1, 2011, Jackson Park. Photo by Markus Hoeckner. are sometimes those cold northwest rived. Sixteen birders ventured onto Wooded Island to begin winds that come right after a good, our mile circuit through varied habitat in search of avian tree and disappeared in the cascading leaves and branches. strong cold front. You may need to have wonders. Warblers were found in the Osaka Japanese Gar- Thereafter it remained hidden from the searching eyes of your mitts on in late September or den. The non-warblers were bunched up in the area west of birders who arrived later in the morning. No trace of the October, but if you are at the right spot the Rose Garden fence. Our juvenile (delinquent?) Cooper’s One Day Wonder was found the following day. How rare in those conditions you may have a Hawk had joined us in the Rose Garden, striking terror in was this sighting of the smallest and most migratory of memorable hawk day. Entire articles the heart of a hiding Swainson’s Thrush. Birders were call- towhees from its breeding grounds in the western high could be written on the right hawking out bird sightings right and left. We were in our glory chaparral and scrublands? The Illinois Ornithological watching conditions, so consider this and stayed on the Island longer than usual. Records Committee credited only ten other sightings of just enough to get your feet wet. a Green-tailed Towhee in Illinois and the last one was in As we walked along the south shore of the East Lagoon, I 2001. The only record previous to that in Chicago was on Maybe you are on your way to becom- greeted some birders and one of them told me that Randy June 1, 1954 in Lincoln Park. ing a hawk fanatic, or perhaps not. But had sighted a Green-tailed Towhee! A quick phone call by we all can stand to do a little gazing Randy and a rapid posting on the Yahoo birder’s list serv We can safely say that Illinois now has its eleventh to the sky looking at these majestic (IBET) brought birders converging on the area at the south confirmed sighting of the Green-tailed Towhee. birds. Take the opportunity to study the end of Bobolink Meadow. common raptors in your area, perhaps To comment on this article or if you have questions, contact the American kestrel and the red-tailed We walked quickly ahead to a little island that we call Pat Durkin at [email protected]. hawk, and use these as comparison Turtle Island. In a few moments, the Guest of Honor points. Once you have a raptor identi- showed itself from behind a leaf. Not only that, the Green- fied, just watch it until you can’t see tailed Towhee perched on a metal fence stake at the island’s it any longer. Watch how it moves, its edge for half a minute and stared at us. He took flight and shape, the color on the underwings, how landed in a tall shrub next to us. He then flew to a willow it opens and closes its tail.

Also just enjoy the freedom of these birds, how they ride the wind, and allow Getting Seed?? yourself to feel like a hawk. Imagine For those who have placed a birdseed order, what they are seeing from up there with please mark your calendars to pick up your those ultrasensitive eyes. What is it like seed on November 12 between 9 and noon at to rock back and forth on your dihedral? your pre-selected location. Imagine the force of impact you make as you strike a pigeon from a stoop. We look forward to seeing you! Thank you! Why not? Let’s face it. Many people Green-tailed Towhee. Photo by Laurie Golden. become hawk fanatics because we are in awe of and also envy what these birds can do. Sure, identify them, but also step into their shoes for a while— Reminder to our readers: you have permission. Being a hawk for a minute is one of life’s little pleasures. The Compass can be seen in color on our website: www.chicagoaudubon.org -- just click on the word “Compass” Alvaro Jaramillo’s book, New World in the top row of links on the homepage. That will take you to our Blackbirds: The Icterids, describes in archives. Don’t miss these wonderful birds in living color! depth the biology and identification of this fascinating group of birds. His book, Birds of Chile, is now the standard field guide for that country. He has also contributed both popular and scientific articles in various publications and Just in: Our Beautiful 2012 Chicago Chapter Calendars!! wrote the icterid chapter for The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. Alvaro Please consider adding our Chicago Audubon 2012 Calendar to your household or also directs his own tour company which office for the New Year. Only $15 (plus $2 postage and handling) for a gorgeous collection offers worldwide birding tours. If you of Bird and Nature photos and each purchase is a contribution to our Chapter. To order, have questions or comments about this article, Alvaro can be reached at call the office (773-539-6793) or go online to chicagoaudubon.org. If you prefer, just send [email protected]. a check for $17 to Chicago Audubon, 5801-C N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois 60646. It’s a wonderful festive way to help your Chicago Chapter and also makes a lovely This article is re-printed by courtesy of holiday gift! Bird Watcher’s Digest where it appeared in their September/October 2011 issue. page 3 Bringing The Ben efits 1-800-342-3782 Of Over 95% of our products are Chicago Bird Collision Na manufactured in our factory tu in Chicago. Monitors re T o Y Bright lights from buildings, along with reflective or transparent glass in our House windows and lobbies, are hazards for birds migrating through Chicago. Last fall more than 1000 collision-injured birds were rescued – all from a relatively small area downtown. With your assistance, more birds can be saved.

YOU CAN HELP BY: Joining morning rescue teams Monitoring buildings where you live or work Transporting birds to wildlife rehabilitation centers Supporting collision prevention work roug W ht Iron & T Assisting in public outreach and awareness programs ubula r Fe PLEASE RECYCLE ede r P Our aluminum martin ol houses are manufactured es • Q from 100% recycled aluminum. uic k C onn ec TM t H ooks & Han gers • Bafﬂ es • Bird Houses & Feeders and more! Visit www.birdmonitors.net or call 773-988-1867

Calendar of Events November/December 2011 Please watch for our Annual Appeal 2011 Workdays and Birdwalks mailing coming in late Skokie Lagoons Workdays. 10:00 November. This is one of a.m. every second Saturday. These our most important fund- workdays are continuous throughout raisers of the year. All the year. Chicago Audubon sponsors donations are extremely regular monthly workdays at Skokie important to our goals and Lagoons every second Saturday of the programs. We thank you month. Activities include buckthorn cutting, brush pile burning, and other for your past support and management activities. Wear work hope you will be able to clothes. Meet at the Tower Road park- help us again this year. ing lot, east of the lagoon bridge. For further information, please call Dave Kosnik at (847) 456-6368. Everyone is welcome! Montrose Point Magic Hedge Stewardship Workdays to be held on the following Saturdays from 9 to noon: October 1, November 5. (Most dates are the usual 2nd Saturday of the month except where major events or holidays occur.) Volunteers are Postal regulations require needed to help with weeding, mulching, annual publication of planting native shrubs and trees. We are Statement of Ownership. also establishing a prairie! Wear work clothes. For information about work dates, to sign up, and for directions, please contact David Painter: (773) 383- 0721 or email at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome!

Wooded Island Birdwalks. Jackson Park. Every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. and every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. These wonderful walks continue throughout the year up to New Year’s Day. Bring binoculars, field guides, and dress for the weather. Many species are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of Museum of Science and Indus- try. For details and directions, contact Pat Durkin at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome!

Birding America is coming! Satur- day, March 17, 2012. Be sure to mark your calendars for our 9th biennial Birding America—a day of exciting and informative workshops led by speakers who are experts in all aspects of birding from all over the country and internationally. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Erik Johnson of National Audubon. Dr. Johnson is Audubon’s conservation biologist for the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi Flyways. Details will be in the January/February issue. Mark your calendar! page 4