4.14.22 A Pied-billed Grebe visits the slough and other fun encounters
Start time: 6:56 am (whoops, I overslept!)
Weather: Sunny but chilly, 36°F
Total distance: 2.8 km
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are back! Right before this photo, this one got into a fight with another Kinglet. Those ruby-colored feathers were standing straight up and both birds made the most adorable angry noises while squabbling.
Spring ephemerals are popping up too!
The leaves of this trillium caught the sunlight so beautifully and it was surrounded by trout lilies peaking through the leaf litter. Prairie Trillium maybe?
Soon after I had my first encounter with a coyote in months. This one appears healthy and looks like its in the midst of shedding its winter coat. I came upon it while approaching the slough and once it got about 50 feet away from me it turned back and gave me this look before returning to whatever canid errand I interrupted.
Right after meeting the coyote I approached the slough and scanned the water and the banks for herons, bitterns, ducks and geese. The first thing that caught my eye was a small group of Blue-winged Teal on the far bank. Wood Ducks and Mallards were present too, as well as one Great Blue Heron in full breeding regalia. Tree swallows were swooping over the tree tops and chattering away. As I watched the Teal swim back and forth (they’re tiny and stunning to look at) this small brownish grey bird swam into view. It looked different than all the other waterfowl present and soon enough I was able to make out that characteristic striped bill. A Pied-billed Grebe! I’ve seen these birds elsewhere but this was my first encounter of one at LaBagh and it’s always so much fun to see infrequent visitors pop-up in this tiny forest preserve.
Once I had clear photos to document my Pied-billed Grebe sighting, I tried to move into a better position for a more artistic shot. I don’t work in a blind or wear camouflage when I’m out birding, so I expected the grebe to see me and swim away and that’s exactly what it did. I had a little time to practice getting shots from a lower vantage, although I wasn’t about to lay down on my belly in the middle of the swamp! I’m happier with how this image turned out than the one above and that floofy bird butt is too cute for words, but I definitely need to practice getting shots from the low-angle perspective. I also need to think about some portable options for getting low-angle photography around the slough that don’t require me getting covered with mud. 🤔
Swamp-sparrows were everywhere!
Although most dove for cover in the grasses as soon as they caught sight of me, this one was kind enough to perch on this log in this jaunty pose. The patterns on their plumage are so gorgeous and I just love all the different hues of red, grey, and gold in their feathers.
I saw these Blue-winged Teal napping on the bank of the slough as I took the trail that would lead me back to my car. It’s very unusual to see them so close to such a heavily used trail, but I suspect the recent rains and muddy trails have kept many regular walkers away so the woods are quieter than usual. I tried to keep my distance but these ducks are pretty shy and moved into the water as I passed. They mustn’t have been too disturbed by my presence though, as they all took the time to stretch their wings. I’d never seen them do that before, wings raised and neck stretched forward, and it gave me a good look at all their beautiful markings.
