Birding in Chicago

by Gina Erb
May 2009
former SBTH President

I’m bi-coastal … lucky enough to live on Lake Michigan and also visit Chicago, the other coast, on a regular basis. After living in the Windy City for 30 years, I thought I really knew it. I’ve ridden my bike along the lake and in many of the forest preserves, taken in the culture, theater, museums, and sporting events, but I never once went birding.

In April, the Chicago Park District offered a birding opportunity along the lakefront. Not far from where I once lived was an old military station that had been closed and has now been converted to a wildlife sanctuary.

About 20 of us gathered to meet our guide. It was a large group to keep together, so I hooked up with a nice young gal, Jameela, who is also a beginner birder.

It was great to have a buddy, and four eyes are better than two. Between the two of us we were able to see more birds than we would have on our own, and we helped each other with identification.

There were kinglets, flickers, great blue herons flying over, and an old oriole nest. I was happy to share some bird facts that I have learned over the past years from my affiliation with SBTH. Jameela had a good eye for identifying features; we made a good team. I asked her if she would be interested in meeting again some time when I’m back, and we agreed that it would be fun.

So grab your binoculars and a bird book and have a fun day sharing your joy of birds with a friend. Happy birding.