5.14.23 Park 566, Chicago, IL

We have previously visited Rainbow Beach and Steelworker's Park. Park 566 the area between the two. We had a great experience watching this Red-throated Loon and Wild Turkey below. See the other Park 566 post of large groups of other birds versus these individuals below.    

--written by Ima and her family


This was the first time I've seen a living Loon and the first time my Dad has seen a Red-throated Loon. This one was molting, so that's why there's only a small amount of red on the throat.

The Loon was constantly preening, so it was on it's side and you can see the belly.

Contorted Loon

Does a Loon preening it's leg swim in circles? Definitely.

I find Loons and Grebes to be very similar, as they look and act like each other. Most loons and grebes carry their chicks on their backs, dive, and loons just really look like mega-grebes.

The smallest of all loons, Red-throated Loons are still very big, as they measure 25in in length.


Swallow photobomb


As you can see, this Loon is doing the same thing as the grebe at the top of this blog.


Although Wild Turkeys are fairly common in Illinois, Chicago, not so much. 

Anne spotted this turkey. A great Mother's Day Surprise!

It just walked towards us, showing no fear, and foraging.

As we have only seen a wild Wild Turkey twice, including this sighting, for us, Turkeys are more exciting than Turkey Vultures, which is ...weird.

What's over there? Is that Bob the pigeon?

3,2,1...

....takeoff!

Blue-winged Teal and Mallard at the mouth of the harbor. Indiana industry in the background.

Two Gulls entering a "Restricted Area" and a Tern 

Great Egret flying towards Lake Michigan


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