Bountiful Blessings

The Common Redpoll is a treat to see during the late fall and winter months in Illinois. They are members of the finch family. Redpolls are small birds with brownish streaks along their sides, they have a notched tail. Look for a red cap in the forehead area to help identify. They have yellow beaks with black feathers surrounding it. The Male has a pinkish tint on the breast area, the female lacks this tint. Hungry Redpolls enjoy eating the tiny seeds from catkin bearing trees like birch, alder and willow. There is a birch tree near the lake in the campground parking area that supplied a feast for a flock of about fifty redpoll during our visit this month. Look for this tree to enjoy watching the acrobatic feeding style of the Redpoll. Watching them hang upside down while holding onto a catkin as they nibble seeds is sure to put a smile on your face.

Redpolls are chatty and enthusiastic as they feed, nimbly nibbling one moment then suddenly they are off with a one fell swoop as a group. Redpolls are flock oriented in the winter months. They travel and eat in groups. I recently learned that a group of redpolls is called a gallop. Immediately I thought of their bouncy flight pattern. Redpolls do seem to gallop through the sky as they fly. Take advantage of this blessing if Redpolls are a new bird for you this is a great opportunity to see them!

The Ruddy duck is a migrating duck in this area. A life sighting for me this month and another November blessing. Ruddy ducks are small diving ducks that like to eat aquatic seeds and roots. The female and immature Ruddy duck have a molted body with a black cap on head and a line that runs across the cheek area. The male would have an obvious white patch on the cheek and it’s body is a rusty reddish color. I did not see any males during my visits. The Ruddy duck sightings were near the picnic area and near the restaurant area on the left side.

The Northern Shrike is a medium sized predatory bird that winters in this area. It eats small rodents, mammals, insects and birds. While hunting a shrike will perch on the tip of the highest branch it can find for the best view. They prefer open areas with ample tree and shrub cover. Males have a very pale gray underbelly with light streaks. The head and back are a darker gray. I think the distinctive black mask really adds to this birds beauty.  Bring a pair of binoculars and scan at the tops of trees and bushes in the open fields while visiting. Look along Bluebird Lane. This was the second life sighting for me this month at Lake Shabbona. I am thankful.I was surprised to see two painted turtles basking on a cool November day. We have had many warm days during the month, but this day was quite brisk and windy, the turtles didn’t seem to mind!

An adorable American Tree Sparrow popped up in the path as we were watching coots on the lake. After giving me a perfect little profile off he went. It was a favorite moment of mine during our recent visits.

Park hours during the months of November through January – open 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.

 

Did you like this? Share it!