Sure, bears hibernate in the winter. But that doesn’t mean we all need to – or should. If you’re looking for some motivation to get up and get outside, winter is actually a great time to try birdwatching.
After all, not all birds fly South for the winter. Those who stay in Chicagoland need to eat as much as they do during warmer parts of the year. Plus, they’re easier to spot without leaves on trees and bushes.
“The barrier for entry for birding is very low; all you really need is curiosity,” says Nathan Goldberg. “There’s no wrong way to birdwatch; there’s no wrong way to enjoy nature. It’s just what makes you happy.”
And Goldberg certainly knows a thing or two. Birding has been his hobby for over 15 years, and he even turned it into a career at one point – leading tours for local company Red Hill Birding. He also broke a state Big Year record by spotting the most bird species in Illinois in 2020. (341, to be exact).
But he vividly remembers back when he was just a kid who loved Brookfield Zoo…. and the subsequent thrill of seeing his first Wood Duck in the wild. (It was at Chicago’s North Pond). As someone who “struggled with a lack of accomplishment by simply walking down a trail and back,” birding became a rewarding way for him to enjoy nature.
Want to give it a try? Check out some of Goldberg’s tips for getting started, what to look for in winter, and his favorite places to spot birds in suburban Cook County:
Where to start
Sure, you can hike ten miles into the woods to spot some cool birds. But only if you want to. Some birdwatchers like to stay in one spot and scan the landscape for movement.
In the winter, Goldberg recommends scouting out water sources that aren’t frozen; even if it’s just a crack near the edge. He says to also keep an eye on large trees (especially coniferous trees with pinecones), hedgerows, brush piles, and any place where birds might find berries or seedpods.
Another great place to start? Feeders. You can find them throughout the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC). Kids and families will also enjoy learning more about local birds at one of six nature centers.
When to look
Mornings are generally a good time because many birds are looking for breakfast. They’re more likely to be vocal then too. Early evenings are also a good time to see birds as they head to “roost,” sometimes in big flocks. But at the same time, Goldberg says “there’s no bad time” of day for birding either.
Another tip: Weather changes tend to “wake up” birds and act as a signal to change their feeding, nesting or other behavioral patterns. So, while fleeting, the periods between seasons or during drops in temperature tend to be good for spotting birds out and about.
Listening is fun too
Not seeing much yet? Don’t be discouraged. Even for someone with his experience, Goldberg admits “he hears far more birds than he sees.”
It turns out listening for different bird songs is fun too. Once you slow down and really start tuning in, you may be surprised by what you hear. There’s even a free app called Merlin – from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology – that will help you identify what bird is responsible for the sounds you’re hearing. (It will also ID birds by photo.)
Sites in suburban Cook County
You can’t go wrong in the Forest Preserves. (After all, close to 300 different species may be found throughout the year.) This handy checklist IDs them all and codes them by season and abundance.
But Goldberg also shared a few of his favorite locations in suburban Cook County:
- Killdeer Wetlands – A rare habitat for the Chicago area is located near Bartell Grassland Land and Water Preserve near Tinley Park. You just might spot a short-eared owl here in winter, or hear marsh birds in the spring and summer.
- Palos Preserves – Ok, it’s the largest contiguous area in the FPCC (15,000 acres). But you can’t go wrong at the 78 miles of trails of this south suburban gem or at Swallow Cliff, Camp Bullfrog Lake or Maple Lake. The bird feeders at Little Red Schoolhouse and Camp Sagawau are always a hit too.
- Des Plaines River Corridor/Schiller Woods – Goldberg likes the viewing areas along the entire Des Plaines River corridor, but singles out Schiller Woods for its unique range of natural habitats including wooded areas, remnant prairie, sedge meadow and wetlands. (Near Schiller Park)
- Busse Woods – One of the richest and most diverse natural areas in the region is located near Elk Grove Village. With numerous trails across multiple habitats, you can explore ponds, forests, and meadows with ease. Bald Eagles used to nest here and can sometimes be found looking for fish in the ponds.
- Deer Grove – This is the oldest forest preserve in Cook County; some parts are designated as the highest quality in the state. This is the only place Goldberg spotted a Townsend’s Warbler in 2020 – a bird from the West Coast known for its dramatic breeding plumage. (Near Palatine and Barrington)
- Skokie Lagoons – This system of seven lagoons connected by channels on the Skokie River attracts birds of all kinds, but especially waterfowl. The whole system totals 242 acres and is situated near Winnetka and Glencoe.
- Techny Basin – Goldberg highlights the beautiful trails and waterways at Techny Basin near Northbrook and Glenview. Situated at the west fork of the Chicago River, there are many localized breeding grassland species.
- Chicago Botanic Garden – The vast array of flowers and plants here create a number of unique micro-habitats. For that reason, it’s an especially attractive stop for migrating birds. Winter is especially a good time of year to explore here, since ornamental plantings offer unique food supplies to birds that stay year-round.
Connecting and learning more
There are many different Chicagoland organizations dedicated to birdwatching and preserving local habitats. No matter your experience, location or other interests, “there’s a community out there that will receive you with open arms,” says Goldberg. He’s a past Board member of the Chicago Ornithological Society and is the current VP of the Illinois Ornithological Society.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is also a great place to get started and connected. Their website features a list of bird walks and special events throughout the year.
You can also find more local destinations perfect for spotting birds and wildlife of all kinds here.
Photos courtesy of Nathan Goldberg