Cedar Waxwing

I am thrilled! I spied a species of bird this evening that I've never seen before. Apparently cedar waxwings are common around Chicago, but it was my first sighting! I saw three in the bushes around North Pond in Lincoln Park. Really striking birds with a silky brown color and crest, a bright yellow tipped tail and a black mask. This is one of my favorite birds yet! Plus, as a budding birder, I'm proud that I was able to see it in nature and come back home and identify it. Slowly but surely I'm building my birding muscle. I wish I had heard the waxwing's song!

Copyright Pinterest as usual, my photos are all blurry!

Green Heron

A little green heron has made South Pond it's home this summer. I've had several sightings. Today it was flying all around! Last summer I don't think I saw any in Lincoln Park, so this is a treat!

Downy Woodpecker

Quincy and I were on our morning walk and a little downy woodpecker was pecking away in a tree above us. Quite close up actually. They are so cute, one of my favorite local birds in Chicago.

Photo from Pinterest

Western Bluebird

In the Bay Area this weekend for a really fun wedding (Congrats Kevin & Liz!), went on a little hike and saw two Western Bluebirds. I was surprised I didn't see more hawks since we saw at least two dozen mice scurrying about. The bluebirds were easily identifiable by their blue back and rust-orange "vest". Love!

Western Bluebird. Thanks Pinterest!