Northwestern Lakefill, Lake Opeka & Axehead Lake Wednesday 12-31-25

[Al Stokie]

Hello Bird People,

Didn't see much today but I didn't try very hard either. Saw that
Donna K re-found yesterday's Evening Grosbeak 1st seen by Wanda S near
Alder Park in Lake County but I figured I'd never get to it on the
trail with my wheelchair/walker. Didn't matter as no one found it
later.
So I tried for the Siskins at Northwestern's row of Alder trees but
saw none. Also checked the main Lagoon but saw few ducks.
Then to my usual 2 local lakes but hardly anything at Lake Opeka which
is starting to freeze up again & at Axehead Lake the Coot seems to
have moved on although the Common Loon continues with plenty of open
water remaining.

NU Lakefill (10-10:25 am)

Canada Goose (17)
Mallard (3), Goldeneye (1-M) & Red Breasted Merganser (1-F) all in the Lagoon

Lake Opeka (11:55 am-12:10 pm)

Goldeneye (8) & Herring Gull (12)

Axehead Lake (12:20-12:45 pm)

COMMON LOON (1, continuing)
Canada Goose (8)
Goldeneye (2-M)
Red Tailed Hawk (1 fly-by)
Rock Pigeon (~30)

Earlier in the morning I saw 2 Blue Jays, 1 Crow & 2 House Sparrows
while shoveling snow.
So only 11 species for the day plus roadside Starlings for a total of
12 species for the day.
Bird-Of-The-Day to the continuing Common Loon & Runner-Up to the Red
Tailed Hawk.

If driving tonight on New Year's Eve be careful & watch out for the
"other guy" who may not be watching out for you.

Last good License Plate of the year to one from North Dakota seen in
Park Ridge.

A; Stokie
Local in Cook County today not accomplishing much