River Park Chicago & Lake Opeka Tuesday 2-10-26

[Al Stokie]

Hello Bird People,

Didn't have much time for birding today so I just returned to River
Park in Chicago for my 3rd try at finding the Pintails that have been
there. I guess the "3rd times the charm" as I was finally successful.
The male was standing on the ice & swimming halfway between Argyle &
Foster & the female was mostly sleeping on one leg on the ice. The
W.W. Scoter was missing today.

River Park (9:30-10:30 am)

Great Blue Heron (1, towards Foster)
Mallard (32)
Mallard X Domestic Duck (1, a very large duck)
NORTHERN PINTAIL (1-PR)
Bufflehead (2-M)
Goldeneye (6)
Hooded Merganser (2-F)
Red Breasted Merganser (4)
KINGFISHER (1)
Red Bellied Woodpecker (1)
Crows (4)

After my appointment at the Toyota dealer I briefly checked Lake Opeka
& found all the regular stuff.

Lake Opeka (2:15-2:30 pm)

Canada Goose (65)
Mallard (87)
Goldeneye (16)
Herring Gull (11)
House Sparrow (Heard a few)

So 14 species at the 2 locations plus 3 roadside additions for a day's
total of 17.
Bird-Of-The-Day & Fancy Pants Bird Of The Day will be the fine looking
male Pintail.
Runners-Up to the Great Blue Heron & the Kingfisher.

Interesting license plates were from Montana, Mississippi & Louisiana.
And I forgot to mention one from Maine the last time I went to River
Park. This area seems to be excellent for plates.

Al Stokie
Local in Cook County today