Techny Basin (South) Thursday 1-22-26

[Al Stokie]

Hello Bird People,

I thought I would try to see the Shrike that has moved to Techny Basin
from its original location at Air Station Prairie where I saw it about
a week ago. Parked at the park at the north end at Willow & walked the
entire loop to the south end & back to the north end. It took about 75
min & it was a very cold walk with the temp at about 20 with strong
winds without any trees to block the wind.
But I hadn't walked much in the last few days so I was ready for some walking.
(All sightings for the river were at the north end by Willow Road.)

Techny Basin (10:15-11:30 am)

GREAT BLUE HERON (1, river)
Canada Goose (2, river)
Mallard (45-50, river)
Robins (4 fly-bys & 1 in a tree)
NORTHERN SHRIKE (1, far south end)
Cardinal (1-M & 1-F)
Tree Sparrow (2)
Junco (6-8)
House Sparrow (~20)

The east side of the loop pathway usually has 3 homes with feeders but
today those feeders were either gone or empty. Doesn't look too
promising for checking these feeders in the future.

So only 9 species at Techny Basin plus 2 roadside additions for a low
total of only 11.
The Shrike was only seen briefly at the top of a tree but it dropped
down & I could not refind it.
Bird-Of-The-Day to that briefly seen Shrike & Runner-Up to the tough
Great Blue Heron who is in for a cold few days as are all the other
birds.

Al Stokie
Local in Cook County today in the cold & wind