The latter part of 2023 was quite hectic for me. I embarked on two exciting trips, visiting the Andes Mountains in Peru and Bolivia. My mission was to capture photographs of some key bird species in the region for a special project in collaboration with American Bird Conservancy, which is scheduled to be released next year.
Given the significant time commitment required for this project, I found myself eagerly anticipating the spring season, when I could finally get back out with my camera. Fortunately, I reside in the heart of downtown Chicago, which is home to several phenomenal bird photography hotspots, especially during the migration seasons. Two of these nationally recognized sanctuaries are Montrose Bird Sanctuary and North Pond Bird Sanctuary, both situated in the picturesque Chicago lakefront neighborhood of Lincoln Park on Chicago’s North Side. It’s incredible to have these sanctuaries just a few miles away from my home.
During the summer months, I traveled a bit further, photographing birds within a few hours’ drive from Chicago. One such location was McHenry County. I visited the area in the fall of 2023 and wanted to return to photograph some of the incredible birds that pass through or even breed in the numerous County Nature Preserves during spring. In late May, that’s exactly what I did. Among my many favorite birds from this area is the Bobolink. I had a fantastic time capturing these magnificent birds. Some may even say they look like they’ve been dressed up in their tuxedos. Other favorites from McHenry County include the Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Henslow’s Sparrow, and many more.
In July, I embarked on another short excursion within driving range, this time venturing out of state to Wisconsin. I spent a wonderful three days exploring the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Area. While July can pose challenges for bird photography due to the breeding and molting activities of many birds, I find this phase particularly intriguing. During this time, birds may appear worn or scruffy as they undergo feather replacement, but I believe this appearance can be captivating and make for exceptional photographs.
One of my highlights (and challenges) was photographing Black Terns as they soared gracefully up and down one of the dikes. The diverse array of plumages resulting from their molting was truly remarkable. There were lots of birds to photograph in and around the refuge, and I managed to capture some of my favorites, including Sedge and Marsh Wrens, Black-necked Stilts, Willow and Least Flycatchers, and families of Pied-billed Grebes, Redheads, and Trumpeter Swans. In addition to the refuge, we also spent time exploring the nearby Kettle-Moraine State Forest and along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan.
In August, I dedicated myself to capturing birds at several local sites, particularly the Calumet Region on Chicago’s south side. This area, once a thriving marshland and wet prairie, has been severely damaged by industrial activities and human interference. However, organizations are actively working to reverse these effects, and some areas have become haven for wildlife. Notably, the Chicago Park District’s Big Marsh Park stands out as a hotspot with a well-equipped visitor center and an asphalt path that makes it accessible to photographers and birdwatchers alike.
While August can be challenging for bird photography due to the quieting of birds after breeding, it also presents opportunities to observe them in their natural habitats. Some birds leave the area entirely, while others flock in large numbers. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing the local birds, including the Green Heron, Indigo Bunting, Northern Harrier, and Yellow Warbler.
Throughout the summer months, I also spent time photographing birds in and around Indiana Dunes State and National Park. My home in the area made photography convenient, and I often found myself sitting near the pond in my yard, patiently waiting for birds to come in for a drink or to bathe. Additionally, I ventured into the grasslands of Reynolds Creek, a bit late in the season for grassland birds, but I managed to capture some interesting subjects, particularly the obliging Sedge Wrens, American Goldfinches, and Eastern Meadowlarks.
September brought me back to the Calumet Region, where I aimed to capture some of the migrant birds that utilize the area as a feeding ground before embarking on their further southward journey. September in the Chicago area is a warbler month, and it was a paradise for bird photographers like me. However, it’s worth noting that warblers in the fall tend to lose their vibrant plumage compared to their springtime counterparts, making identification a bit of a challenge. Despite this, Calumet always offers a wealth of fascinating bird species to photograph. One of my most cherished series of photographs featured a Northern Flicker that soared directly overhead. This bird’s distinctive yellow shaft on its tail is the reason behind its eastern population’s moniker, ‘Yellow-Shafted Flickers.’ The western population of these birds sports red shafts on their feathers.
September, similar to May, presents an intense opportunity for bird migration in the Midwest. The window of opportunity is narrow, and it’s now or never for warblers; by October, most of them have already migrated south to warmer climates. With this knowledge, I embarked on another photography expedition. This time, I ventured back to the Illinois River Valley, a region approximately two to three hours south of Chicago. This area spans from the town of Ottawa in the north to the southern limits of Peoria.
Most of my time was dedicated to the northern part of the valley, particularly at a beautiful little nature reserve called Dayton Bluffs, as well as the renowned Starved Rock and Buffalo Rock State Parks. The region was full of warblers, and I was fortunate enough to encounter many species in abundance, including Northern Parula, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, and Blackburnian Warbler, among others.
In October, I visited a friend in Golden, Colorado. Fortunately, my friend is also an accomplished bird photographer, and he generously shared his favorite spots for capturing bird images. I had an incredible time photographing the Pygmy Nuthatches that frequented the area—perhaps my best-ever shot of this species!
In November, I revisited a place I had been to years ago, long before I took up bird photography. I embarked on a wonderful trip to the Bahamas, a haven for bird enthusiasts. The Bahamas boasts its endemic birds, including the Bahama Swallow, Bahama Yellowthroat, Bahama Woodstar, and Bahama Warbler. While the Bahama Mockingbird is not endemic, it can be found in a small area of nearby Cuba. Additionally, the Bahamas shares its avian diversity with Cuba, featuring the Olive-capped Warbler, Cuban Emerald, and Cuban Amazon.
During my 10-day stay, I visited three islands in the Bahamas (New Providence, Andros, and Great Abaco), capturing over 12,000 photos. It was an exhilarating experience, and I hope you’ll enjoy the results. Keep an eye out for a blog chronicling my trip, which will be out soon!
As the year draws to a close, I have one more exciting trip planned. During the holidays, I’ll be embarking on a family vacation to Costa Rica. I’ve reserved a few days dedicated to bird photography, and I can’t wait to share the results with you early in 2025.
Well, that’s another fantastic year in the books. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my team—Claire, Natalie, Monique, and Taylor—for their tireless efforts in processing photographs, updating the website and spreading the word on social media. I also want to thank my wonderful friend and guide, Steve Huggins (#guaranteedbirding), for leading me to many of the fantastic locations mentioned above.
