It’s easiest to identify backyard birds in the spring, when their breeding colors are on full display. Try a bird walk offered in Wilmette or another local community. Go Green Wilmette offers guided bird walks in Gillson Park every Sunday in May at 8 a.m. The bird walks are free and guided by knowledgeable birders. The Audubon Society, the Chicago Botanic Garden and The Evanston North Shore Bird Club also offer walks. Please check their websites. In addition, numerous apps and books can help you identify local birds. One highly recommended app is IBird Pro, an interactive field guide that includes pictures and bird calls. The app also allows you to search by any part of a bird’s name and includes a “similar’ feature that helps distinguish between birds. Some books highly recommended by the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society include:
- The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, which provides information about the bird, a picture of the bird and range maps on the same page. It is easy to use and covers the whole country.
- The Sibley Field Guides and Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds are also recommended.
- Birds of Illinois by Stan Tekiela is a good resource for birds seen in Illinois. Birds are organized by color. The guide includes photos and gives additional information about the bird (i.e., nests, eggs, etc).
Please get out and enjoy our local and migrating birds in the spring or anytime. Birding is a wonderful way to welcome new seasons.
