The Great Migration

Beginning with the first warm breezes of April, the Great Lakes Region hosts a colorful assortment of short-term visitors. It’s simple geography that brings feathered visitors from faraway places during the spring and fall migration seasons. The Great Lakes are a natural attraction and global landmark for hundreds of varieties of migrating birds. Birds that have traveled long distances over water find a much-needed resting point at the southern tip of Lake Michigan as well as the admiration of Chicago’s bird enthusiasts.

Phyllis Petrilli, owner of Chicago Foodways Tours and avid bird enthusiast, developed an interest in birds years ago by simply noticing the previously unseen inhabitants of her urban neighborhood. “When I started noticing birds I felt like I had developed bionic vision. Suddenly everything around me came into hyper- focus and I started to notice other everyday things I had been missing.” A simple walk through the neighborhood or a slower pace can reveal a thriving avian community within the urban landscape.

Early spring brings a dazzling variety of migrating birds to the Great Lakes Region including some rare shore birds. Numerous finches and warblers populate the still leafless trees and beach grasses. Gorgeous deep-blue jays, scarlet cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, and all types of woodpeckers remain in the Great Lakes region throughout the year and are easy to spot in the early spring while branches are still mostly bare.

Bird-spotting in your neighborhood
With many parks, forest preserves and lakefront areas closed this spring, it’s a perfect time to invite migrating birds to your own garden. Even a small space can become a welcoming rest stop during the spring migration.

Tips for beginners

Invest in binoculars. Birds are best viewed from a distance which allows the birds to feel safe and relatively un-stressed. If you had to fly thousands of miles in a few short weeks you’d want to be left alone too! An inexpensive pair of binoculars is a fine place to start. Look for a pair with 7 to 8x magnification.
Get comfortable. Dress in warm layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. The best time to see migrating birds is, unfortunately, also mud season. Wear comfortable clothing that blends into the environment. In a wooded area wear browns and greens, if on a beach or dunes environment wear light tan pants and dull blue tops. You want to appear, as much as possible, to look like part of your surroundings. Warm socks and rain boots are essential for an enjoyable experience. A jacket with deep pockets to hold your gear is also a good investment.
Maintain a safe distance. It may be tempting to inch closer for a better look, but keeping to the path protects the habitat for the birds and other human visitors.
Be still and be curious. Sometimes the best strategy is to stand in one place and see what birds move around you, the longer you are still the less frightened birds will be and the closer they will come. And listen. You’re likely to hear the birds before you see them so stay tuned. Woodpeckers are everywhere! They’re easy to find if you listen for the pecking sounds and their distinctive chirp.
Invite birds to your yard. As we’re all spending more time at home, this spring is a perfect time to create a sanctuary for migrating birds in your own back yard. Try a variety of feeders and seed to attract different species.
Get to know your visitors. When you’re ready to get serious, it’s time to purchase a good field guide. Try the Sibley Field Guide for North America. Don’t be tempted to go for the Eastern version only. You will see birds that have no business being in Chicago and you’ll need to know what to look for.

The incredible variety of birds that make a short stopover in the urban environs of Chicago truly boggles the bird-lover’s mind. The street-smart pigeons share the city with colorful, at times exotic, travelers for a short time each spring. It’s really something to experience. Getting started is easy. Just go for a walk and remember to look up.