After vacationing in the southwest US or Mexico for the winter, Yellow-headed Blackbirds have returned to their breeding grounds in northern Illinois. It's great to once again see these wonderful birds that have so much character, one of my favorites. Welcome back!

This Great Blue Heron was pretty proud of his catch a couple of months ago as it was snagged in the middle of the pond and then walked all of the way back to the shoreline where it gave it a couple of thumps with its bill before enjoying the tasty treat.

Just in case you've ever wondered what this bird would look like if it were up above you on a tree limb and decided to look down at you, here you go! A cormorant looks down as if to say, "Do I know you?"

How about a bluebird to brighten up the day! There's just something about bluebirds that put a smile on my face, especially after multiple days of gray skies and rain. This male Eastern Bluebird will do the trick, from early October at Skokie Lagoons.

Knowing that the vibrant sunsets from the heat, haze and smoke would soon be over as we got into late September, I'd scouted out a new spot that would allow not only for an image of the sun, but also a reflection of the sun onto a lake . . .

Watched this Great Egret amble from the south end of a shallow pond/marsh to the north end, using its long legs as an advantage over its prey. It stayed in this one spot for a bit, and after zoning in on a small fish, this Great Egret made its move and lunged . . .