Interesting Birds of the Preserve

By Tom Jackson

Supporter of the Preserve and bird enthusiast, Tom Jackson, has been studying migratory and nesting birds for decades. His love for birds began when his first grade teacher brought a hummingbird to class. He studied Ornithology at the University of Illinois, is a retired Forester and award winning Certified Arborist. He delights in sharing his love of birds.

American Woodcock

This uncommon bird was seen seven times this past winter in the Hickory Preserve.

They are usually secretive, being largely nocturnal in their habits. A member of the Sandpiper family, they are never found along the shore, but always in deep woods.

Broad-winged Hawk

An uncommon hawk, the Broad-winged is seen much less frequently than the familiar Red-Shouldered Hawk.

This small hawk is here only in the breeding season, probably breeding in the Preserve, and wintering as far south as Bolivia. I know of three sightings this year in the Preserve.

Swallow-tailed Kite

Familiar and beloved to our community, flocks of 35 individuals have been seen this year in and near the Hickory Preserve.

Nests have been observed nearby as well as juvenile feeding areas in the Preserve. Juveniles have a shorter, thicker fork in the tail.

Hooded Warbler

Though uncommon elsewhere, this beautiful warbler is heard singing daily in the spring and summer in the Preserve.

Singing from a single perch about 30 feet above the forest floor, the Hooded Warbler is difficult to see, but well worth the patient effort required.

Kentucky Warbler

Though rarely seen or heard locally, the Preserve’s deep under-story provides ideal nesting habitat for this bird. Usually recorded at least once in migration or nesting season each year, it is one of our local treasures.

‍ ‍ Ovenbird

Almost comical as it bobs and weaves along the forest floor, the Ovenbird is always a pleasure to see. Seen many times each year in the Preserve, this winter resident moves with a high-stepping gait as it gleans insects and spiders from the vine-y tangles.

Summer Tanager

Sometimes called the Summer Redbird, it gives our common Cardinal a run for its money in beauty.

Singing from the highest branches as the sun just touches the tops of our pines and sweet gums, the Summer Tanager’s robin-like phrases are inspirational in the early spring.

Yellow-throated Vireo

This locally common bird nests annually in the Preserve. It’s pleasant, burry phrases are nearly constant as temperatures continue to rise in the spring. Seldom seen and brilliantly colored, it is a real treat when finally located.

Wild Turkey

A very large, but very secretive bird, it is almost never seen in this deep forest.

Heard gobbling every year in the slope forest in the Preserve, it’s voice ranks with the Bobcat and Coyote as one of our wildest sounds. A very large, but very secretive bird, it is almost never seen in this deep forest.