JACKSON PARK — Work to reforest the Wooded Island, dredge the lagoon and clean up the nature sanctuary just south of the Museum of Science of Industry reminded me of a fun-filled summer spent hiking along the lakefront.
On almost every walk, I'd have the chance to snap a few pictures of blue herons, turtles, friendly rodents, waterfowl and birds of prey as they overcame obstacles, hunted for food and struggled to survive without always succeeding. Sometimes, I share them at @konkolskorner on Instagram.
Before Old Man Winter sends Chicago's wildlife — and the rest of us — seeking shelter, I wanted to share a few photographic highlights. Maybe it will inspire you to enjoy Chicago's pockets of nature before it's too late to experience without wearing a parka and waterproof boots.
What's for lunch?
This hawk didn't like it when I stopped to watch him eat lunch — a snake — outside Harborside International Golf Course in Pullman so he took his meal to go.
Winner gets a free coffee
Why did this turtle cross the parking lot in Jackson Park? He refused to comment.
Ain't no curb high enough
This turtle races to avoid traffic near the Jackson Park driving range.
Playing Frogger
I had to get low to snap a shot of this tiny toad. Or is it a frog?
Broken wing and a prayer
Spotted this Cormorant struggling to get ashore with a broken wing. Yes, the bird watching activists were notified.
Bird with a broken wing
Spotted this cormorant battling to get ashore at 57th Street Beach with a busted wing.
Rodent after the storm
This rodent walking along the Bobolink trail was having a tough go of it after a storm.
Turtle tragedy at 63rd Street Beach
Squirrel takes a water break in Pullman bird bath
Find the Lincoln Park pond creatures
Can you spot the blue heron, turtle and goose in this photo?
Here comes the rooster
This chicken isn't afraid. I spotted him and his cohorts pecking around in a backyard garden in the Bush Neighborhood.
Hyde Park birds and a man
Bird leftovers
Some bird of prey was too stuffed to finish eating his Lake Michigan sushi lunch.
Mr. Squirrel of Hyde Park
Pink Flamingoes fighting at Lincoln Park Zoo
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