The past few weeks I have been busy with family visits, gardening, and getting a few projects done around the house, so I have only been out with my camera a couple of times. My first trip was to Mautino State Park in Buda, Illinois. This was the second time I have been been there with my friend Bill. We decided to focus on the prairie area of the Park. The prairie was simply beautiful with lots of blooming flowers! However, the trail had not been mowed, so it made for some tough walking, plus we each came away with several ticks.
My second outing was to Shabbona Lake State Park; again, I went with Bill. I had never been to this park, and it had been a long time since Bill had been there. State funds in Illinois are hard to come by, so many of our state parks are suffering. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the park was being maintained. We spent the morning walking along the beautifully mowed trails and I spotted two birds that I am struggling to identify. So, if anyone can identify either of these birds, I would appreciate the help:-) The first one I believe is some type of wren, but the yellow legs and bill have made it hard for me to identify. Both of these birds were spotted in the prairie grass.
Summer is coming to and end, and I will be back to work in just over a week, so this outing was kind of a farewell summer. It was a wonderful day to be outside enjoying the beauty of nature! If you get a chance, stop by Bill’s blog, The Rural Path, where he focuses on his love of nature.
In My Eyes 
Excellent photos Stephanie! The new camera is serving you well! I’m glad we at least got to hang out a couple of times:) We had so many ideas planned and only achieved about 2% of them. Such is summer. I think the wren that we saw the other day is a Sedge Wren. I haven’t found the ID on the yellow bird yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bill! I think you are right out the sedge wren (those yellow legs are strange though). Summer didn’t turn out the way we had it planned, but I am looking forward to some great outings this fall!
LikeLike
Sounds like fun outings! I too have been very busy with gardening and work. Great photos! You’ve got a good eye. I think your first mystery bird is a Sedge Wren. I agree the yellow legs are different but everything else fits it. The second is a juvenile wren. My guess would be a marsh wren. But I’m obviously guessing on both. Don’t you hate it when you can’t figure it out?! Hopefully someone else will chime in with an identification.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kelly. My friend and I both thought it was a sedge wren, but the legs really messed us up. Yes, I hate it when I can’t identify something. I really have trouble with the smaller birds. I hope all is well with you! I am still loving my camera:-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you still love your new camera! You’re taking excellent photos with it! I’m doing good. Been hiking a lot but birds have been pretty quiet these past few weeks. And I’ve been busy. But life is good!
LikeLike
Wonderful series of photos!
LikeLike
Beautiful collection of wild life photos Steph, I do enjoy seeing birds from other parts of the world.
LikeLike
That was a lovely ‘farewell’ to summer! You captured so much beauty!
LikeLike