Hawk, Rough-legged
Description: Look for this uncommon winter migrant flying over from late fall through early spring, or less frequently perched in the top of a tree in the Dixon Prairie.
Hawk, Red-tailed***
Description: This raptor is likely to be seen year-round in any location at the Garden or flying overhead.
Hawk, Red-shouldered
Description: This hawk prefers wet woodlands and floodplains. It may be seen in the Garden's woodland, but is more likely to be spotted flying overhead during late fall migration.
Hawk, Cooper's***
Description: Once threatened in Illinois, this now commonly seen raptor may be spotted anywhere in the Garden.
Note: This is an image of a juvenile bird and not an adult.
Hawk, Broad-winged*
Description: The only visiting raptor may be seen in the woodland in summer, or more likely, flying over in September in large flocks or kettles of at 50 or more.
Harrier, Northern
Description: This state-endangered grassland-nesting raptor may be seen flying over the Garden on migration.
Gull, Thayer's
Description: This is a rare gull species most often seen on Garden lakes during spring melt periods.
Gull, Ring-billed
Description: Spot this common gull species on the lake ice during spring melt periods, or at other times either flying or swimming.
Gull, Little
Description: Possibly visible flying over the Garden, this rare, exotic gull species has become naturalized in North America.
Gull, Lesser Black-backed
Description: This is a rare black-backed gull species most likely seen on the lake ice in spring or winter.