Who's That Singing in the Moonlight? A Guide to Illinois' Nocturnal Choir
Ever been drifting off to sleep in Illinois only to be jolted awake by a symphony of chirps and calls outside your window? You're not alone. Illinois has a surprisingly vibrant cast of characters who like to belt out a tune after dark. But fear not, fellow insomniacs and nature enthusiasts, because this guide will help you identify those nighttime serenaders.
The Usual Suspects: Illinois' Feathered Night Owls
The Talented Trio: Illinois' owl population is a hoot (pun intended)! Barred owls, with their eerie hoots, Eastern screech owls with their trilling calls, and the haunting calls of the Great horned owl are all common nighttime vocalists.
The Whip-poor-will and the Chuck-will's-widow: These two insectivores have calls that live up to their names. The whip-poor-will's insistent "whip-poor-will" and the chuck-will's-widow's mournful "chuck-will's-widow" are unmistakable parts of the Illinois nightscape.
The Misunderstood Robin: Robins aren't exactly known for their nighttime serenades, but during breeding season, their cheerful chirps can sometimes extend well into the twilight hours, much to the bewilderment of sleep-deprived humans.
Beyond the Backyard: Lesser-Known Night Singers
The Common Nighthawk: This aerial acrobat performs amazing dusk displays, and their buzzy calls are a unique addition to the nighttime soundscape.
The Yellow-breasted Chat: This master mimic can be heard singing a hodgepodge of whistles, clucks, and even mockingbird calls late into the evening.
Remember: These are just a few of the vocalists you might encounter in Illinois at night. With a little research and some late-night listening sessions (with earplugs optional), you might just become an expert Illinois nighttime birder yourself!
FAQ: Unsolving the Mystery of the Midnight Melodies
How to identify birds by their calls? There are many resources available online and in libraries with bird call recordings. You can even download phone apps that can help you identify bird songs!
How to encourage nighttime birds to visit my yard? Leave some night-blooming flowers to attract insects, their favorite nighttime snack!
How to get those nighttime birds to PIPE DOWN already? Earplugs are always an option, but some people find white noise machines helpful too.
Should I be worried about nighttime birds? Absolutely not! Nighttime birds are just another interesting part of Illinois' wildlife.
How can I learn more about Illinois birds? The Illinois Ornithological Society [Illinois Ornithological Society website] is a great resource for birders of all levels!
