Outside the Lincoln Park Zoo is South Pond with its incredible prairie lands surrounding the entire pond. This effort was part appreciation for Illinois’ nickname, “the Prairie State” as well as finding a way to control lake erosion. Red wing Blackbirds make their nests each spring in the tall prairie grasses. And the male Red wing Blackbird vigorously protect up to a dozen nests. The male birds will literally follow you around if too close to a nest and make loud warning calls. This one sits high atop a Compass Plant sunflower bud overseeing his section of prairie.Copyright 2024 Pamela BreitbergThe Compass Plant native seems to be its preferred lookout tower this morning. Copyright 2024 Pamela Breitberg
