My 4 Favorite Places for Photographing Nature and Wildlife Near Chicago
Like this bald eagle, Beverly and Michael Merig took a leap into the unknown, landing in an abundance of nature and wildlife just outside the “Windy City,” Chicago. Image: ©Merig Nature Photography
Beverly and Michael Merig, enjoying nature near Chicago, Illinois.
By Beverly Merig
Growing Up With Nature Outside Our Door
Growing up in Alabama, we always had nature right outside our door. We, my husband and I, both developed a deep love for nature early in our lives. We even spent our honeymoon on a 13,000-acre camp in south Alabama where we hiked, fished, and of course, took photos.
In the south Alabama forests, you might see deer, coyotes, wild boar, raccoons, skunks, wild turkeys, armadillos, many species of birds, snakes, and an occasional alligator. We took our pictures with small cameras and would have to wait a week to have them developed. It's incredible how things have changed now that the world is digital.
A Transfer North Begins a Life-Long Adventure
After finishing his medical training, Michael took a job in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Packing up our three children and a dog, we set out on a great adventure, moving 1000 miles north to Iron Mountain, Michigan. The wildlife we grew up with is a lot different than that in Upper Michigan. We were thrilled to see a wild moose and had a resident Loon on the lake behind our house. There were also American bald eagles nesting near us, too. Herds of deer frequented our yard, as well as wild turkeys, and lots of Canada geese, and one time a black bear appeared.
You never know what you will find in nature, or who will be watching when you do. Image: Michael Merig, ©Merig Nature Photography
In 2008 we relocated to the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. We discovered wonderful, well-maintained hiking trails near us. We walked the trails after work most days and as much as possible on the weekends. The wildlife and foliage along those trails were almost overwhelming. We photographed mammals, reptiles, and birds, including the rare scissor-tailed flycatcher not usually found in east/central Missouri. They were in an open area near a large farm. It was exciting to catch a shot of one of these beautiful birds.
We were surprised to discover a scissor-tailed flycatcher in east/central Missouri, they are usually a little further south. Image: ©Merig Nature Photography
While living in Missouri, we became passionate about photographing wildlife. Our children were becoming more independent, and we had more free time.
Chicago Bound - Just in Time for the Pandemic
We were concerned that living just outside Chicago, especially during a pandemic, was going to put an end to our life-time of nature adventures. We were wrong.
Image: Rawluck Photos for Dreamstime
Just before the COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head, a job transfer brought us from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.
We were concerned that, living near a city as sprawling as Chicago, as well as being travel-limited by the pandemic, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the outdoors, nature and wildlife as we always had. We were so wrong!
The Surprise of Nature’s Abundance Near Chicago
In less than one year in Schaumburg, Illinois, we have already discovered many nature preserves near to our home. We reached out to area birding and wildlife groups through the internet and met a few fellow nature lovers on the trails. They have been a tremendous help in guiding us to great areas to explore. We are thankful that, despite these crazy times, we can continue to enjoy nature through our photo lenses here. The region has more beautiful secrets to reveal; these are a few of our favorites so far.
Our First “Nature Discovery,” Batavia, Illinois
✔︎ Trip Tips: Fox River Trails
Where: Batavia, Il. 40 Miles west of downtown Chicago
What: Walk, hike, bike. more.
Trails: Paved / unpaved. Trail Map. Bikes on some trails
When: All year
How: By car Parking: Yes
Accessible: Yes Restrooms: Yes
Note: East side of river: State Highway 25. West side of river: State Highway 3. Look for entrance signs for parks along the highways.
One of the first places we discovered was Batavia, Illinois, a relatively small city located in DuPage and Kane counties. The Fox River runs right through the town, flanked by small parks and pristine hiking trails that showcase the river and its wildlife.
We have seen familiar birds, such as cardinals, goldfinches, cedar waxwings, and eagles here. Waterfowl species migrate through as well. We were happy to see common goldeneyes, common mergansers, wood ducks, and many others. We always see lots of cottontail rabbits on the trails, too, as well as colorful butterflies floating around.
The Fox River and extends all the way north to the Illinois/Wisconsin border. We have explored areas on both sides from Algonquin, Illinois to as far south as St. Charles, Illinois. Both sides of the river have areas with peaceful views of the water and nice wildlife viewing.
We have found many of our favorite areas by looking for signs along the highway(s) for new-to-us parks and nature areas.
The presence of American bald eagles is our main reason for specifically seeking out rivers. The Fox River has full-time resident eagles. During the winter, more eagles travel through. Frequently, we see eagles perched in trees along the water, scoping out their next opportunity to grab a fish or unfortunate waterfowl. Although we have not yet witnessed an actual catch, we often see them flying overhead with a fish in their huge talons.
Nature Finds Its Own Way
Early this year, we were fortunate to find a visible, active Eagle nest. Michael dedicated himself to documenting the life of the nesting pair. The eagle couple successfully fledged one eaglet.
It was amazing to watch how quickly the baby grew. It was always screeching for food. The parents took turns; one parent always stayed with the eaglet while the other went hunting. To see a parent arriving at the nest with a fresh meal of catfish, carp, or crappie for the eaglet is a majestic sight.
Interestingly, it always seemed that the male would eat part of the catch before delivering it to the nest, while the female usually brought it in untouched.
As the eaglet grew, it began to stretch its wings and hop into the air as if to develop or practice its flying skills. Eventually, the eaglet was brave enough to venture onto a nearby limb. It seemed to be so proud when it accomplished this small leap. It took about 12 weeks for the eaglet to fully fledge and become confident enough to venture out of sight of its nest.
This nest is not located directly on a trail. Instead, it is on private property, the parking lot of Mooseheart Child City, a residential childcare facility, a 1,000-acre campus 38 miles west of Chicago at the intersection of Illinois Highway 31 and Mooseheart Road.
Fledgling bald eagle with fish lunch along the Fox River Trail at Batavia, Illinois. Image: ©Merig Nature Photography
Parking is limited to the shoulders along Mooseheart Road with no ADA facilities or other amenities. However, it is well worth the stop to get a close-up of these magnificent raptors.
We found out about the nest site through a local birding page on FaceBook. It was here that we met several other birders and nature photographers. We enjoy talking to them, getting their tips and scoops about exciting wildlife to see and photograph. We've made some great friends in our short time here.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve
The trails are well marked at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois. Nature-loving internet friends tipped us off to this great nature oasis. Image: ©Merig nature Photography
✔︎ Trip Tip: Deer Grove Forest
Where: Preserve, Palatine, Il.
What: Hiking and biking
Trails: Yes. Paved and unpaved
Accessible: Yes Restrooms: Yes
When: All year
How: By car Parking: Yes
Note: Facilities for group gatherings.
One of our other go-to places is the Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois, another great suggestion from our internet friends. The Preserve is nearly 2,000 acres of diverse habitat, including rolling upland forest, wooded ravines, wetlands, and prairie, divided into two sections, each with a population of unique wildlife.
During the spring and summer, we saw some exceptionally large (and photogenic!) Bull Frogs in the wet areas of both sides of the preserve.
We also encountered Monarch butterflies here. We only recently learned that the Monarch has an imposter called the Viceroy. The Viceroy butterfly mimics the markings of the Monarch to discourage predators. (Monarchs are poisonous to most predators.) There are only small differences in these two butterflies' markings, but they are easy to identify once you see the difference.
Eastern Chipmunks, and their chirping, are abundant in the woodlands here. They are one of my favorite critters.
Yellow seems to be the prominent color at this preserve throughout spring and summer, with bright purple, pink, and red splashes. One of the most interesting plants growing here is the Compass Plant. The leaves at the bottom of the plant seem always to orient themselves so that one edge points North and the other South. The flowers on the Compass Plant are a beautiful yellow and make a stunning evening subject with a backdrop of the sunset.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve is a great area to view and photograph colorful Wood Ducks all through the spring, summer, and fall. We were amazed by watching the different color phases during different seasons. The colors on these ducks are exquisite during any phase and make great photo subjects if you can get close enough not to scare them away.
Surprisingly, the wood ducks in this area did not seem to mind us getting close enough to photograph. We did not see any nesting ducks here, but we did notice the tree holes usually used by wood ducks to raise their families. In late fall, they generally migrate out of the area.
We were also able to photograph the beautiful Sand Hill Cranes during spring, summer, and fall as well. We have seen these graceful birds in many places but could never get as close as we did to these cranes.
After searching and hoping for hours, there they were, sandhill cranes, in my rearview mirror! Image: Beverly Merig of ©Merig Nature Photography
One of the best opportunities I got came after putting all my gear away, ready to leave. I looked in my rearview mirror in time to see a pair of cranes just behind my vehicle. Of course, I quickly retrieved my gear and started snapping photos. It was almost as if they wanted to pose for the camera.
Another awesome sight was a white-tailed deer with triplets! We have seen lots of deer with twins, but never triplets.
Ned Brown Preserve (Busse Woods)
The Ned Brown Preserve offers diverse habitats and that means lots of surprises and opportunities! Image: ©Merig Wildlife Photography
✔︎ Trip Tips: Ned Brown Preserve (Busse Woods)
Where: Cook County Il,
What: Walk, hike, boat, kayak
Trails: Paved and unpaved.
Accessible: Yes. Restrooms: yes
When: Sections closed winter.
How: By car Parking: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes (terrific ones)
Note: Weekdays best. Look for lesser used side trails.
Leashed dogs OK.
The largest area we found so far is one of the closest to us. Ned Brown Preserve (Busse Woods) is a 3700-acre forest preserve in Cook County, Illinois. This Preserve includes ancient upland forests, one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County, and nearly 13 miles of paved trails. It is one of the best-used natural areas in Illinois.
Weekends can be quite crowded at Ned Brown Preserve, but a few side trails are a little less populated.
We don't see too many bird watchers or photographers on these trails even though they are great for seeing birds such as the American Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, and the loud, boisterous Blue Jay. Most of the time we go on weekdays, which is much more peaceful.
The preserve is located, specifically, in the villages of Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows and borders Schaumburg. This preserve is home to a plethora of small mammals, Raccoons, Rabbits, Chipmunks, and lots of squirrels. But there is a balancing factor, too.
Toward the end of September, we watched a coyote calmly strolling through a field with his dinner of a small rodent. It seems strange to watch a coyote in front of you while simultaneously seeing tall buildings only about a quarter of a mile in the distance behind it. We also had a close coyote encounter when one walked onto the trail just a few feet in front of us near dusk one evening. That got my heart racing!
Exploring Ned Brown Preserve from the water on a crisp autumn day. Image: ©Merig Nature Photography
We discovered an active American Bald Eagle nest here plus an active Osprey nest while hiking this preserve. You can see the bald eagle nest from Interstate 90. The nesting pair successfully fledged two eaglets this year. We could not get very close to the nest, but binoculars and cameras gave us clearer views. We take full advantage of our photographic opportunities here.
The fall colors here were absolutely breathtaking! The array of colors was like a painter's palette with different shades of red, yellow, and green. I sometimes try to get creative with my lens ball, and fall is a great time to experiment. A lens ball is a glass sphere used to enhance a scenic photo and give it a different perspective. Lens balls come in different sizes, are not expensive, and are great fun to use.
The Village of Lombard, Ill
Wild monk parrots were probably introduced by the pet trade, they survive, but their feet tell the tale of an introduced species not prepared for Chicago’s weather. Image: ©Merig Nature Photography
✔︎ Trip Tips: Wild Parrots
Where: Lombard, Il. Intersection: Great Western Trail / Swift Rd, west of Interstate 355.
What: Gravel trail, wild parrots.
Accessible: Questionable
When: All year
How: Car Parking: Limited
Restrooms: No Picnic Area: No
Note: Look near power plant
One last area is a village in DuPage County named Lombard. We got a tip that directed us to a population of wild Monk Parakeets (also known as Quaker Parrots). We do not know the entire story of how they got there, but we were glad to see this uncommon sight.
We found the parrots near a ConEd power plant where the Great Western Trail crosses Swift Road, just west of Interstate 355. This area only has a small gravel parking lot with no other facilities. The trail is gravel as well.
The first documented nest of wild parrots in the area dates back to 1973. Dr. Stephen Pruett-Jones at the University of Chicago theorizes that the birds arrived through the pet trade, which peaked during the 1960s.
We noticed that most of the birds have "clubbed" toes. Some people speculate it is due to frostbite from the severe winters here. A few birders and photographers we asked agreed.
Wild monk parrots, also known as Quaker parrots were a good-luck talisman for Harold Washington, the first black mayor of Chicago. These are foraging on the grounds of the Con Ed power station. Image: ©Merig Nature Photography
The Adventure Continues!
These areas are only a few of the places we have enjoyed so far. Most, but not all, are part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Note: Certain other spots worth exploring are presently closed because of the pandemic as their trails and pathways are too narrow for people to pass while social distancing. However, we still have many more available areas to explore near us and look forward to discovering more stunning wildlife near the city. We will keep you posted!
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