Any Wildlife around Chicago?

[jdhill]

Hi all! I recently moved to the city of Chicago (up in Wrigleyville) and I'm really missing the deer, coyotes, coons, birds, and other critters in the forest preserves in the southwest suburbs. I don't have a car, so I'm curious as to what the city and surrounding suburbs close the CTA train/bus stops have to offer

The only things I know about are the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Montrose Bird Sanctuary. There are some great opportunities to shoot there, especially with dawn/dusk light, but I miss going out by myself, off the trails and stumbling upon some deer.

I know I'm being nostalgic and there aren't many spots close to Chicago where that will happen, but PLEASE help me out if you know of anything! (preferably within an affordable cab ride from a CTA bus/train stop)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_d_hill/6908907648

http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_d_hill/6909863003

http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_d_hill/7647405818/

[Tommydigi]

I live near the Des Plains river and thatcher woods and we have lots of deer, raccoons and typical stuff you see in the woods. Just about 10 miles out of the city. I honestly don't take full advantage of all the cool stuff to shoot in Chicago.


Rusty Bridge by Tommy DiGiovanni, on Flickr


Deer by Tommy DiGiovanni, on Flickr


river_fall by Tommy DiGiovanni, on Flickr

[jdhill]

Originally Posted by Tommydigi

I live near the Des Plains river and thatcher woods and we have lots of deer, raccoons and typical stuff you see in the woods. Just about 10 miles out of the city. I honestly don't take full advantage of all the cool stuff to shoot in Chicago.

Great shots, Tommy! Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have to venture out that way soon

I agree, there are tons of cool things to shoot in the city, and it's forced me to take interest of new kinds fo photography. But honestly, I still have the itch to get out and shoot critters haha

[Tommydigi]

Thanks, also lots of great places to eat out this way. Kind of a bonus, especially if you like italian or pizza.

There are lots of forest preserve if you travel a bit out of the city. The Botanic gardens is nice if you can make it up north.

Also this thread may be worth looking through
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=992894

[jdhill]

Originally Posted by Tommydigi

Thanks, also lots of great places to eat out this way. Kind of a bonus, especially if you like italian or pizza.

There are lots of forest preserve if you travel a bit out of the city. The Botanic gardens is nice if you can make it up north.

Some za sounds delicious after a long day of shooting!

Overall, it sounds like I need to call my friends that have cars

[jdhill]

Just wanted to give everyone an update...I went to Montrose Bird Sanctuary and got my 'wildlife fix' in!

I'd recommend it to anyone in the city, especially those who like birds

http://flic.kr/p/cEQGxy
http://flic.kr/p/cEQFXN
http://flic.kr/p/cEQGry
http://flic.kr/p/cEQGE5
http://flic.kr/p/cEQGcU
http://flic.kr/p/cEQFo3
http://flic.kr/p/cEQFub
http://flic.kr/p/cEQGLJ
http://flic.kr/p/cEQEX1

[super chet]

Try the Redhead Piano Bar--lots of cougars.

[rick_reno]

rats? there should be rats everywhere. i'm sure there is some dangerous wildlife that roams around Englewood, especially after dark.

[silvrr]

Montrose has the song birds and the beach just north of it has a nice population of shore birds also as you have found.

The south pond at Lincoln Park at certain times of the year has a large population of Black Crowned night herons. There are also a few great blue herons and little green herons that I have spotted there. The north pond has a large bird influx in the spring and duck and geese through the summer. Youll get a few herons there also.

If you have a car visit this forum (local chicago forum)
http://chicagophotoshop.com/forums/

The guys in the burbs find some nice spots for both seasonal and year round critters.

[Hoosier Writer]

Just a little farther away is Indiana Dunes State Park by Portage, Indiana. Lots a native plants that are not found anyplace else on earth.