Heron, Green-backed**
Description: This is a small, hunched-up heron, visible on logs in the water, stalking prey along the shore, or flying overhead.
Heron, Great Blue
Description: This heron can be seen wading in water, spearing fish with its long beak, or flying over with neck and legs tucked.
One of the most peaceful summer scenes at the Garden is observing a great blue heron standing in one of the lakes.
The great blue stands 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall and has a blue-gray back; long, gray neck; and black and white throat. The heron stares intently at the water waiting for the perfect time to strike a fish or frog with its long, daggerlike bill.
Heron, Black-crowned Night***
Description: Most active in early morning and evening, this state-endangered bird may be seen flying over, sitting on logs in the water, or stalking prey on the shore.
Hawk, Sharp-shinned
Description: Often seen in fall, this migrant raptor may be visible flying over, or in a wooded area.
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.