LaurieVanOstrand

even with good zoom, they let me get quite close. put hand out and one even landed on it for a few seconds.

Camila , from the link I have added here, far Northern Illinois is in their summer breeding territory, majority of the state in migratory path. They like marshy areas similar to areas you see red wing black birds. Hope this helps.

thank you Mona, have not heard if the robin has returned to its nesting spot this year.

thank you. I could not resist taking a picture of it on the sign. While taking more than one picture I could hear the sound of wood snapping.. At local nature preserve. Less than 20' away I watched a mature maple fall to the ground. I think little blue was an angle in disguise. Tree fell away from the adjacent walking path, not into it.

thank you... I have seen them for the past three years.. As I was taking the pictures my cat was sitting quietly beside me.... can I go outside please. Not today

thank you both, timing sometimes is everthing. Right pose, right lighting

thank you both. miss them already. I think some birds here are moving south already

thank you... I took may pictures of it that day

thank you I also had it identified at another site too. Will update.

thanks for all of the nice comments. Was fun watching the pair this morning. Hard decision which pictures to post