A White dream in Illinois

Today we got up at 5:30 and started driving. It was crystal clear skies and 11 degrees. We had 8.5 hours to go until we had the chance to see a bird that I have had dreams about for a long time. It would be a life bird for all of us if it was still there. Around 11 am we received word that the bird was still putting on a

show and we kept trucking. Along our route we saw a field full of wild turkeys and a rough legged hawk, both new for the year. 

At around three o'clock we arrived at a marina on an island in the Mississippi River. Quinsippi island to be exact. And the only bird present was sitting atop a steel dock cover. 

Ivory Gull! 

We added a few other birds in the area to our year list including Eurasian Tree Sparrow.  

Tomorrow we finish the drive home and I say goodbye to my friends. Tonight we celebrated with dinner and laughs.

It's been one hell of a run. 9 days. 12 states. 234 birds. Not a bad start to the year.