Green Heron in Flight

A green heron took to the air as I walked by a pond at the south end of our development.  Usually they cry "kyow, kyow, kyow" as they fly away, but this one was quiet. It's crest is partially erect, probably showing it's alarm at my presence.  These birds will be leaving northern Illinois and migrating to Mexico and Central America for the winter.

At an adjacent pond I saw a small buff-colored duck-like bird which dove underwater from a swimming position. I've been hiking around this area for 5-6 months and have not seen this bird to date.  Photos were not great (too far away), but have tentatively identified the diving bird as a pie-billed grebe.

The sun popped through a few times, but this was predominantly a rainy cloudy day.