Chicago tips

Clybourn Express, Hand Car Washservices

We were at our Michigan cottage on the other side of the lake in early spring when the snow melted. The unpaved road we use was a mess; mud so thick on the car we couldn’t enter or exit without mud smears all over our pants. Back in town the next morning I decided that despite the inch of snow from the previous night I had to get the car washed, and washed by hand; no other recourse for that thick stuff underneath the doors, etc.

So, off to an untested spot, Clybourn Express which promised that if I brought the car in between 7 and 10:30 AM (weather permitting) I would get $3.00 off the normal price. I was amazed. The wash for my CRV took at least three times as long as my usual machine wash which had cost $9.95. Here it was $8.95 before 10:30 and $12.00 after. Regular cars are $6.95 before 10:30 and $10.00 after. The operation was meticulously carried out by an army of seven industrious men. Hector was pleased by my compliments, wondering aloud where all the business was on that harsh wintry Tuesday. My car has never looked better.  Clybourn Express, between Fullerton and Costco.  773.404.7200.

Birding At Montrose Harborparks; birding

Beginning about the first week in May or a bit later, many species of migrating birds that you wouldn’t ordinarily see in Chicago pass through the city. Montrose Harbor is a favorite stop enroute to the final northerly destination. You should go early in the morning or at least by 10 before it gets too warm. Take a good pair of binoculars and hike around the aptly named “Magic Hedge” which consists of a large number of trees and shrubs that provide a refuge and refueling center for the aviary travelers. That’s where most of the birds will be found. You’ll see a sign. The birds (and we) consider it a perfect place to enjoy nature with the city’s great skyline as a backdrop. There are always plenty of other birders there happy to share their knowledge even with a beginner. My birding friend Ann has already spotted a European warbler and a black-billed cuckoo, both rare.

Birders are a friendly, off-beat lot, excited about their discoveries. You can easily spend a couple of hours there. If you’re driving, exit the Outer Drive at Montrose and go east; Turn right at the small house with the bait shop sign, proceed on a bit and park. May is birding migration month par excellence, since it is breeding time and colors are more vivid. Another less colorful migration takes place in the fall.

You can access the Chicago Ornothological Society at www.chicagobirder.org. Then click on "IBET-IL Birding ListServ" on the yellow line and again on "recent IBET postings".  That way you can see what other birders have found that same day; migratory birds stay in the area for a few days to a week so the chances are pretty good for you to see the same bird if you rush over in the next day or so. A great idea for spreading the bird word!