Field Trip Report: LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve

Green Team of St. Edward Catholic Church had a successful bird watching walk in LaBagh Woods on the north side of Chicago. Photo by Liz Heinrich.

by Christine and Geoffrey Williamson

April 27, 2024

It turned out to be a beautiful morning for bird watching for a group of 17 people, including 15 members of the Green Team of St. Edward Catholic Church and trip leaders from the Chicago Ornithological Society (COS).

During our two-hour plus morning walk in beautiful weather, the group saw a total of 37 different bird species in the deep woods at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve as well as soaring over the open glades as they sought food and potential nest spots.

American Kestrel. Photo by Dustin Weidner.

We had good looks at four different birds of prey: Cooper’s Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel. Other interesting birds we found hunting for insects, fish, seeds and flowers, honey, rodents, and other prey and plants included Blue-winged Teal, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and more.

Birds we encountered in the woods and open glades were Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, and three species of swallows: Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and Barn Swallow. We also were able to see a Belted Kingfisher hunting for aquatic prey over a branch of the Chicago River.

Eastern Phoebe. Photo by Randy Shonkwiler.

While migrating warblers were scarce so early in migration, we did find seven Yellow-rumped Warblers. Other deep forest and edge species provided good views for our group, including a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren (on a nest), Hermit Thrush, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Eastern Towhee, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Geoff and Christine Williamson, who have been members of COS for decades and have led many bird walks around Chicago, had as much fun as our attendees!

Many thanks to Liz Heinrich who brought us together with parishioners of St. Edward Church who are working together to create greener ways to help the earth.