Birding by Transit: Humboldt Park
A Chicago Birder’s Guide to Transit-accessible Birding Hotspots
Chicago’s transit system makes it easy to get around the city without a car. This is especially true if your destination is the loop or the airport. But if your destination is to find birds at one of the Chicago region’s natural areas, it can feel a bit more like you’re stuck without many options. Luckily, hundreds of bird species and several natural areas are within reach of city transit, from city parks, to county forest preserves and a National Park.
— Nearest CTA “L” stop: Damen Blue Line Station
— From there: Transfer to the 72 bus to Harlem and exit at North Avenue and Humboldt (about 8 minutes).
Humboldt Park, in the neighborhood bearing the same name on Chicago’s near west side, is certainly not to be overlooked. This city park’s natural areas circle a large central lagoon that attracts waterfowl, shorebirds and marsh birds. The mature trees and lush fruiting shrubs serve as an oasis for diverse songbirds traversing the city during migration. Popular spots to find flocks of migrants are the densely vegetated island just north of the beach house or the clump of hawthorns just west of the rose garden. Shorebirds, including the regular Killdeer families, may also show up at the swimming beach. Look for Barn Swallows building nests under the arches at the Field House, swarms of Chimney Swifts feeding above the lagoon and potentially a visiting Caspian Tern or Black-crowned Night-Heron.
Scarlet Tanager; Amanda Tichacek
Birding by Transit is a series by COS board member Stephanie Beilke highlighting birding hotspots that are within walking distance or a short bus ride from the CTA “L”, Metra or South Shore Line. No matter your choice of transportation, these birding destinations are ones that every Chicago birder needs to check off their list.