Field Trip Report: Humboldt Park

Photo by Stephanie Beilke.

words by David Hoyt

March 19, 2023

On a brilliantly bright but unusually cold March morning, 16 birders met in Chicago's historic, 207-acre Humboldt Park to experience the changing seasons in one of the city's well-known green spaces and refuges for local and migratory birds. For several in attendance it was their first trip to the park and/or their first bird walk, so enthusiasm was high. The group made its way around the park's several lagoons, each surrounded by a restored natural area, observing a total of 26 species.

All the signs of spring were apparent: the rousing flyovers of Canada Geese, the steady wash of clicking, buzzing and gurgling from Red-winged Blackbirds amid all the reeds and brush. No two sounds more fully express the return of life to Midwestern wetlands in early spring.

The bright but still low angle of morning light provided an excellent opportunity to view the red epaulettes of the blackbirds, mostly males, as they spread their wings and asserted claims to breeding territory. An American Crow or two passed above, as did several Herring Gulls, reminders of Chicago's lakefront location. In the higher branches, an uneasy truce was observed between a flock of Grackles and a Red-tailed Hawk, which did not appear in the mood to be mobbed.

Photo by Rachel Lynn.

On the water below, early signs of seasonal transit were observed: an American Coot, a Pie-billed Grebe, and several pairs of beautifully painted Wood Ducks, all dabbling or resting close to the shore of Grackle Island in the northeast quadrant of the park.

The group continued south and across the Prairie River, where American Tree and Song Sparrows were seen but not so much heard, while the Juncos had yet to make their departure for the northern tundra. An empty Baltimore Oriole nest was spotted hanging over the Prairie River, of characteristic sack-like or pensile construction, a sign that this unique landscape feature of Humboldt Park is welcome to nesting songbirds in the warmer months.

Many members of the group look forward to return visits to follow the progress of the seasons and the changing composition of bird life.