Lavender, bell-shaped flowers on a Virginia Bluebell plant dangle form green leafy stems. — Virginia Bluebell

words and photos by Edward Warden

April 30, 2023

If birding is all about timing, then, not to brag, but we kind of nailed it here on what began as a sunny Sunday walk at West Ridge Nature Park. While the purpose of this gathering was exactly what you’d expect of a birding organization, a bird walk, the dual purpose was to also observe and enjoy some of the excellent native plants also found in this gem of a natural area. And this is where our streak of perfect timing begins. The birds at the outset were playing hard to get but not so for spring wildflowers. The handful of woodpeckers and swallows to be found were hard to see, but spring ephemeral season was on full display. The south end of the preserve burst with the color of Virginia Bluebells, Jacob’s Ladder, Golden Alexander, and multiple species of wild cherry trees. Possibly jealous of the attention, the equally colorful birds began to make themselves more apparent with Blue Jays and Nashville Warblers appearing.

A cluster of small yellow flowers pop out from the green stems of the Golden Alexander plant. — Golden Alexander

Making our way northbound along the eastern edge of the pond, we took some time to observe some delightful kinglets in and around the nature play area as well as learn the differences between the trees in which they foraged. Goldfinches graced us with their presence passing though the young Bald Cypress grove and cormorants flew over head, adding a bit more to our otherwise paltry waterfowl list for the day. By the time we reached the northeast corner, the sun was fully out and layers started coming off. As we took some time to admire the blooms of a large Ohio Buckeye tree, it was here that our timing, once again, could not have been better. Within seconds of each other, several species appeared in what can only be dubbed a most magical American Elm tree; Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Nashville Warbler. And if that wasn’t enough, down at the water’s edge below, three Northern Waterthrush called.

Rounding the bend and proceeding along the western edge, we tried in vain to pick up more water birds. While not even a heron was to be found, several skulking and singing Song Sparrows serenaded us as we picked up a Hermit Thrush and both of the expected dove species, Mourning and Rock. As we neared the end, we took some time stop at the wooden bridge and admire a mighty Alder tree. Unfortunately not a native one, but a beautiful shade tree overlooking what is likely the only spring fed creek left in Chicago. We wrapped up our day discussing how incredibly the site has changed over the years and the very active group of volunteer stewards and monitors that care for it. And in one last stroke of perfect timing, we went our separate ways right as a dark storm cloud barreled in and dumped buckets of rain on us!

Field Trip Report: West Ridge Nature Park Birds & Botany