words and photos by David Rupp

August 31, 2023

Twelve birders gathered at Humboldt Park on a perfectly gorgeous morning on the last day of August to see what early migrants we could find. Humboldt Park is nearly 200 acres in size, but it is the path around the lagoon that provides the best birding during migration. We immediately found a Green Heron and a Great Blue Heron, which noisily flushed when a Red-tailed Hawk approached its perch.

A small peninsula with native forbs and fruiting trees is my usual first stop when birding Humboldt, and it lived up to expectation with a nice flock of warblers. Many of these birds were elusive, but we did get a spectacular view of a cooperative Cape May Warbler and good looks at both Magnolia and Blackpoll warblers. Just a bit further around the east end of the lagoon we encountered another flock of birds consisting of robins, a Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, and a quick Common Yellowthroat. Many of these birds were foraging on fruits in the cherry tree and dogwood bushes.

The bird activity slowed a bit as we circled the lagoon, but we did have a few more highlights. Dozens of Chimney Swifts were exiting the fieldhouse chimney and feeding above the lagoon. We estimated a total of 100 birds! But soon we were distracted by a small buteo flying by. Several people were able to see the perched Broad-winged Hawk through the spotting scope before it was mobbed by a handful of crows and flew away.

A bit later a young Red-tailed Hawk provided a little excitement, as it flew into a tree right in front of us. As we moved into position for amazing views (some of us sitting), a gray squirrel froze on the tree trunk, just a few feet away from its potential predator. After a few minutes, the hawk flew off and both the squirrel and us returned to our normal activity. We soon wrapped up the walk, relishing the beautiful morning together and the birding memories.

Field Trip Report: Humboldt Park