Field Trip Report: Palmisano After Work

words and photos by Edward Warden

September 6, 2023

For a day that for the most part hovered in the mid-eighties and sunny, the sudden high winds and low seventies temps were a bit of a shock for the small group of birders that rolled up for an evening bird walk. But it was a welcome respite as we gathered for a relaxing afterwork stroll through one of Chicago’s most unique natural areas.

As we made our way into the park along the wetland complex, we were greeted by crickets… and some urban staples such as House Sparrows, a lone crow, flocks of starlings, and a Downy Woodpecker pair. A large old chimney to the north of the park, on most days not particularly noteworthy, suddenly became very notable as a small band of Chimney Swifts made its way in and out of it. The large quarry pond was surprisingly quiet with only a handful of ducks and geese accounted for a and lone Red-winged Blackbird hightailing out of there to wetlands unknown.

From this point forward the pickings were surprisingly slim. While we weren’t expecting stellar numbers, the relatively high winds and low temps were likely tamping down on bird activity. But while the weather gods take, they can also give. As we rounded the many bends and made our way up the main hill, it became apparent this was going to be a good night for nighthawks. The first kettle was small, about a dozen, but it was big excitement. For some in the group this was a lifer! And before we knew it, the dozen became two, three, five! Wave after wave added up to over 80 nighthawks gracing us with their migratory presence, including a few that decided to swing low and show off, presumably just for us. And with that, we wrapped as an early darkness began to set in with mist-filled clouds. A rather slow evening of birding, but no one was complaining. Sometimes a chill walk on a cool day is just what’s needed.