Field Trip Report: Humboldt Park

April 5, 2024

words and photos by David Rupp

Although the weather did not feel like spring, the bird walk attendance numbers certainly did, as nearly 20 of us gathered at Humboldt Park on a gray, chilly Friday morning. The parking lot was jammed full of trucks and the lawn was full of college kids; we were surprised to find a civil engineering conference and contest taking place on the park grounds.

We were excited to welcome many people who were participating in their first or second Chicago Ornithological Society (COS) bird walk. My concern that no birds would be found was quickly eased: We watched a Cooper’s Hawk and then a Red-tailed Hawk hunting over the park as the group gathered. As we circled the pond and wetland habitat of Humboldt Park, we encountered a small flock of birds that included a gorgeous male Eastern Bluebird and a couple of singing Fox Sparrows. Later on, we got close-up looks at both a Great Blue Heron and a male Red-breasted Merganser, more commonly seen on Lake Michigan.

Red-breasted Merganser.

Another highlight on the walk was the multiple encounters we had with Northern Flickers, including one that insisted on drumming on the metal light post in the middle of the park. While the walk was dominated by American Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Common Grackles, we also got good looks at an American Kestrel and a cooperative Swamp Sparrow.

Bird walk attendees were bundled for the cold.

Having spotted 23 species, Humboldt Park once again proved to be a worthy destination for a COS bird walk, even on a cold and cloudy morning in early April!