Black bird with medium bill and gold eye feeding a worm to several chicks in a nest under a roof. — Common Grackle with chicks. *Photo by Dan Crosser.*

words by Shelley Weinberg

May 11, 2024

Coinciding with the Global Big Day, a group of birders explored Humboldt Park, led by Stephanie Beilke, Robyn Detterline, and Chris Holden. It was 55 degrees and sunny as we assembled at the boathouse.

The theme of the day—baby birds—quickly became apparent as we spotted two Common Grackle nests in the rafters. Both had babies in them with parents arriving to feed them. Birders who arrived early got to witness one of the grackle parents carrying out a fecal sack. The theme continued as we spotted baby Wood Ducks in the water below. Over the course of the walk, we also saw multiple goslings (some sheltering from the morning chill under mom’s feathers) and baby American Robins.

Since May 11 was the Global Big Day, the group leaders set a goal of 71 species, hoping to beat their previous record of 70. We were optimistic, since spring migration was at its peak. As we began our walk, we spotted a male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, followed soon after by our first warbler of the day, a Common Yellowthroat.

Medium-sized bird with thick, short yellow bill, black head and back, white underbelly and vivid red bandanna at the throat. — Rose-breasted Grosbeak. *Photo by Dan Crosser.*

As we continued around the lagoon, we spotted the Mallard/Pintail hybrid that is often seen here. We also had a beautiful Great Egret circling over our heads, giving us some good looks. Next was a Belted Kingfisher that perched cooperatively for a second on a snag before flying over to the far bank and into the trees.

Duck with long, straight tail featers, dark head, gray bill, with white ring around its neck and a ruddy breast. — Mallard/Pintail hybrid. *Photo by Dan Crosser.*

As we circled the lagoon, we heard Baltimore Orioles calling, but we wouldn’t spot them for a while. They proved elusive, despite their bright coloring. It wasn’t until we reached the opposite side of the lagoon that we finally spotted one up high in a tree. After that, there were multiple sightings, including a pair flying back and forth over our heads several times, seemingly chasing each other.

Medium-sized bird with black head and wings and a bright orange chest, underbelly and underside of tail, perched in a tree. — Baltimore Oriole. *Photo by Dan Crosser.*

Next, we had numerous Warbling Vireos flying over, making their spitting calls. We continued to increase the warbler count with spottings of Ovenbirds and Magnolia, Wilson’s, Yellow, Tennessee, Nashville, Yellow-rumped, and Palm Warblers. We had a few woodpecker species, as well as some flycatchers, including some nice looks at a pair of Eastern Kingbirds showing off their white-striped tails. We also had an assortment of herons, including a Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, and Black-crowned Night Heron.

We then crossed under the bridge to the other side of the park, where we spotted the typical Barn Swallow nests, along with one roosting pigeon. Next stop was the beach, where we spent time trying to identify some small shore birds in the distance, concluding that we had Solitary Sandpipers.

The final count of the day was 61 species. Not quite breaking the record as hoped, but still a very productive outing.

Field Trip Report: Humboldt Park