Field Trip Report: Humboldt Park After Work

Nineteen people with binoculars, some with masks, in front of the lagoon.

Photo by Chris Holden.

words by Chris Holden

After many days of unpleasantly hot weather, the 19 birders who gathered at the Humboldt Park Boat House early Friday evening on July 19 were treated to tolerable temperatures in the high 70s. 

Similar to on our previous recent evening bird walk, a Caspian Tern served as a highly entertaining opening act while we waited for folks to gather, putting on a show while hunting fish.  We then made our way around the lagoon. 

White bird with black cap and orange bill, wings spread, hovering just above the water with a fish in its bill

Caspian Tern. Photo by Dustin Weidner, Big Marsh, April 20, 2023

We observed large numbers of Barn Swallows over the lagoon and on the lawns, indicative of successful breeding in the park. Similarly, we saw several sets of robust Gray Catbird families, including recently fledged young getting fed by their parents and behaving in manners atypical for adults. 

As we continued onward around the lagoon, other highlights included an American Kestrel, who popped by a few times, a Northern Flicker, and a Baltimore Oriole. Tree Swallows and Eastern Kingbirds, in addition to being their dazzling selves, were also at times feeding their young.  

Perched on a post, a bird with a gree head and back, white underbelly, wings upraised.

Tree Swallow. Photo by Alex Muench, Montrose Bird Sanctuary, March 20, 2022.

By the time we arrived back at the boat house, we saw a total of 24 bird species.

Field TripKris HansenHumboldt Park