Field Trip: Nighthawk Watch at Horner Park

words by Brighten Jelke

Every fall, Common Nighthawks in groups called kettles begin migration by following food sources such as dragonflies and other insects. “Our hope is to catch them in the act of moving south, chasing those insects,” explained trip leader and COS President Edward Warden. “With the temperature drop and pressure system moving in, it might also move some birds.”

“Catch” is really the operative word, because while nighthawks can be spotted all over the city, certain weather and lighting conditions can make them easier to find. Horner Park, with its outdoor sport lighting and wide open fields, is an excellent setting for an evening group watch. In addition, the location along the Chicago River makes for an abundance of dragonflies, perfect for attracting nighthawks.

Common Nighthawk. Photo by Geoff Williamson, Momence Wetlands, May 26, 2017.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, it was pleasantly clear and breezy after some late summer storms the evening before. About 25 participants gathered for the third annual Nighthawk Watch, and those who arrived right at the start were rewarded by the sight of four sets of distinctly white-patched wings, diving and looping in the air above the baseball field. Several more birds soon appeared.

Nighthawks are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Unfortunately, the floodlights were not turned on that evening, making it difficult for the group to spot any activity after sunset. The birds did slow down quite a bit after the initial burst of activity.

Common Nighthawk. Photo by Matt Zuro, Westchester, Aug. 28, 2022.

Other species spotted included Chimney Swifts, Barn Swallows, and large numbers of gulls. At the end of the night, a Big Brown Bat stole the show by continuously flying within a few feet of everyone’s heads!