Twelve people in winter clothing and with binoculars, on a bridge over the river with a larger bridge in the background.

words by COS board member Jake Vinsel

Early on Saturday morning, April 19, 12 birders joined trip leader Jake Vinsel for a walk at Indian Ridge Marsh. Even before brief introductions, the group was already spotting birds and moving briskly to get the blood flowing on a cold, wet, misty morning. The first sightings included Northern Flickers, Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, a surprising number of Great Egrets, and Tree Swallows in the tens and hundreds.

Very large white bird with long, pointed orange bill, long neck pulled close to its body in a U shape, and outstretched think black legs, flying. — Great Egret. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Indian Ridge Marsh, April 19, 2025.*

The group worked south through the marsh, picking up the songs of Song Sparrows and getting eyes on a White-throated Sparrow and Downy Woodpeckers. Waterfowl activity increased, with clear views of Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, Blue- and Green-winged Teal, and Mute Swan. Several Caspian Terns turned overhead, hunting. The highlight of this stop, though, was a Sora that first called from the reeds, then gave extended, clear views as it moved through the vegetation.

Very large white bird with black face mask and pink rounded bill, swimming in the water. — Mute Swan. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Indian Ridge Marsh, April 19, 2025.*

As the group made its way toward the Side-stream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) station, we paused to appreciate the impressive work of park supervisor Stephen Bell and his team at the Chicago Park District. Their effort—enhancing bridges and trails, planting native species, and managing invasives—has transformed the site. The results are obvious and deeply appreciated by COS members and the wider birding community.

Approaching the Calumet River and the Torrence Avenue Bridge, we spotted more Song Sparrows and had good views of American Coot while scanning for Peregrine Falcons. The group used its “creature powers” and the search paid off: one was perched on the south side of the bridge, a definite highlight of the walk.

Past the SEPA system and its neighboring bridges, we discussed the site’s unique beauty—a convergence of natural splendor and Chicago’s industrial past and present. We stopped for a quick group photo before moving on.

Two smallish birds perched on a stick, the lower one with its beak open and pointed at the upper bird. Both are iridescent blue with white chins, throat and breasts. — Tree Swallows. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Indian Ridge Marsh, April 19, 2025.*

Along the creek that houses the marsh’s water control feature, we picked up Dark-eyed Juncos, two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and a Field Sparrow. Returning along the SEPA access road, we gained a broader view of the marsh, spotting new waterfowl species, including Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, and Green Heron.

As the walk wrapped up, some participants headed back to the parking lot to warm up, while others returned to the Sora spot hoping for another rail. No new rails emerged, but we heard a Pied-billed Grebe calling from the reeds.

Tree Swallows flew directly overhead, a Great Blue Heron passed close by, and the Peregrine Falcon made a final dramatic flyby, reclaiming its perch on the bridge. A Lesser Yellowlegs also flew over.

Very large bird with brown body, white heat and neck, hooked yellow bill and yellow talons perched on top of a dead tree. — Bald Eagle. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Indian Ridge Marsh, April 19, 2025.*

Back at the parking lot, an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree just across 122nd Street—a fitting finale to a memorable outing that revealed 45 species. Although it was damp and cold, the group had a great walk enjoying an amazing site that is a hidden gem in Chicago. Put Indian Ridge Marsh on your short list of new sites to visit soon!

Field Trip Recap: Indian Ridge Marsh