Nine people with binoculars looking at the camera with trees and a small body of water behind them.

Words by Robyn Detterline, COS Board Member
Photos by Alicia Obando

On Sunday, Oct. 13, I, along with COS board member Stephanie Beilke, led a group of nine birders around Riis Park, an under-birded park in Chicago’s Belmont-Cragin neighborhood. The journey began with introductions and discussion regarding why this park is under-birded. Several members of our party were surprised to find out that Riis Park does indeed have water: two small lagoons in the park’s southwest corner. The little-known natural area makes this locale a nice respite for migrating birds.

Medium sized brown bird with reddish tail, sharp beak, and dark eye, perched on a twig. — Hermit Thrush.

Our walk started slowly from the parking lot towards the lagoon, where we were treated to the day’s first Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Hermit Thrush. The highlight of the walk came early, when on the west side of the park a falcon perched on a light pole. Our first thought was that the bird was an American Kestrel, but closer inspection revealed he was a Merlin. We were able to get long looks at him before he took off east across the park.

Small falcon with blue-gray head and back, yellow hooked beak, yellow ring around eye, white throat and chestnut belly, perched on a limb. — Merlin.

We moved on to the lagoons, where most of the bird species that day found us. Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, and a lonesome White-crowned Sparrow foraged on the grass. Many American Robins took advantage of the ripe berries the trees had to offer. A young Yellow-bellied Sapsucker worked up and down the trees, and many Yellow-rumped Warblers frolicked. In a small, shady alcove we briefly glimpsed a Lincoln’s Sparrow and were surprised to see a late Bay-breasted Warbler.

Our day ended with 23 species and a good time had by all. One final note: this was the last COS field trip led by Stephanie Beilke, who left Chicago for Milwaukee. We will miss her!

Field Trip: Riis Park