Field Trip: Milllennium Park After Work

words by Tess Branklin
photos by Edward Warden

Amidst the bustling city’s din, ten after-work birders met in Millennium Park on Monday, August 5. After introducing themselves and sharing their favorite birds of prey, the group set out on a quest to spot some feathered friends.

With binoculars in hand and friendly voices in the air, the group turned towards Lurie Gardens. Here, where steel and foliage blend into seamless, graceful art, the city's motto, “In Urbs Horto” (City in a Garden), becomes clear. Sightings included Rock Pigeons, American Crows, American Robins, and House Sparrows. 

As daylight waned, the group wandered to Maggie Daley Park, which offered unparalleled views of Barn Swallows and Chimney Swifts, along with many juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds. However, the true pinnacle was yet to come. 

Birders eagerly scan the sky for one of two Peregrine Falcons.

As the group turned back toward the starting point, a Peregrine Falcon was spotted gliding above the parks. After the falcon landed on a communications tower, the excitement ebbed.

But Chicago birding doesn't remain boring for long. Another peregrine was spotted! The COS Year of the Peregrine, indeed! It was the first peregrine for one birder, and one she will likely never forget.

The group spotted 6 species in Millennium Park and 12 in Maggie Daley Park. A truly wonderful after-work bird walk! As one participant, Steve from South Shore, put it, “It was a lot of fun to enjoy the wildlife that’s right here in the heart of our city.”