Field Trip Recap: Borbs and Forbs at Columbus Park

Words by Steve Whitman

On April 26, six birders joined COS Board Member Robyn Detterline at Columbus Park in Chicago to enjoy birds and to improve their habitat through stewardship. The trip was one of COS’s monthly “Borbs and Forbs” events that partner with the parks’ stewards to clear out invasive plants, remove litter, or plant native species. 

The group met at the parking lot near the Refectory and immediately compared notes about birds seen on the way to the park. Although it was a chilly morning, recent southerly winds had brought many passerines through the region, and many were taking refuge in Columbus Park. 

During the introductions, the park’s resident Red-shouldered Hawk was seen flying over the park’s golf course. Local birders hinted at the presence of a hawk’s nest somewhere in the park.

Red-shouldered Hawk. Photo by Madhu Nukathoti, Columbus Park, April 28, 2025.

Detterline led the group first towards the west side of the lagoon. Along the way Song Sparrows and Palm Warblers were observed feeding on the ground and in the trees. Soon the group spotted a Yellow Warbler and a Black-and-White Warbler and discussed their very different feeding behaviors. 

Black and White Warbler. Photo by Madhu Nukathoti, Columbus Park, April 28, 2025.

The group then moved on toward the wooded natural area where landscape architect Jens Jensen installed two waterfalls with stonework in the classic Prairie-style.

The birding on the stone path was almost as dramatic as the landscaping, for just as the resident female Red-shouldered Hawk was spotted, a Pine Warbler was heard and then seen in the bushes behind us. Then, the male Red-shouldered swooped in, being mobbed by a Red-winged Blackbird. He perched on a nearby tree, unbothered, and afforded us all great looks. 

The stone trail connects to a paved path that follows the contour of the lagoon. At a peninsula a wood chip path surrounded by reeds provides cover for birders to sneak up on birds in the east side of the lagoon. The group spotted a pair of Blue-winged Teals and several Wood Ducks, and with some patience, achieved the heron trifecta: Great Blue, Black-crowned Night, and Green were all present. At the end of the natural area path, five Canada Goose goslings and their parents were feeding in the grass. 

Great Blue Heron. Photo by Madhu Nukathoti, Columbus Park, April 28, 2025.

Before concluding the birding portion of Borbs and Forbs, someone finally asked Detterline about the title of the program. Apparently, a borb is a nickname for a rotund bird, or one whose feathers are fluffed for warmth (or style). A forb is a non-grass flowering plant. So, the program enjoys borbs and then works to restore healthy forb habitats. Detterline also attempted to explain “Birb” to the baffled group.

Birbs. Also, Canada Geese. Photo by Madhu Nukathoti, Columbus Park, April 28, 2025.

Detterline then introduced the group to Laura Brentner, who was directing the stewardship efforts at the park that day with Natasha Johnson. The group joined several other volunteers in cleaning up litter throughout the park. A nature walk and scavenger hunt was planned for the young volunteers following the stewardship. 

In total, the group observed 29 species of birds, learned about Columbus Park as a National Historic Landmark, and most importantly, maintained a healthy habitat for migratory and breeding birds.