Field Trip Recap: Humboldt Park Sunday Social
words by Kris Hansen
Ten people gathered at the leisurely hour of 10 am on Sunday, May 4, for an equally relaxed bird walk at Humboldt Park, the very definition of a “Sunday social.” After introductions and a wish list of species, we tallied the birds on and above the water: Canada Geese with goslings, Wood Ducks, Mallards, a Great Blue Heron, and Barn and Tree Swallows.
One birder saw a Pied-billed Grebe, but it had disappeared—could we find it? We set off from the boat house toward the east side of the lagoon, stopping to admire the American Robin nesting on top of a light on the side of the building.
Baltimore Oriole. Photo by Stephen Pearson, Humboldt Park, May 4, 2025.
We soon spotted a female Eastern Towhee scratching in the leaves as well as a brilliant Baltimore Oriole perched overhead—which way to look? Both White-Throated and White-Crowned Sparrows joined in the ground-level insect hunt.
Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Chris Holden, Humboldt Park, May 4, 2025.
Taking the bridge to the small island, we were mildly unnerved by the five adult rabbits that boldly accompanied us, one following us across the bridge. Ruby-throated Kinglets zipped back and forth while several mustard-colored Palm Warblers wagged their tails at us. Common Yellowthroats, Song and Swamp Sparrows popped up to watch our progress. A Gray Catbird ran through its song repertoire.
Then we spotted it—the rumored grebe! It swam slowly back and forth, giving us good looks.
Pied-billed Grebe. Photo by Chris Holden, Humboldt Park, May 4, 2025.
Back on the trail, we started searched for the White-eyed Vireo that had been reported nearby. It promptly appeared above the head of trip leader and COS board member Chris Holden. As it gave us good looks, he wished aloud that we could hear it sing, and the bird immediately complied. It’s good to be a board member!
White-eyed Vireo. Photo by Chris Holden, Humboldt Park, May 4, 2025.
We continued up around the lagoon, spotting other resident birds, including an American Kestrel, Common Grackles, a Downy Woodpecker and Northern Cardinals.
The Great Blue Heron returned and was immediately mobbed by a pair of Red-Winged Blackbirds. We also saw several other migrants, including a Black and White Warbler, an American Redstart, and a Warbling Vireo.
Red-Winged Blackbird, Great Blue Heron. Photo by Stephen Pearson, Humboldt Park, May 4, 2025.