Robin-sized yellow bird with two dark stripes running from the bill down the neck, a dark line running back from a dark eye, and dark streaks on the wings, perched among leaves. — Bobolink (female). *Photo by Fran Morel, Montrose Bird Sanctuary, Aug. 26, 2021*

words by Steve Whitman

Fifteen birders trekked all the way to Horizon Farm Forest Preserve on June 14 to join walk leader Sammy Cabindol on an afternoon trip to observe grassland species. Bobolinks headlined the trip in the extreme northwest corner of Cook County.

Situated between Spring Lake Forest Preserve to the west and Crabtree Nature Center to the east, Horizon Farm provides unique habitat to complement a sprawling region for birding.

Cabindol informed the group at the beginning of the walk that the site features the most pristine grasslands in that section of the county. He went on to boast about the over 70,000 acres managed by the Cook County Forest Preserve, giving the county a high ranking nationally in green space urbanization percentage.

Most of the group had never been to the location before. We were welcomed in the parking lot by Great Blue Heron flybys and a Great Egret perched in a tree in the small lake to the north. After introductions, the first scans of the short grasses to the east revealed several Bobolinks.

Robin-sized black bird with yellow cap and white feathers on its back and shoulders, perched on top of tall grasses. — Bobolink (male). *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Horizon Farm Forest Preserve, June 14, 2025.*

For many, this bird was a lifer, and one by one each birder delighted in observing the males’ striking and unmistakable plumage. One birder described it as a “skunk blackbird” because of the white markings on its back. According to Birds of the World, males are unique among North American songbirds in being entirely black below and lighter above.

Like Red-winged Blackbirds, female Bobolinks have different plumage, with a yellow chest and belly and brown streaking on the head and back. The Bobolinks' vocalizations were also striking. Again, birders were creative in describing them as “video game sounds” and reminiscent of R2D2.

Before following the main loop trail, Cabindol led the group north towards the small lake in the preserve. As the perched Great Egret flew to different spots around the water, Cabindol explained ways to differentiate herons from egrets in flight. We heard an egret vocalization that Cabindol described as a “guttural squawk” or “Mongolian throat singing.”

Large white bird with yellow eye, black legs and a long, thick yellow bill, flying across a blue sky. — Great Egret. Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Horizon Farm Forest Preserve, June 14, 2025.

At the far north side of the preserve, an American Kestrel perched on a large bird box that Cabindol said they may be using for a home. Later, a kestrel was seen hunting in the grasslands.

Cabindol strategically led the group towards some shade at the former horse stable structure back at the preserve parking lot, where the group got closer views of the Bobolinks. Cabindol explained to the group how, due to the diminishing hay fields and grasslands where the Bobolinks have thrived in the state, their numbers are also, unfortunately, diminishing.

Sparrow-sized bird with streaky brown back and head, yellow eyebrow,white belly with brown streaks, and pink legs perched on a stump. — Savannah Sparrow. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Horizon Farm Forest Preserve, June 14, 2025.*

The group then began the loop trail, about a mile long. Along the way, Eastern Kingbirds, Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and a Willow Flycatcher gave great views and provided wonderful calls.

Cabindol tallied 68 Bobolinks on the trip and a total of 36 species.

Field Trip Recap: Horizon Farm Forest Preserve