Field Trip Recap: Borbs and Forbs in Garfield Park
words by Steve Whitman
Six birders joined COS Board Member Robyn Detterline at Garfield Park in Chicago on June 28 for the monthly “Borbs and Forbs” birding and stewardship outing. The group observed breeding season birds and assisted community stewards with cleanup and tree identification.
In the midst of a heat wave, the beginning and experienced birders met in the parking lot near the golden-domed fieldhouse to earn their Birder Merit Badges for both hot weather birding and habitat stewardship.
Eastern Kingbird. Photo by Alex Muench, Humboldt Park, Aug. 11, 2024.
Detterline began the summer birding trip by explaining how we can take our time and enjoy the experience of seeing breeding birds’ behavior during nesting season. The first bird observed was an Eastern Kingbird perched on a tree branch close to where the group gathered. “It looks like a penguin!” said one of the beginner birders.
Detterline led the group around the west side of the park on a path that circles the larger section of the Garfield Park Lagoon. She pointed out the “tiny specks” above as Chimney Swifts who were providing their "ubiquitous summer sound.”
Detterline interpreted an American Robin’s behavior, saying how, since it picked up an insect near the path and didn’t eat it right away, it might be bringing it to a nest. Sure enough, the group observed the robin visit a nest in a tree near the fieldhouse entrance to feed its chicks. Several birders swooned.
Canada Geese were in large numbers around the lagoon, and Detterline cautioned us to avoid stepping on the feces, as it can spread bird flu.
Common Grackle. Photo by Alex Muench, Humboldt Park, April 2, 2023.
Common Grackles hopped around and Detterline explained how they raid robins’ nests and the two species can be seen fighting. Luckily, this behavior wasn’t observed. The group did, however, enjoy the grackles’ iridescent colors and strident yellow eyes.
An American Goldfinch’s “potato chip” call, as well as a Downy Woodpecker and Baltimore Oriole, were heard. After a little patience, the group was treated to views of the brilliant orange oriole perched atop a tree.
Detterline pointed out how a Downy Woodpecker’s scruffy red patch on its nape indicated it was a juvenile. It was flying about more like a flycatcher than a woodpecker. “He’ll figure it out,” she assured the group.
Cedar Waxwing. Photo by Emily Tallo, Montrose Point, July 18, 2022.
A Cedar Waxwing perched in a tree right above the path. Detterline compared its beautiful plumage to a water color painting. A birder said, “I like its hairstyle.” At the far west edge of the lagoon, under some overhanging tree cover, a Black-crowned Night Heron was hunting, still as a statue, very close to the path.
In total, 23 species of birds were observed in a little more than an hour. Back at the fieldhouse, Garfield Park Community Steward Carol G. Johnson and former Garfield Park Advisory Council President Keith M. Kelley explained the history of the park and their advocacy and political work.
Former Garfield Park Advisory Council President Keith M. Kelley examines an alder tree. Photo by Robyn Detterline, Garfield Park, June 28, 2025.
With more than 184 acres, stewardship is needed. On this day we were assisting with tree identification for their Tree Guide and Talking Trees Project and picking up litter along the way.
Photo by Moon Kim, Garfield Park, June 28, 2025.
While working on the east side of the lagoon, Johnson and Kelley proudly flaunted the park’s natural beauty while also explaining the challenges the surrounding community faces. Johnson and Kelley are facing those challenges with passion, dedication, and collaboration with groups that benefit from natural area and green space.