Thirteen people with binoculars smiling at camera while in wooded area.

words by Joann Umeki

On August 23, COS Board member Chris Cochrane set off on his maiden voyage as a COS field trip leader at Horner Park on Chicago’s northwest side. Along with many sports and recreational facilities, the park contains a restored natural area consisting of acres of savanna, prairie, and riparian habitat along the North Branch of the Chicago River. Together with 12 other birders, the search was on for early fall migrant and resident birds. This was the first ever bird walk for two participants!

The birding started early in the parking lot, with Cedar Waxwings and European Starlings watching over the group as introductions were made, policies stated, and loaner binoculars distributed. After a short walk east toward the river, the first migrant birds were spotted. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet and two American Redstarts flitted in trees along the path, along with a Warbling Vireo and a Red-eyed Vireo.

Small bird with orange throat and belly and black streaks on orange face and wings, sitting on a twig in a leafy tree. — Blackburnian Warbler. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Horner Park, Aug. 23, 2025.*

Once at the riverfront, the clouds dissipated, and the threat of rain vanished. Many in the group admired the wildflowers and native plants that attracted bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects. And then, high in a tree, a flash of bright orange led to the discovery of a Blackburnian Warbler still in breeding plumage! A Chestnut-sided Warbler and White-breasted Nuthatch were also exciting finds in nearby trees.

The river was quiet, with only a few Mallards and a Spotted Sandpiper coming into view, but American Goldfinches, Barn Swallows, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds popped in and out of sight as the group walked south. Although the Blackburnian Warbler was going to be hard to beat, a Red-breasted Nuthatch came close.

Small bird with orange belly, black back and head, and white streak running from shoulder up across its face right above the short black beak, sitting on twig. — Red-breasted Nuthatch. *Photo by Nick Paarlberg, Horner Park, Aug. 23, 2025.*

About midway down the path, a “Bzeee” was heard as a large flock of about 25 Cedar Waxwings flew over. Later flyovers included a Peregrine Falcon and three Common Nighthawks! Chris informed the group that nighthawks are usually seen only at dawn and dusk, so this was a real treat. He then described the COS Common Nighthawk monitoring program, whose goal is to identify and conserve nighthawk habitat, as their populations are in steep decline.

At the walk’s end, the Horner Park Farmers Market was a welcome diversion for many of the group. Chris’ enthusiasm about birding at Horner Park was understood and appreciated by all. In total, 33 species were observed.

Field Trip Recap: Horner Park