Seven people, most facing away from camera, standing in front of a black metal railing, facing toward thick shrubs and trees. — *Photo by Kate Allgeier, Jarvis Bird Sanctuary, Sept. 7, 2025.*

Words by Kate Allgeier

On Sept. 7, nearly two dozen novice birders gathered on the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary’s viewing platform. Radiant sunshine made the day feel like summer, but the calls of migratory birds proved autumn was in full swing during this mid-morning walk tailored for beginning birders.

The platform offered a perfect view of the 10-acre preserve’s woodland and wetland habitats. Monarch butterflies flickered along the goldenrod, fueling up on nectar for their own autumn migration, while a constant whirl of Chimney Swifts foraged and feasted.

Trip leader Sammy Cabindol created a welcoming experience for all ages and experience levels. Sammy inspired the group by describing Chicago’s unique significance as the birding capital of the Midwest—with support from a curious Downy Woodpecker, listening in from the hawthorns just a few feet above our heads.

Seen from the front, a small bird with white breast and belly, black and white streaks on its face, with a short, thick black bill, perched on a twig. — Downy Woodpecker. *Photo by Wayne Ryan, Jarvis Bird Sanctuary, Sept. 7, 2025.*

The first priority was getting familiar with birding gear. Sammy explained how to select and source binoculars, customize them for our vision, and bring birds into focus. Sulfur-yellow flashes of a dozen American Goldfinches provided perfect opportunities to practice spotting with the naked eye, then lifting binoculars into position for a closer look.

A bigger challenge was the lone Purple Finch among the crowd. This rare September visitor was perfectly camouflaged by its deep brown streaking among the dried flower stalks.

Next on the agenda was learning about the species around us. Sammy provided our mission statement: “First, enjoy the bird.” Before racing to log each new sighting on a checklist, we were encouraged to pause and appreciate this encounter with a living being. Next, begin to note the bird’s color, shape, behavior, and location within the tree canopy. Using all these observations, we learned how to navigate a bird guide and make an identification.

We practiced birding in all directions: from Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds flitting through low dogwood and elderberry bushes, to Northern Flickers preening in bare treetops, to eight Double-Crested Cormorants passing overhead.

Tiny bird with all-gray back and head and a white eyering around a dark eye, leaning through the mesh on a chainlink fence. — Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. *Photo by Wayne Ryan, Jarvis Bird Sanctuary, Sept. 7, 2025.*

Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, a Least Flycatcher, and warblers—including Tennessee, Magnolia, Blackpoll, Yellow-Rumped and Chestnut-sided—demonstrated how mastering bird ID can truly be a lifelong process.

As a welcome relief from confusing fall warblers, we enjoyed the dramatic arrival of two Cooper’s Hawks. Mobbed by smaller birds, the pair soared past several times before perching nearby to allow a closer view.

Following our session on the sunny platform, the group set off along the Jarvis trail to practice birding in the shady understory. Highlights were a Swainson’s Thrush silhouetted on a low branch, and a quick glimpse of a pair of American Redstarts.

After a full circuit of the sanctuary, we ended our walk with 33 species observed. We left comparing notes on our favorite moments—and took with us new skills and a new appreciation for our hometown, the birding capital of the Midwest.

Field trip recap: Beginning Birding at Jarvis Bird Sanctuary