Field Trip Recap: Sunday Social at Humboldt Park

Sixteen people facing the camera, smiilng, with binoculars and wearing spring clothing, in front of the bridge strut next to the Humboldt Park Lagoon.

words by Steve Whitman

On March 15, 19 birders joined COS Board Member Chris Holden for a Sunday Social Bird Walk at Chicago’s Humboldt Park. Even though rain shortened the trip, 23 species were observed, including several early migrants. 

The group gathered at the Boathouse Gallery, and as Holden began introductions, a Canada Goose surprised everyone by flying up from the lagoon to stand on the railing, just a couple of feet from the circle, and honk incessantly at everyone. 

Unfazed, Holden explained that geese were already staking out their breeding sites and defending their territory. Everyone else pretended like they weren’t afraid of the goose, and the walk began in haste. 

Seen in profile facing left, a small bird perched on a post, wings upraised as it is about to fly. The head and back are iridescent blue and the throat and belly bright white.

Tree Swallow. Photo by Alex Muench, Montrose Point, March 20, 2022.

The first early migrant observed was performing aerial acrobatics over the lagoon: a Tree Swallow. As it swooped, banked, and dove to feed on tiny insects, Holden helped the group notice the field marks that distinguish it from other swallow species that can be seen near Chicago.

Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, and European Starlings made up a few mixed flocks in the trees and grasses and Holden again helped with identification.

In profile facing right and perched on a branch, a small bird with gray head, reddish check, wings and tail, plus reddish vertical stripes on a creamy throat and belly.

Fox Sparrow. Photo by Emily Tallo, Indian Ridge Marsh, Nov. 13, 2022.

Song Sparrows and Fox Sparrows provided another identification challenge. The Fox Sparrows’ double-scratch foraging method was diagnostic, as well as flank stripes that look more like they were drawn with a crayon rather than a colored pencil, according to Holden. 

On the north side of the lagoon, an American Coot and several Wood Ducks gave great looks.

On the west side of Humboldt Drive, a Cooper’s Hawk flushed a mixed flock of blackbirds from a tree and then soared, empty taloned, over the thrilled group.

The group walked the paved path south from the Fieldhouse towards the beach and saw two Kildeer foraging near the shallow water’s edge. Soon after, two Great Blue Herons soared low overhead.

Man at right points to large gray and white goose on cement railing at edge of lagoon while seven people look on.

Chris Holden, at far right, points out the bold Canada Goose. Photo by Steve Whitman, Humboldt Park, March 15, 2026.

Holden timed the route perfectly, for just as the rain started to fall, the group was back at the Boathouse Gallery shelter. Holden set up his scope, and the group had time to reflect on the morning’s sights and take in final views of distant waders in the lagoon. 

The birders who lingered were treated to an additional early migrant: a wading Pied-billed Grebe, capping off another wonderful Sunday Social outing. 

ProgramKris HansenHumboldt Park