Field Trip Recap: Humboldt Park

22 people in a line in warm coats, with binoculars, smiling toward camera on fieldhouse plaza, green trees behind them.

words and photos by Steve Whitman

On May 3, COS Vice President Christina Harber and trip Co-Leader Ryan Pate led 22 people on a migration season Sunday Social Bird Walk at Humboldt Park. Nest-protective birds and baby goslings highlighted a thrilling trip.

The group was welcomed, not only by Christina and Ryan at the meeting spot, but by a mated pair of Canada Geese that built a nest on a concrete planter. Ryan reported that the day prior, the nest was unguarded and at least one egg was seen. This morning, the male stood guard on the planter and the female incubated the nest. 

Just a few steps into the walk, a vibrant Baltimore Oriole sang atop a tree near the boathouse. 

Immediately after admiring this recently arrived summer resident, the group couldn’t miss a stately Great Blue Heron wading in the lagoon, only a few feet from the path. Apparently, the heron was too close to a Red-winged Blackbird nest, so a male dive-bombed the heron, and even landed on its back, rodeo-style. 

In profile facing left, a large bird with a long, sharp yellow bill, long gray elegant curved neck and oval body standing in water, with a small black bird seemingly perched upright, wings flapping, red patches on shoulders.

Great Blue Heron and Red-winged Blackbird. Humboldt Park, May 3, 2026.

Soon thereafter, on “Grackle Island,” another blackbird harassed a perched Green Heron. Even more “mobbing” was observed when an enormous first-year Red-tailed Hawk swooped down on the island. Several protective parents and other brave birds sounded alarm calls and plunged towards the raptor. 

The excitement continued when Caspian Tern hovered and then dove into the lagoon for a small fish. 

In profile against green trees, a white bird with upraised wings flies left to right. Bird has a black cap and bright orange pointed beak, with small fish clenched inside.

Caspian Tern. Humboldt Park, May 3, 2026.

Migrant warblers flitted in the shrubs, trees, and bushes while sparrows foraged on the ground, giving both new and experienced birders identification challenges. 

About halfway through the trip, northerly winds picked up and a slight rain tamped down the bird activity. However, the 21 participating birders enjoyed each other’s company as well as 32 species of birds.

Field TripKris HansenHumboldt Park