Location: River Park, Chicago

Date: Wednesday, 6/10/26

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM

Join COS for an unofficial "heron hangout" in River Park! The confluence of the North Shore Channel and the North Branch of the Chicago River is a great place to spot Black-crowned Night Herons as they fly in to hunt fish for the evening. This will be a slow-paced, social bird outing where we stand at the river's edge and observe feeding behaviors. Suitable for beginner birders, people who don't like getting up early, and anyone who wants to try to get the heron trifecta of Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, and Black-crowned Night Heron in one checklist.

Leaders: Brighten Jelke

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Brighten Jelke (bljelke64@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is 0 miles. We will be generally stationary on a paved path with a slight incline. A limited number of benches are available but you are also welcome to bring something to sit on.

Restrooms are available at the field house until 7:30 p.m. The field house is approximately a 7 minute (0.3 mi) walk from the boat launch area.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a hat and sunscreen/ a light jacket.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free street parking is available. The location is approximately 0.5 miles from the Francisco Brown Line station and 0.2 miles from the Foster & Albany #92 and #93 bus stop.

Public Health:
COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks.