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Nighthawk Watch at Horner Park


  • Horner Park 2756 Irving Park Rd Chicago, IL, 60618 United States (map)

Field Trip

Join COS for a nocturnal twist on the classic hawk watch, our fifth annual Nighthawk Watch! In late August, when the winds are right, Common Nighthawks move in mighty flocks across the twilight sky. This dramatic display can be difficult to anticipate and is too often overlooked. So bring your lawn chair, picnic blanket, snacks, and other stakeout favorites as we try to observe a spectacle marking the beginning of fall migration.

Your RSVP is VERY important! Because nighthawk migration is so dependent on weather conditions, we are selecting five dates to hold. As the dates approach, we’ll monitor the weather patterns and attempt to select the best date for migration. If you have RSVP-ed, you will receive an email approximately 24hrs in advance informing you of our selected date.

So mark your calendar for the following dates at 7:00pm: August 25, 26, 28, 29, and 30.

Leaders: Sammy Cabindol, Chris Cochrane, Chris Holden

Pre-registration is required.Please contact Chris Holden (twoheadedvireo@gmail.com) with questions.

Accessibility:
Total trip distance is 0 miles. We will be stationary in a flat, turf field. Unless you plan to stand for over an hour, it is highly recommended that you bring something to sit on. Any recent rain may create muddy conditions.

Restrooms are available at the field house until 10:00 p.m. However, the field house is located about half a mile away from our birding location, so plan accordingly.

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. Long pants and insect repellent are recommended.  Loaner binoculars will be available if requested in advance.

Location and Transportation:
Meet at the south end of Horner Park in the field inside the paved loop. Free street parking is available in the park parking lot and along California Avenue. Public transit to site is available via bus route number 80 and the CTA Brown Line.
https://goo.gl/maps/mtFoXauC9J83V1hm7

Respiratory Illness Precautions:
COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks.

Earlier Event: August 23
Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk
Later Event: August 26
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks