Brown Creeper by Donna Keller/Great Backyard Bird Count
Wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose is mandatory.
Maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet from other humans is mandatory.
Come enjoy birding with us! McKinley Park is over a hundred years old and has seen heavy use since it’s opening day.
Most of the paths we use are paved and about 8 feet wide. There are some narrower paths alongside the lagoon that are about 4 feet wide and topped with compacted rock material that looks like crushed red gravel. A great thing about this location is the variety of options of paths we can take.
This beautiful park is a fruitful oasis for migrating and resident birds alike. With over 7 acres of native plantings, it is a real showcase for the enormous efforts of the Chicago Park District Natural Areas. The lagoon is a safe haven for many waterfowl and occasionally even some shorebirds.
Come enjoy the Goldfinches bouncing back and forth, from shrub to shrub, all around you as you walk the paths around this lagoon. Waxwings are around the bend just ahead of you. Catbirds and Flycatchers up in the trees. Make sure to look into the islands to see some great views into the life of birds. Maybe you’ll get to see the sibling Night Herons roughhousing. Listen to the rich diversity of birdsong only attained with sustained efforts of support through native plants.
Everyone is welcomed on these walks. If you have binoculars, please bring them. If you do not have binoculars, we will have some to lend!
We will meet every second Saturday of the month near the Field House at 7:00am.