Friday, 10/24/25  -  Hawkwatch the Wall at Steelworkers Park

Location: Steelworkers Park, 87th Street at Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60617

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

COS is excited to once again partner with the Chicago Park District to conduct a morning of hawk watching from the most unique vantage point in Chicago; the top of the climbing wall at Steelworkers Park! Join us as we ascend the ruins of the once mighty U.S. Steelworks plant and take advantage of a perch providing panoramic views of Chicago's South Shore to observe the spectacle of raptor migration.

Climbing not really your thing? No problem. Hawk watching will also be taking place on the surrounding lawn for the duration of the trip providing equal opportunities to search for and observe birds.

In order to allow everyone a chance to experience the elevated perspective, participants are able to stay topside for as long as they are comfortable up to an hour. After an hour, participants can resume hawk watching on the ground and make room for the next round of participants.

Beginning birders and first time climbers welcome. Loaner binoculars will be available and all climbing/safety equipment is provided.

Leaders: Edward Warden

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

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is approximately 0 miles. This trip is stationary and takes place either on the wooden platform atop the wall or on the surrounding lawn. Reaching the wooden platform atop the wall requires climbing up the 30 foot tall climbing wall. Climbing is not required to participate in hawk watching.

Park staff will be on site to assist with orientation, safety, equipment setup, and ascending and descending the wall.

Porta-potties are available onsite.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress for the weather and in layers. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a hat and sunscreen and a light jacket. Please bring bottled water. Loaner binoculars will be available. If you have one, bringing your own lawn chair is highly recommended.

Meet in the round about at the end of 87th Street which dead ends in the park. Free parking is available in the park lot. Public transit is not readily available.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

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


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Registration
Note: We will only use your information to send an email a few days before the field trip with specific meet up instructions and after the field trip with the checklist of birds observe
First and Last Name  (PLEASE ONLY REGISTER ONE PERSON PER FORM) *
Are you a member of COS? *
How did you hear about this walk? *
Emergency Contact - Name *
Emergency Contact - Phone *
Chicago Ornithological Society Statement of Inclusion


The Chicago Ornithological Society celebrates and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in our membership and all activities. 

People of all backgrounds are welcome to join COS and to participate in field trips, program meetings, conservation and habitat management work, social events and governance of the society.

COS seeks to bring the joy of birdwatching to a wide variety of people of all races, genders, sexual orientation and economic circumstances.

Just as all people should be treated with respect, so should the diverse array of birds, plants and animals encountered at events.
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Liability Waiver

I wish to participate in Chicago Ornithological Society’s field trip and understand that I may be exposed to hazards and risks which are inherent in outdoor activities such as birding, both foreseeable and unforeseeable, including the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage and death and infectious diseases (“Injuries and Damages”). I understand such Injuries and Damages can occur due to natural causes, accidents or acts of other persons, including their negligence or their proximity to me. I understand and assume the risks of participating in this field trip and will exercise extra care for myself and those around me in recognition of such hazards.

In consideration of my participation in the field trip, I confirm that I WAIVE AND RELEASE Chicago Ornithological Society, its officers, directors, agents and leaders as well as any other entity connected with or furnishing the site for this field trip (the “Releasees), from any and all liability which may arise out of any Injuries and Damages in any way connected with this field trip, even if caused by the negligence of any of the Releasees. I shall HOLD HARMLESS each of the Releasees from any claims, damages, injuries and losses caused by my own negligence while participating in this field trip. I understand this assumption of risk and agree that it is binding upon me, my heirs and personal representatives, and includes any minors accompanying me on this field trip.

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If you are a minor attending this walk without a parent, we need permission from your parent/guardian. Children under 14 years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
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