Any lead-in here is going to be in sharp contrast to our last post, where Covid-19 was still the main news and birdwatching felt like one of the only things going on. So to warm up with a quick creature report, we’ve noticed that a lot of the migratory birds seem to have moved on, and the big birds of summer, the swan boats in the Humboldt Park lagoon, are back!
The goslings are as big as their mom now – and the day after I took this there were only 2 out with their parents! We can only assume one went on an early college program over the summer and the other two will move out in the fall. 
Indoor creature – Nyx likes sleeping in my office window 
No animals to find in this one – just a really pretty sunset! 
Fewer birds but more bunnies in the park!
Chicago has held many protests over the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor over the last 10 days. So much to say but I’d like to point to Trevor Noah’s short video that sums up so much of what has happened and is happening. Thanks, Mom, for sending me this video!
Around here, as impressively around the world, there has been overwhelming support for the protests and message that Black Lives Matter. Businesses near us put up plywood on their store windows to replace or avoid broken glass in that eventuality, but the plywood quickly was covered with really colorful murals with supportive messages.
It’s hard to see but in the box beneath Black Lives Matter it had said “Be Safe” – old message related to Covid-19 – but was erased! 
This convenience store near the park has a new portrait of George Floyd on their metal shutters. 
Messages of support in the park too! 
Meanwhile, with a surreal feel given that the city was largely locked down (bridges up, public transportation and highway ramps not open for movement into / out of a large central area, and a 9pm-6am curfew) the city followed the rest of the state into Phase 3, with gatherings of up to 10 allowed and outdoor dining with distancing and masks. Also, with increased information about outdoor socializing with plenty of distance being a fairly low risk activity, we had our first social gatherings!
And one evening John and I went over to our friend Cary’s roof top garden for a drink and catch up. It was right before a full moon and a lovely evening!
The governor’s Phase 3 plan continues until new figures are met involving the infection rate, hospital bed and ventilator availability and testing. That might not happen in Chicago for a while – Aussies in particular will gasp at this but we have just got our positive testing rate DOWN to 10% – hence our delight with the progress. Here in our own lives, the last several months have followed some phases as well – phase 1 being Miles and Ashton came here to finish the semester, phase 2 being a month off after finals while they got situated for phase 3 – summer starts for them. Ashton and Nyx left yesterday to go back to Alabama, and Miles and Dylan left on a trip with her family to North Carolina. So Phase 3 for John and I has been back to the empty nest!
Hanging out in the garden before dinner 
Getting hungry! 
To celebrate Ashton’s time with us, we had steaks from the Publican butcher, roasted cauliflower with miso, and a ceaser salad. Thanks John for cooking everything! 
Here’s Miles, Ashton and Nyx (in the carrier) in front of our house before heading to the airport –
the official photo spot that marks the start of new phases!
In the evening, we joined a march in Humboldt Park. Also really powerful to see so many people turned out to protest police brutality and racism. 
The Humboldt Park march went west on Division to California then north to Milwaukee, back over to Western and down Western, taking up the whole street!, back to the starting point of Clemente. When we told Miles about all of this later, he was most shocked that a protest was allowed take up and thereby shut down Western Avenue! Only seen before during the annual Toys for Tots parade!
Above is a video John took during the big Union Square march yesterday. To end on a lighter note (though actually while the protesting is addressing very sombre subjects, there’s a feeling of hope that much needed change may finally happen) here’s a little video Dylan sent today from the road, with a text that read “Pennsylvania past Pittsburg gets super pretty!”:
Great photos documenting an incredible three months in history. So many people out marching in the streets–and all the art. We wish Ashton, Nyx, Miles, and Dylan good journeys to their destinations.
Thanks, Mom! All 4 have arrived safely at their destinations!
Hi All, thank you Cindy for your very comprehensive account of all that is happening in Chicago. Lovely to see those Swans back in Humboldt Park. Fantastic to see such demonstrations..please God it will lead to better times ahead. There is great solidarity among you all in Chicago. We are with you in spirit ! That was a good video Mary. Love to all
Thanks, Phyllis!
Great post. Really is amazing to see all that has been in the news on such a global scale playing out in your local area… hopefully it really is a historic moment signalling change to come.
And yes best of luck to all on summer journeys!