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ABOVE: Phothonotary Warbler. Photo by Diann Bilderback.
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Upcoming Meeting
October 8, 7:00pm - In Person and via Zoom
Topic: From Calumet to Lincoln Park and Beyond: The Black-crowned Night Herons of Chicago
Presenter: Amy Lardner, Founder, The Chicago Black-crowned Night Heron Project
Location: College of DuPage and Zoom
In 1992, more than 1,600 Black-crowned Night Herons were counted in Chicago’s Calumet region, alongside other breeding sites across Illinois. Today, the species is Illinois-endangered, with declining populations and breeding colonies across the Great Lakes and Northeast. Lincoln Park Zoo is now home to Illinois’ largest remaining breeding colony.
Amy Lardner, founder of the Chicago Black-crowned Night Heron Project, will explore the history and future of Chicago’s herons, including research on tracking, migration and conspecific attraction, creative collaborations producing life-size 3D decoys, and the project’s 20-volunteer Heron Ambassador program at the rookery and elsewhere. She’ll share how outreach and education can build awareness and support for research and long-term conservation.
In 2027, the Zoo colony enters its 20th nesting season, while Illinois marks 50 years of listing the species as endangered.
To register via Zoom, use this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WtatvI6kSZSiXJDgk3o7yg
Upcoming Field Trips
Registration May Be Required
Hawkwatch at Greene Valley Overlook, Bolingbrook
Saturday, October 31, 11:00 am – 1:00 pmWarrenville Grove Forest Preserve, Warrenville
Friday, November 13, 8:00 am – 10:00 amLyman Woods, Downers Grove
Sunday, November 15, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pmCarl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve, Rockton
Saturday, November 21, 7:30 am – 11:00 amDean Nature Sanctuary, Oak Brook
Sunday, November 22, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Christmas Bird Count is December 19
The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Fermilab Circle is December 19 this year, and the always-fun Countdown Dinner is a go! This is your chance to join the world's longest running community science ...
Recent News
DBC’s Summer/Fall ‘26 Photo Contest Wants Your Photos!
The DBC’s Photo Contest is looking for pictures of birds taken between July 1st, 2026, and December 31st, 2026. All photos are welcome: amateur, funny, imperfect, high-quality. The”story behind the shot” is considered when judging. The judges want this to be a fun contest as no categories have been predefined – every entry has a chance to win! Note: the judges ask that you limit the number of photos you enter to five or less. They usually do not give out more than one award to the same photographer, even if they submit multiple images. The contest is open to […]
DBC Book Club Next Read – Birding to Change the World
In this uplifting environmental memoir, a professor and activist shares what birds can teach us about life, social change, and protecting the environment. Trish O’Kane is an accidental ornithologist who, in her nearly two decades writing about justice as an investigative journalist, had never paid attention to nature. But then Hurricane Katrina destroyed her New Orleans home, sending her into an emotional tailspin. Enter a scrappy cast of feathered characters―first a cardinal, urban parrots, and sparrows, then a catbird, owls, a bittern, and a woodcock―that cheered her up and showed her a new path. Inspired, O’Kane moved to Madison, Wisconsin, […]
2026 Volunteer Birding and Luncheon, Celebrating DBC Volunteers and Field Trip Leaders on October 17th, 2026
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First Quarterly Wingspan Game Day – October 10th
Our first Quarterly Wingspan Game Day will be October 10th at the Helen Plum Library in Lombard, IL. See Field Trips section for more details and registration information. Wingspan is a beautifully crafted game, where each player has several wildlife habitats in which to attract a variety of birds with unique characteristics and abilities. Players collect food, lay eggs, and draw birds from cards with stunning illustrations and interesting facts. It blends education with strategy, in an enjoyable atmosphere. You do not need to know how to play. We will teach you. If you know how to play, you can […]
DBC to Sponsor Danada Fall Festival: Volunteers Wanted!
DBC will host a table at the Danada Fall Festival, which will be held October 11, 11 am-5pm, at the Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. If you have a couple of free hours to join us at our table and talk with people, we’d love your help. This annual festival attracts up to 10,000 visitors so it promises to be a busy day! The festival includes equestrian shows with riders in costume, horse drawn hayrides, an art show of approximately 200 art and photo exhibits, activities for the children, and food and entertainment. If you’d like to volunteer, contact mwarner2543@gmail.com.