Barb Dougan

Bird Cast is an amazing example of how modern technology can be used to benefit both birders and the birds themselves. During peak migration, there are enough birds in the air at once for them to show up on weather radar! For those of us who like looking at birds, this primarily serves as a heads up that the next day is likely to be good for birding. It is also used to help with conservation in various ways. If you want to get your own alerts directly, you can subscribe here. Otherwise, the main website is here. Check it out and […]

At our April 9 th meeting, Wally Levernier, Senior Ecologist at Fermilab, and Glenn Perricone, Fermi Bird Monitor, shared fascinating details concerning Fermilab’s continuing restoration and management of its many important ecosystems which began in 1975 and continues to preserve the area’s unique and vital biodiversity. To view the full presentation, visit https://youtu.be/LmmIDZl576w. During their talk, members learned about the preservation activities taking place in this 6,800-acre site in Batavia housing within its borders 2,600 acres which are wilderness areas open to the public. This acreage contains approximately 290 bird species within its five major habitats currently open to the

The DBC Book Club has selected Among Penguins: A Bird Man in Antarctica by Noah Strycker as their next read. From the publisher: “The year he graduated from college, 22-year-old Noah Strycker was dropped by helicopter in a remote Antarctic field camp with two bird scientists and a three months’ supply of frozen food. His subjects: more than a quarter million penguins.” This book chronicles his adventures. The discussion will take place starting at 7 PM on Tuesday, June 9th (location TBA). If you are interested in participating, please email Mike Warner at mwarner2543@gmail.com. 

Did you know DBC members can celebrate and show off their DBC pride with apparel and accessories delivered right to their door? Our club’s online store has just added new shirt designs and eco-friendly water bottles to its selection of items, all featuring our venerable, adorable Downy Woodpecker logo. The free shipping code is DBC-FREESHIP. It is not case sensitive and is valid until 6/30/26. Our shirts, outerwear, bags, and bottles make great holiday gifts for your bird-loving friends too. Get started with your shopping here: https://hyperstitch.com/category/clubs/dupage-birding-club/

A wonderful time was had by all as DBC members Mike Warner, Robert Perez, Denis Kania, John Baker and Bonnie Graham gave their short presentations highlighting their stories and photos from adventures around the world. It was enlightening to be able to see birds from such far-away places as South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia as well as the Florida Keys and the American west. Members shared their sightings of such interesting birds as a Long-Tailed Widowbird, Roseate Spoonbill, the Cuban Pygmy Owl, a Junglefowl, Hyacinth Macaw, Berylline Hummer, Lazuli Bunting and even some tense encounters with lions

Did you know DBC members can celebrate and show off their DBC pride with apparel and accessories delivered right to their door? Our club’s online store has just added new shirt designs and eco-friendly water bottles to its selection of items, all featuring our venerable, adorable Downy Woodpecker logo. The free shipping code is DBC-FREESHIP. It is not case sensitive and is valid until 6/30/26. Our shirts, outerwear, bags, and bottles make great holiday gifts for your bird-loving friends too. Get started with your shopping here: https://hyperstitch.com/category/clubs/dupage-birding-club/

DBC will host an exhibit table at this event, which features multiple speakers, a luncheon, and exhibits. Natalie McFaul and Elena Nelson will represent the club. Darien Garden Club has more than 100 members. To register or learn more information about this event, visit: https://dariengardenclub.com/events.

Lauded by multiple sources as one of the best nonfiction books of 2025, The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne, by Chris Sweeney, shares the fascinating biography of the world’s first forensic ornithologist.  Using nothing more than her microscope and bits of feathers, Smithsonian scientist Roxie Laybourne investigated deadly airplane crashes and helped prosecute murderers, kidnappers, and poachers.  She broke down barriers for women in science and pioneered a new field in forensics. “A biography that reads like a novel,” said The Wall Street Journal.  This one promises to be a great read to start

“Best in Show,” photo by James J. Goldsmith (Rufous Hummingbird) The winners of DBC’s Summer/Fall 2025 photo contest have been finalized, adding to a growing library of stunning bird images taken by DBC members, and the Winter/Spring Contest is now open.  To view recent winning images or submit your own for the Winter/Spring ’26, go to Members Photo Gallery.