Field Trips

No registration required.
Beginning birders and seasoned birders welcome! This is a shorter field trip lasting from an hour to an hour and a half and covering a shorter distance. We will be looking for early spring migrants. Meet at the Herrick Road Parking lot located on the East side of Herrick road about a quarter mile south of Butterfield Rd. Herrick Lake FP Dress for the weather, bring bug spray, and drinking water.
Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Registration required, limit 10 people.  Call or text only to register.
On this trip, we will visit multiple birding hotspots in Northeastern DuPage County. We will cover several kinds of habitats, and spring migration is upon us, so many species are possible. Contact trip leader for the meeting location and expect to drive from point to point on this trip. This trip will last a few hours, and the option to meet for lunch afterwards is optional; but participants can always leave early if necessary.
Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.
This morning trip will focus on woodland migrants passing through our area. This is a popular migrant hotspot in both spring and fall. If birds are on the move, we will be in a great location to view them. Meet in the first parking lot after entering the preserve. The entrance is at the intersection of Raymond Dr. and McDowell Rd. where there is a stoplight.
Leader: Denis Kania,  djkan36@gmail.com

A hundred or more birders will fan out across DuPage County to identify all the bird species they can find. A group of birders will be in the field somewhere near your home. Come join us; we need more birders to make it possible to cover as many locations within the county as we can. You don't have to be an expert birder to participate; all skill levels are welcome. Even if you can only bird for part of the day, we can use you. And if that’s your preference, you’ll probably be able to look for birds close to home, since we divide the county into 17 areas, with teams scouring each area. To volunteer or find out more information.
Email Joe Suchecki at DuPagesbc@gmail.com

Pre-registration not required. 
This morning trip will be oriented toward spring migration and resident birds. Lyman has a variety of habitats to explore for these birds. Meet in the parking lot in front of Lyman Woods Interpretive Center, located one block east of Highland Avenue on 31st Street. Boots are HIGHLY recommended as trails are often muddy. Contact leader if you have questions. 
Leader: Matt Hejna,  mhejna@gmail.com

Pre-registration not required, but text any questions. 
We’ll walk at least 3 miles searching this watershed for all the spring migrants, summer breeding birds, and a couple resident specialties. PLEASE be prepared for rocky, root-filled trails along the creek, and hills throughout. Bring lunch so we can eat together in the picnic shelter afterwards. Park in the large new parking lot just southeast of the intersection of Cass and Bluff (enter from Bluff Rd. and listen for nesting Pine Warblers singing.)
Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630-297-9512

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.
Meet at the parking lot for McDowell Grove Forest Preserve on Raymond Road just south of I-88. Field trip to look for migrants, especially warblers. Bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader at to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.
Leader: Joe Suchecki,  dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.
Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is a traditionally an excellent spot for warblers. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go west on Gary’s Mill Rd. to the Preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and boots for muddy trails.
Leader: Denis Kania,  djkan36@gmail.com

Pre-registration is required for this trip (please email), limit 8 participants. 
A more casual evening trip primarily for the after-work crowd that can't get out in the middle of the day during migration, but any and all participants are welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of I-88. Those using GPS can set navigation to
the Danada House. Plan to meet at the north end of the parking lot near the entry kiosk and area with benches and bike racks. 
Leader: William Pixler,  pillwixler@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.
This walk with be geared towards new birders, but any level of birder is invited. Lambert Lake is a hidden gem surrounded by shrubby woodland and a small lake to see an assortment of ducks and waders. Our walk will focus on migratory birds, including warblers, orioles, and vireos. A wood chip trail encircles the lake, but spots can be muddy. A few trails to the south can be a good spot for warblers. Those trails can also be muddy and some have an incline. Please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet in the parking lot off of Lambert Rd., just south of Roosevelt Rd. 
Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750,  Coye72112@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.
Between 1979 and 1992 more than 100 parcels of land were assembled to form the core of this park. Today it is one of the most accessible natural areas in DuPage County, having wood chip trails and a floating boardwalk. There is a small prairie and an oak forest
besides the marsh. The walk should be between one hour fifteen minutes and two hours and cover approximately a mile.
Directions: The entrance to Lincoln Marsh is on the west side of the park, at the corner of Harrison St. and Pierce Ave. From County Farm Rd., turn east on Harrison St. and proceed one mile to the parking lot. If entrance gate is locked, be prepared to park along the street. (People who use their GPS are misdirected to the Lincoln Marsh Office).
Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721,  joceb2005@sbcglobal.net

Pre-registration is required for this trip (please email), limit 8 participants. 
A more casual evening trip primarily for the after-work crowd that can't get out in the middle of the day during migration, but any and all participants are welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of I-88. Those using GPS can set navigation to the Danada House. Plan to meet at the north end of the parking lot near the entry kiosk and area with benches and bike racks. 
Leader: William Pixler,  pillwixler@gmail.com

The Horicon field trip is full.   If you would like to be put on a waiting list in case there are any openings send Natalie an email.  
Natalie at natcatcher7gmail.com

Join DBC members on a field trip to Horicon Marsh May 18 and 19. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Horicon Marsh covers 32,000 acres and is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. It has been recognized by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations as a Wetland of International Importance. More than 300 species of birds have been sighted at the marsh. We are hoping to see as many of them as we can! Possible birds are: herons, least bittern, marsh wren, white pelicans, yellow-headed blackbird, rails and terns.

There are several planned activities for the weekend. You may pick and choose what you would like to do. You must register for any activities you choose by April 1st so that we have firm numbers to give our hosts.

Saturday, May 18, at 12:30 we will meet at the Horicon Education & Visitor Center (Wisconsin DNR) for a history and introduction to the marsh. This is a great place to get to know Horicon and learn about the trails and birding options. Director Liz Herzman will guide us through the exhibits and answer all our questions.

Saturday afternoon, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. we have made arrangements for a special boat tour for those who want to explore the marsh on the water. Blue Heron Landing will take us on a two-hour birders’ charter boat. The boat trip will include an expert local guide from the Horicon Marsh Birding Club who tends to keep track of where the most interesting sightings are located any given day. This is the only event with a fee. There is a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16 participants for this boat tour. The cost is $38 per person, and we require a firm commitment with payment by April 1.

Saturday evening, before sunset, drive through the three-mile paved Autotour road at the northwest corner of Horicon Marsh to the Egret Trail and floating boardwalk. Many of the waterfowl fly over the one-quarter mile long boardwalk en route to the middle of the marsh for the night, so this should be a good opportunity to see them. The Autotour also boasts five miles of hiking/biking trails.

Sunday morning, May 19, we will meet at the Horicon Education & Visitor Center parking lot at 7:00 a.m. for a field trip led by local birder Jeff Bahls from the Wisconsin DNR, who is also President of the Horicon Marsh Birding Club. This will be about a five-hour trip in which we will carpool to different birding hot spots and walk the trails. The trails are level and most are gravel. There will be opportunities for restroom stops as we move from area to area. We will also have transportation back to the Nature Center should anyone want to return early. This is a great opportunity to bird the marsh with someone who knows it intimately.

You may choose to join us on any or all of the above planned activities. There is no fee for the Saturday afternoon visit to the Horicon Education and Visitors center with Liz Herman and there is no fee for the Sunday morning field trip with Jeff Bahls, but you must register for them by April 1. There is a $38 fee for the boat ride on Saturday and, again, you must register by April 1.

There is a scenic three-mile paved Autotour road at the northwest corner of Horicon Marsh which takes you to the Egret Trail and floating boardwalk. Many of the waterfowl fly over the one-quarter mile long boardwalk en route to the middle of the marsh for the night so this would be a good evening or early morning activity if you have the time. The Autotour also boasts five miles of hiking/biking trails.

Horicon Marsh is one of the most diverse birding areas in the Midwest. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore it with some very knowledgeable locals as your guides!

Please note: If you are planning to spend the night in the area, be aware there are limited lodging options and they fill up fast in May. We strongly suggest you make your lodging reservations now! Natalie has a list of lodging options.

This trip has been organized by Natalie McFaul and Sherry Courtney.
Contact Natalie McFaul at natcatcher7@gmail.com to register, for details, and to answer any questions.

You may register for any or all of the activities. Hope you can join us!
To find out more about Horicon Marsh, check out this video: Horicon Marsh Video

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.
On this trip we will be meeting in the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot which allows us to explore the most amount of habitat possible on this morning. We will attempt to see and hear the most number of species possible, which could include everything from shorebirds to warblers, sparrows and other migrating passerines. 
Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Pre-registration not required.
This is a field trip for anyone who finds the long walks of our regular field trips too difficult or who would just like a less vigorous birding experience but still share the comaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group and look for spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. The entrance to Hidden Lake is on the east of side of Route 53 a quarter mile south of Butterfield Road. We will meet in the south parking lot (turn right as you enter the park and drive all the way down to the south parking lot.) Bring a lawn chair, water, bug spray and dress for the weather. Hidden Lake FP
Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Pre-registration is required for this trip (please email), limit 8 participants. 
A more casual evening trip primarily for the after-work crowd that can't get out in the middle of the day during migration, but any and all participants are welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of I-88. Those using GPS can set navigation to the Danada House. Plan to meet at the north end of the parking lot near the entry kiosk and area with benches and bike racks. 
Leader: William Pixler,  pillwixler@gmail.com

Pre-registration not required.
This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out resident species and spring migrants. Most of our walk will be on preserve limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville.
Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Pre-registration is required (please email), limit 10 participants.
Please note that Fermilab is a government research facility and has strict access requirements: All participants aged 18 and over must have a REAL-ID compliant state ID or passport to enter the site. When on site, you must remain in public areas at all times, have a visitor’s tag visible, and leave the same way you came in. When arriving at Fermilab, present your ID and let the security guard know you are here for bird watching, they will provide a visitors tag for you to wear. Full details on public access to Fermilab can be found HERE. We will cover a variety of habitats, while looking for any and all migrants and summer residents but will mainly focus on birds that favor shrubland and grassland. We will cover about 2 miles - mostly on wide, but occasionally uneven mown grass trails – as we walk a loop around the AE Sea Nature Area. Depending on time and interest, we may drive elsewhere within Fermilab. We
will meet at the ‘Red Barn Area’ located at the end of Sauk Circle (Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaAdwsv846nb6xvc8 ). Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive.
Leader: William Pixler,  pillwixler@gmail.com

No pre-registration required.
This is a field trip for anyone who finds the long walks of our regular field trips too difficult or who would just like a less vigorous birding experience but still share the comaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group and look for spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. Elsen’s Woods is part of West DuPage Woods. We will meet at the Gary’s Mill Road parking lot. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go west on Gary’s Mill Rd. to the Preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Bring a lawn chair, water, bug spray and dress for the weather. West DuPage Woods
Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.
Meet at the Model Airplane Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75thStreet. Field trip to look for marsh, grassland, and migrant birds in the various habitats at Springbrook Prairie. Wear footwear suitable to go off trail and bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Pre-registration is required for this trip (please email), limit 8 participants. 
A more casual evening trip primarily for the after-work crowd that can't get out in the middle of the day during migration, but any and all participants are welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of I-88. Those using GPS can set navigation to the Danada House. Plan to meet at the north end of the parking lot near the entry kiosk and area with benches and bike racks. 
Leader: William Pixler,  pillwixler@gmail.com

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is one of the premier grassland birding spots in the area. The area is littered with abandoned munitions bunkers, as well as fantastic grassland species such as Henslow's Sparrow, Bell's Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Blue Grosbeak. This walk will primarily take place on old asphalt roads, but may venture into tall grass. Dress appropriately and bring bug spray and sun protection. We will meet at the Iron Bridge Trailhead on Route 53 in Elwood, Illinois. The entrance to the trailhead parking lot is about 2 miles south of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and the intersection of Hoff Road and Route 53. Although there is no limit to registration for this walk, please reach out to Leader, Robert Perez at  robertperez787@gmail.com  if you want to attend.

This unique spot in northern McHenry County is a great spot for sought after marsh birds. The walk will focus on finding the site's nesting Yellow-headed Blackbird population, as well as species such as Black Tern, King Rail, Marsh Wren, and others. There is roughly a mile walk on a straight gravel path before we hit the marsh area. We may venture off trail into tall grass, so dress appropriately and bring bug spray and sun protection. The parking lot is behind the Hebron Township Building in Hebron, Illinois (10206 Seaman Rd, Hebron, IL 60034). Although there is no limit to registration for this walk, please reach out to Leader Robert Perez at  robertperez787@gmail.com  if you want to attend.