Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle
2023-12-16 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is December 1.The DuPage Birding Club sponsors this Christmas Bird Count. Thousands of birds and over 100 species have been logged in previous Bird Counts. This opportunity to join almost 100 other birders is open to all skill levels. If you did not count last year, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details or to volunteer and to be assigned to a location and area captain.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2023-12-17 08:00 - 17:00
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is December 8.Birders of all skill levels are welcome on the Lisle-Arboretum CBC. The Chicago Ornithological Society(www.chicagobirder.org) sponsors this count where sub-teams are assigned to various locations. Even if you cannot go out in the field, there is another way to contribute: DBC members who live in the count circle can participate as a feederwatcher. For details and signup:https://www.chicagobirder.org/events/2023/12/17/lisle-christmas-bird-count#:~:text=WHEN%3A%20The%20Lisle%2DArboretum%20Christmas,circle%22%20on%20the%20count%20day

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-12-21 16:10 - 16:50
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for Short-eared Owls. Short-eared Owls frequently winter at Springbrook Prairie and can be seen as they come out to hunt over the preserve at dusk. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Rd., south of 75th St. in Naperville. We will walk a short distance off-trail to wait for the owls to appear. Dress very warmly since we will be standing in one place as the sun goes down. Note that the owls are generally pretty far away and often appear just as the light is failing, so this trip does not offer a photo-op. The trip will last about 30-40 min.

Contact Joe if you plan on attending. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trips will be canceled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email: dbcsec2020@gmail.com. Phone: 630-369-5570.

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville
2023-12-26 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.We’ll enjoy the winter quiet and explore a few spots that highlight the park’s variety of habitats, staying within about 1/3 mile of the parking lot. New birders welcome. We’ll look and listen for woodpeckers and whoever else has decided to spend the holidays in our area. Trails are level and are grass/dirt/paved. Meet at the parking lot on 336 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook, Waterfowl Search
2023-12-29 08:00 - 12:00
Cancelled.

We’ll look for waterfowl, gulls, and other birds at the Borrow Pit (Waterfall Glen/Canalbank Rd.), Lemont Quarries, and Saganashkee Slough. Depending on ice conditions and sightings, we may stop at Sag Quarries, Longjohn Slough at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, and Maple Lake too.Meet at Waterfall Glen, Lemont Rd entrance for Poverty Prairie (Google Maps Parking Lot #3) so we can gather and caravan to the Borrow Pit.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net

Whalon Lake, Naperville
2023-12-30 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.The goal of this trip will be to help participants get last minute additions to their year lists. Whalon Lake can have great diversity of waterfowl, so we will be looking for goldeneye, mergansers etc. Please meet in the parking lot off of Royce Road that is east of the dog park.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with henrymm21@icloud.com

New Year’s Day Birding at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle
2024-01-01 09:00 - 11:00
A reservation with the Morton Arboretum is required if you are a nonmember. (see below).There is no limit to the number of participants.You do not need to register with the DBC Organizer listed below, but she is available to answer questions.Come one, come all to Morton Arboretum to start the new year right! Gather at parking lot P33 on the west side https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/maps-guides/. Non-members (aka, guests) can’t enter the Arb until 9:00 am, so we will start gathering at 9:00 am and begin birding at about 9:15.Here is the link for reserving an entry pass: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/480/listPlease read the details below on how to obtain an entry pass to the Arboretum: ● Every nonmember/guest attendee must reserve their own entry pass online. ● This must be done well in advance (days). ● Non-members (aka, Guests) will need to pay for their pass. ● Entry passes are sent via email. ● The pass must be shown at the entry gate. ● Entry is only allowed at the selected entry time.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski: vsroczynski@comcast.net

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-01-07 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.

We will be looking for winter resident birds. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville. Most of our walk will be on limestone and earthen trails. The trip will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, (day of, 630-254-4077), kmineck@yahoo.com

Fermilab CANCELED
2024-01-13 14:30 - 17:00
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER.Pre-registration is required (please email), limit 8 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, must remain in public areas at all times, have a visitor’s tag visible, and leave the same way they 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 meet at the ‘Red Barn Area’ located at the end of Sauk Cir Google Map Link (If needed, Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive) for a short trip through the Sparrow Hedge before heading over to the Buffalo Field to look for winter resident Short-eared Owls and other raptors which are typically active in this area around sunset.Leader: William Pixler pillwixler@gmail.com or text 630-917-5419

Des Plaines River Tour Cancelled (Rescheduled for Jan. 21st)
2024-01-14 09:00 - 17:00
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. Meet at the Bolingbrook Park & Ride lot, 120 E. Old Chicago Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Behind Ramada Inn). We can carpool from there. We will travel downstream along the Des Plaines River looking for waterfowl. The trip will end in the Channahon area. We can stop for lunch along the way. A scope would be helpful, but not necessary. Hope to be back late afternoon or you can return earlier. Trip may be canceled if roads become hazardous.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, CANCELED
2024-01-15 08:00 - 10:00
THIS TRIP IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and other winter residents. We will meet in the gravel parking lot at the end of Canal Bank Road. Coming off of Lemont Road this turnoff is called Old Lemont Road, and is unmarked, so turn at this pin: 41,683840, -88.003541. Google Map link. Please call if you have any problems with directions.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville CANCELLED
2024-01-19 08:00 - 10:00
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. New birders welcome. We’ll visit a few spots that highlight the park’s variety of habitats, staying within about 1/3 mile of the parking lot. Trails are level and are grass/dirt/paved. Meet at the parking lot on 336 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Seager Park, Naperville CANCELED
2024-01-21 08:00 - 09:30
FIELD TRIP CANCELED DUE TO BAD WEATHER. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. New birders welcome. A short walk to see what birds have settled in for winter in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for woodpeckers, raptors, crows, etc. Trails are mostly level, although we have an option to descend into the beautiful ravine down a somewhat steep slope. Meet in the parking lot at 1163 Plank Road, Naperville.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Des Plaines River Tour
2024-01-21 09:00 - 16:00
Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. Meet at the Bolingbrook Park & Ride lot, 120 E. Old Chicago Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Behind Ramada Inn). We can carpool from there. We will travel downstream along the Des Plaines River looking for waterfowl. The trip will end in the Channahon area. We can stop for lunch along the way. A scope would be helpful, but not necessary. Hope to be back late afternoon or you can return earlier. Trip may be canceled if roads become hazardous.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-02-03 07:30 - 09:30
No registration is required. There is no limit for this walk.This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter birds. 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

Little Red Schoolhouse
2024-02-04 09:00 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.Currently the grounds are open from 9am to 5pm. Nature Center exhibit buildings remain closed. Drinking fountains may not be available; please bring your own water. Please dress warmly and in layers. We will walk mostly on natural trails, so hiking boots with solid treads are advised. We can expect to see Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatch, Sparrows, Juncos, and Waterfowl. The walk will be approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours. The Little Red Schoolhouse address is 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs 60480. Directions: From LaGrange, I usually take LaGrange Rd South, turn right on to W 95th St, and then turn left (south) on Flavin Rd. The entrance is about a half mile further on the right. For directions from other locations, I recommend using a GPS or contacting the nature center at 708.839.6897.Leader: Alan Seelye-James, Cell: 954-708-4804 with any questions.

Morton Arboretum
2024-02-10 09:00 - 11:00
There is no limit to this walk, but please let the field trip leader know if you plan on attending.This field trip will focus on winter migrants, specifically Red and White-winged Crossbills, which have been seen at the Arboretum in the past. We will start at the Visitor Center and walk through some of the pine forests looking for Crossbills. We’ll then wander around a bit looking for other winter birds and waterfowl. We will meet in front of the visitor center. *Please note that a timed-reservation entry is required for all NON-members. Timed entry tickets can be obtained at the link below. Please reach out if you have any questions. https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/Leader: Robert Perez, 630-724-7534 or robertperez787@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2024-02-25 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. On this field trip we will meet in the gravel parking lot at the end of Canal Bank Road. Coming off of Lemont Road this turnoff is called Old Lemont Road, and is unmarked, so turn at this pin: 41.683840, -88.003541. Google Map link. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP. On this field trip our main targets will be waterfowl. Common Goldeneye and Redhead, along with many others are all possible. We will also be on the lookout for songbirds on the wooded side of the trail.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

SAVE THE DATE! Chautauqua Snow Geese spectacular (maybe)
2024-03-02 08:00 - 2024-03-03 17:00
Sometime between late February and early March, Snow Geese can be present at Chautauqua, in 10’s, even 100’s of thousands – a true wildlife spectacular! If that happens, DBC will organize a trip on short notice, so watch your email…

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2024-03-10 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.On this field trip our main targets will be early returning spring migrants. Northern Shovelers and Redheads, along with a large array of waterfowl are all possible. We will also be on the lookout for songbirds such as Rusty Blackbirds, Eastern Towhees, and many more, on the wooded side of the trail. We will meet in the gravel parking lot at the end of Canal Bank Road. Coming off of Lemont Road this turnoff is called Old Lemont Road, and is unmarked, so turn at this pin: 41,683840, -88.003541. Google Map link. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP.Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Morton Arboretum, West Side - Canceled
2024-03-14 07:45 - 11:00
Canceled due to rain. Rescheduled for Thursday March 21st.

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2024-03-15 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.Beginning birders welcome. We’ll explore the woodlands along Salt Creek on pretty easy, level trails, as well as the feeders around the visitor’s center and other buildings. Meet in the main parking lot at 3609 Spring Road. If conditions are good, we might do a quick side-trip at the end to nearby Dean Nature Sanctuary. More info here: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/fullersburg-woodsLeader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-03-16 07:45 - 10:45
Registration not required.This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter and incoming spring birds. 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

Fermilab, Warrenville
2024-03-17 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration is required (please email), limit 8 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 they 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, but will primarily look for waterfowl, sparrows, and early migrants. 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 If needed, Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com or text 630-917-5419

Morton Arboretum, West Side
2024-03-21 07:45 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.We will meet at Thornhill parking lot, P21, and take a long walk around much of the west side, including the river and Lake Marmo, but excluding the prairie. *Please note that a timed-reservation entry is required for all NON-members. Timed entry tickets can be obtained at the following link below. https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/. If you don’t have an arboretum membership, let us know and you can follow us in. It will cost $5.00.Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630 640-2450

Bird Sit at Whalon Lake Preserve, Naperville
2024-03-23 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted in the case of bad weather.Our first sit of the year! 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 comradery of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides and join us at Whalon Lake Preserve. If you have a scope it can be helpful for spotting birds on the lake. We will meet and sit as a group and look for early spring migrants, waterfowl and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome.Whalon Lake Preserve is located on Royce Rd. west of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive in Naperville. (It is across the street from Lissen Rd.) Drive all the way to the boat landing area, we will meet there. Dress much warmer than you think necessary as it is harder to stay warm while sitting, especially if the weather is chilly. Whalon Lake PreserveLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Palos Area-McGinnis Slough: Waterfowl and More
2024-03-23 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsThis location is an Audubon “Important Bird Area.” Loons, grebes, and other waterfowl are targeted on this trip. Meet at McGinnis Slough, on the west side of LaGrange Rd. (US45), approximately 1⁄2 mile south of 131st St. Finding waterfowl is associated with open water conditions. Bob will monitor conditions and may change the starting location in order to see more birds. This trip might extend past the noon hour. Wear appropriate clothing.Leader: Bob Fisher, 630-985-2956, bfisher928@aol.com

Mississippi River - Waterfowl Trip (Time to be announced at registration)
2024-03-24 07:00 - 16:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.Waterfowl, cranes, eagles, and pelicans will be sought on this all-day trip exploring spots along the Mississippi, both in Illinois and Iowa. In addition to the river, Lost Mound will be visited to search for Western Meadowlark and Northern Mockingbird. Please contact the leader for meeting time and location. We will caravan from the western suburbs.Leader: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Woodridge
2024-03-26 19:15 - 20:00
Greene Valley Forest Preserve is known for its Woodcock displays, which begin shortly after sunset. Join us this spring on one of our walks. Meet at the west entrance parking lot: west on 79th St. from Greene Rd, then Thunderbird Rd. south, approx. 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve
2024-03-27 07:45 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.Danada is located at 3S507 Naperville Road, south of Butterfield Road and north of I-88 on the east side of Naperville Road. Meet in the parking lot by the horse corrals. We will walk the woods looking for passerines and scan the lake for waterfowl.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com 630-640-2450
