McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-02-03 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago)
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

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Woodridge
2024-04-04 19:30 - 20:30, 2024-04-16 19:30 - 20:30
No registration required.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

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-04-13 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This is a trip to look for wetland birds and early grassland and spring migrants. Meet at the Model Airplane Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th St. Wear appropriate footwear and bring insect repellent since we will likely go off trail. Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

West Branch Forest Preserve, Bartlett
2024-04-14 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.This morning trip is designed to focus on waterfowl such as Common Loons and Horned Grebes, but we will also search for songbird migrants alongside the lake. We will most likely go onto smaller trails, which could be muddy depending on recent conditions, so boots are highly recommended. We will meet in the parking lot off Army Trail Road. Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

The DuPage Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook
2024-04-18 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.The DuPage Greenway Trail is a paved trail in Bolingbrook that runs alongside the East Branch of the DuPage River. The trailhead is on Royce Rd just west of Rt 53. Looking for early migrants and returning residents, maybe a warbler or two. We will walk to Whalon Lake and see if anything is on the water and maybe spot a bald eagle. Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Bird Sit : Lyman Woods Nature Center & Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2024-04-21 07:00 - 09:00
No registration required.Join us at this new location to look for early spring migrants. 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 camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet in the parking lot off 31st Street and sit near the Nature Center. Lyman Woods is located at 901 31st St. Downers Grove, about one block east of Highland Ave. Lyman Wood Website Dress for the weather, bring bug spray, drinking water and a folding chair.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-04-22 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This is a trip to look for wetland and grassland birds. Meet at the Main Parking Lot on 83rd Street west of Book Road. Wear appropriate footwear and bring insect repellent since we will likely go off trail.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge/Naperville
2024-04-23 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required.This morning trip will be more oriented for new birders, but experienced ones are welcome. We will walk at a leisurely pace to allow for all to see any birds. We will search for early migratory birds. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th about 1/2 mile, the entrance is on the south side of 79th Street, west of Greene Road in Naperville/ Woodridge.Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, coye72112@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2024-04-25 07:30 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.We’ll be concentrating on early woodland migrants as we explore some of the excellent trails through this preserve. We will meet in the main parking lot which is accessed off of Winfield Road just north of Butterfield Road. Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Lyman Woods Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2024-04-26 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This morning trip will be oriented toward early spring migration. We will be at a leisurely pace to provide as much time as desired to look at each bird and to answer questions for any new birders. 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. Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, (day of, 630-254-4077), kmineck@yahoo.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-04-27 07:30 - 10:30
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

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-04-27 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Fieldtrip to look for early spring migrants. Meet at the main parking lot on Raymond Road just south of Diehl Road. Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Short Bird Walk: Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2024-04-28 08:00 - 09:30
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

Northeastern DuPage County Hotspots
2024-05-01 07:00 - 10:00
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
