Birding Hotspots of Northeastern DuPage County
Pre-registration with leader required (text or call only). Limit 9 participants.On this trip, we will be out all morning to take a tour of some of the birding hotspots in Northeastern DuPage County. At this time of the year, we should hopefully find a number of waterfowl and some other late fall migrants. Be prepared to drive from location to location. Walkie-talkies and spotting scopes would be good to bring along if you have them. We will meet at the parking lot for the Wood Dale Reservoir located on the western dead end of School St. (0.4 mi west of […]
Centennial Trail, Lemont
Pre-registration with the leader is required.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and fall 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
Fermilab, Warrenville
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 arehere for bird watching, they will provide a visitors tag for you to wear. Full details on public access to Fermilab can […]
Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
Pre-registration with the leader is required.This field trip will include some good winter birding in wooded areas as well as some open water sections. Join us to look for a good variety while walking about 2 miles on uneven trails. Prepare for possible snow and/or ice depending on current weather. Meet in the main parking lot on Spring Road.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net
Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle
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
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
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 […]
Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville
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
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
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
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 […]
McKee Marsh, Warrenville
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
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. […]
Des Plaines River Tour Cancelled (Rescheduled for Jan. 21st)
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 […]
Centennial Trail, CANCELED
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
Morton Arboretum
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 […]
Centennial Trail, Lemont
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 […]
SAVE THE DATE! Chautauqua Snow Geese spectacular (maybe)
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
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. […]
Morton Arboretum, West Side – Canceled
Canceled due to rain. Rescheduled for Thursday March 21st.
Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
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
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
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 […]
Morton Arboretum, West Side
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
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, […]