DuPage Birding Club

Waterfall Glen, Sawmill Creek Area
2023-09-08 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
No RSVP needed.Park in the large lot just east of Cass off Bluff Rd, north side of Bluff Rd. Meet at the west end of the parking lot. We’ll be looking for all of the fall migrants. Expect hilly and rocky trails. If you like, please bring a sack lunch or snack, so we can eat in the picnic shelter afterwards.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630 297-9512, vsroczynski@comcast.net

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-09-10 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Elsen’s Hill is another great site for migrants, especially warblers passing through on their way to their wintering grounds. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. west to the preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Bring boots as needed for muddy trails.Leaders: Ann Haverstock and Diann Bilderback, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-09-12 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This field trip will search for fall migrants. Meet the leader at the gravel parking lot on the east side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street at Springbrook Prairie. We will work the eastside of the preserve looking for migrants. You are not registered for the field trip unless you receive an email acknowledgement from the field trip leader.Leader: Joe Suchecki, DBCsec2020@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-09-15 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 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

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-09-16 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This field trip will look for fall migrants at one of the best preserves for migratory warblers in the County. Meet at the preserve parking lot off of Garys Mill Road west of Winfield Road. You are not registered for the field trip unless you receive an email acknowledgement from the field trip leader.Leader: Joe Suchecki, DBCsec2020@gmail.com

Danada West, Wheaton
2023-09-17 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 12 participants.September is easily one of the best months of the year to see migrating species in DuPage County. On this trip we will mainly be focusing on finding migrant warblers, along with raptors and possibly some earlier returning fall and winter residents, such as white-crowned sparrows. The diverse habitat at Danada West always provides the chance to find something unusual as well, so we’ll keep a lookout for rarer species. Meet in the forest preserve parking lot.Leader: Henry Meade, kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-09-18 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 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 at the preserve parking lot off of Garys Mill Road west of Winfield Road.Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Herrick Lake West Shelter, Wheaton
2023-09-19 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10.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 be birding at the Herrick Lake West Shelter. Meet at the parking lot located on the east side Herrick Road south of Butterfield (Hwy 56). Drive all the way to the end of the parking lot, the shelter is on the right. The lot for the West shelter is located on the east side of Herrick Road south of Butterfield. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray (sitting, we are easy targets for mosquitos!) and drinking water. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve link.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Chautauqua and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuges
2023-09-23 07:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit of 10 attendees.Chautauqua and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuges are located in central Illinois, just south of Peoria. Target species include shorebirds, waterfowl, and other fall migrants that can be seen at these incredible sites. We will meet in a predetermined spot and drive down south together, spending the morning at Chautauqua, having lunch, and then exploring Emiquon after lunch. Please bring comfortable shoes, hat, an umbrella for shade if it’s hot, a scope (if you have one), a packed lunch, bug spray, and ofcourse binoculars. We are expecting to return home in the early evening.Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Greene Valley Overlook, Naperville
2023-09-24 11:00 - 13:00
Pre-registration with the leader is requested.Drive up to the overlook parking lot south of 79th Street off Greene Rd and meet the hawk watch volunteers to scan the skies for raptors. Hawk ID handouts provided and discussed. Review buteos by watching the club’s Hawk Watch talk on YouTube . Please bring layers (it can be much colder up on the hill than at ground level) and a hat for sun (no shade). Bring lunch, extra water, and a lawn chair. Leader: Bob Fisher, bfisher928@aol.com

Greene Valley, Woodridge
2023-09-27 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participantsWe will be looking for late migrants and fall residents. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th about ½ mile, the entrance is on the south side of 79th street, west of Greene Road.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630 640-2450

Bemis Woods South Forest Preserve (Cook County), near Western Springs
2023-10-01 07:00 - 10:00
Preregistration via text or phone with the leader is required, limit 10 people. Welcome to this wonderful nature spot. We will start the walk from the parking lot, meeting in the open area. We will walk mostly on natural trails, so hiking boots with solid treads are advised. Jeans or long pants are recommended to minimize any bug exposure. We can expect to see Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatch, and have a good opportunity to see Fall migrants including American Redstarts, Magnolia, and Black-throated Green Warblers. The warblers in Fall plumage will be on their way south to Mexico and Central America to escape the cooler weather that this time of year brings. Please be prepared for the weather and bring your own water/snacks if you anticipate needing them. Entrance is on Ogden Ave west of Wolf Road and east of I-294. Make the turn and drive to the end near cul-du-sac.Leader: Alan Seelye-James (954)708-4804 or alan_seelyejames@yahoo.com (note underscore between alan_seelye)

Waterfall Glen Poverty Prairie (8am-10:30am) and Waterfall Glen BorrowPit/Centennial Trail (10:30am-11:30am)
2023-10-04 08:00 - 11:30
No RSVP needed. We’ll be looking for fall migrants while enjoying the resident birds and grand oaks here, walking from the parking lot to Musk Turtle Pond, and back. For those interested in looking for waterfowl and others, we’ll then caravan for a short drive south to the Borrow Pit on the Des Plaines River. (A scope is useful at the Borrow Pit, but the leader will have one.) Meet at the Waterfall Glen Lemont Road parking lot. (Waterfall Glens Parking lot #3.) Drive south on Lemont Road past I55 and turn left (east) into signed entrance road across from 101st Street.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski (630)297-9512 or VSroczynski@comcast.net

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-10-05 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants. Join Joe Suchecki for our annual club fall trip to locate Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrows at Springbrook Prairie. We also will be looking for other late migrant species of the wetlands and grasslands. This trip requires that we go off-trail through uneven terrain, so this is not for those who want/need to stay on wide, flat groomed trails. The vegetation and footing will likely be wet as we walk along the edge of wetlands looking for the sparrows, so rubber boots are recommended. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road south of 75th St.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-10-12 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Join us on a morning walk to the marsh for fall migrants, including shorebirds and waterfowl. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. 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. and be prepared for some dirt trails, possibly muddy if wet. Located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 inWarrenville.Leader: Kathy and Steve Mineck, cell: 630-254-4077 (day of), kmineck@yahoo.com (RSVP to email)

Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2023-10-14 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants. On this trip we will be exploring the western part of Danada Forest Preserve searching for passerine migrants such as some of the more uncommon sparrows that can be found in DuPage County. We will also check several different ponds to look for migrantwaterfowl. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot at 8am.Leader: Henry Meade, Please register with henrymm21@icloud.com

Bird Sit at Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2023-10-15 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader required: Limit 10 participants. 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, field guides, bug spray, and water. We will sit on the Nature Center balcony where we will be able to observe the river and surrounding woods. Meet in the main parking lot at 3609 Spring Rd. Fullersburg WoodsLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2023-10-17 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This field trip will include the areas around the east side of the lake, some wooded areas and open grasslands. We will look for some late migrants and early winter birds. Meet at the east side of the main parking lot off of Butterfield Road in Wheaton.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Hawkwatch: Greene Valley Overlook, Naperville
2023-10-28 11:00 - 13:00
Bad weather on the 28th? We’ll switch to the 29th, weather permitting; sign ups will be notified. Note: 10/29 is the last weekend day the overlook is open to the public this year. Pre-registration with the leader is requested. Drive up to the overlook parking lot south of 79th Street off Greene Rd (gates open at 11 a.m.) meet the hawk watch volunteers and scan the skies for raptors. Hawk ID handouts provided and discussed. You can review buteos by watching DBC’s Hawk Watch talk on YouTube. Please bring extra layers (it can be much colder up on the hilltop than at ground level,) and a hat for sun (no shade.) Bring lunch, extra water, a lawn chair and a scope if you have one.Leader: Bob Fisher, bfisher928@aol.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-10-31 08:00 - 10:30
No registration required. Most of the 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. and be prepared for some dirt trails, possibly muddy if wet. Located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Danada West, Wheaton
2023-11-04 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.On this trip we will be exploring the diverse habitats at one of my personal favorite locations in the county. Target species include many species of migratory ducks, migrant raptors such as Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Lapland Longspurs. Expect grass trails and dress for the weather. Meet in the forest preserve headquarters parking lot.Leader: Henry Meade, kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Greene Valley, Woodridge
2023-11-09 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This morning trip, oriented toward fall migration and winter birds, is especially designed for new birders and will be at a leisurely pace to provide as much time as desired to look at each bird and to answer questions on equipment or bird identification. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th about 1/2 mile, the entrance is on south side of 79th Street, west of Greene Road in Naperville/Woodridge. Leader: Bonnie Graham 630-204-8750, coye72112@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-11-12 07:30 - 11:00
Registration not required. This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Join our morning walk around the marsh to check out late fall migrants and wintering birds. Northern Shrike and many other species of birds regularly winter at this site. There should be some late fall migrants present as well. 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 Preserve limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

St James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2023-11-14 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.This field trip will cover the main trails in the forest preserve concentrating on the woodland birds. We will pass through some open areas to look for a hawk or some really late migrants. Plan on walking trails including about a 2 mile loop. Meet at the main parking lot on Winfield Road in Warrenville, between Butterfield Road and Roosevelt Road.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2023-11-19 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.We’ll look for waterfowl, gulls, and others at the Centennial Trail Borrow Pit and ponds, Lemont Quarries, and Saganashkee Slough. Depending on conditions and sightings, other stops may include Sag Quarries, Long John Slough, and Maple Lake. Meet at the Lemont Rd. parking lot of Waterfall Glen (at the portable toilet). We will then caravan to the Borrow Pit. The trip will be canceled if waterfowl are scarce or the weather is poor. Directions to Waterfall Glen: drive south on Lemont Rd., past I-55 to 101st St., and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

Birding Hotspots of Northeastern DuPage County
2023-11-21 07:00 - 11:00
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 the intersection of Foster Ave. & Wood Dale Rd. in Wood Dale).Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2023-11-22 08:00 - 10:00
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
2023-12-02 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, 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 be found HERE

We will cover a variety of habitats, but will primarily look for wintering waterfowl and sparrows. 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

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2023-12-05 08:00 - 10:00
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
2023-12-16 08:00 - 17:00
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
