DuPage Birding Club

West Branch Forest Preserve, West Chicago
2025-03-08 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration is preferred. Limit of 20 people. West Branch Forest Preserve in West Chicago is a great spot for waterfowl and grassland birds. On this field trip, we’ll focus our attention on migrating waterfowl but will venture into the grassland portions of the preserve. Please dress appropriately, as we will plan to go off trail. We will meet in the north parking lot, off Army Trail Road. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com (text or call with any questions regarding directions on the day of – 630-724-7534)

DuPage Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook
2025-03-11 09:00 - 23:00
Pre-registration required by text or email.We’ll explore riverside habitat looking for resident birds and migrating waterfowl. New birders welcome. 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. It is about a mile and a half walk to Whalon Lake. Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-03-15 17:00 - 19:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 10 participants.We will be looking for common woodland wintertime residents. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. We will conclude the trip with a brief search for the resident Great Horned Owls around and after sunset. Dress warmly as we may be stationary at times. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Mississippi River - Waterfowl Trip
2025-03-23 07:30 - 17:00
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 National Wildlife Refuge 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

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2025-03-23 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
2025-03-24 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required.We will meet at Thornhill parking lot, P21 and walk on wood chip paths for about 2 miles. We will be looking for early migrants and usual winter birds. Info on the arboretum is at: https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/. If you don’t have an arboretum membership contact us and we can arrange for you to enter with a member for $10.00.Leaders: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630-640-2450

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-03-31 08:00 - 10:30
Registration not necessary. Join us for a walk around one of DuPage county’s premier birding hotspots to look for resident birds and early spring migrants. Hopefully, some waterfowl should be around. This approximately 3-mile walk will be on crushed 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, 708-506-5186 (text or call if you have questions regarding weather cancellation)

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-04-02 17:15 - 19:45, 2025-04-23 17:15 - 20:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsWe will be looking for early migrants and woodland residents and conclude the trip with a search for the resident Great Horned Owls and/or migrating Woodcocks around and after sunset. Dress warmly as we may be stationary at times. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Lyman’s trails are oftenmuddy and there may be areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear. Meet at the Lyman Woods main parking lot on 31 st Street.Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Timberdoodlin’ at Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2025-04-04 17:45 - 19:45
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsMeet up with us for some evening birding through the west side of Danada Forest Preserve while daylight allows. The birding doesn’t stop just because the sun as gone down! Once it’s too dark to keep birding with binoculars, we will shift our focus to looking and listening for displays of American Woodcocks. This trip may be cancelled due to weather. Meet at the circle drive in front of the Forest Preserve District HQ, located at 3S580 Naperville Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-04-07 07:30 - 10:30
Registration not requiredJoin us for a morning walk at one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots to look for resident birds and early spring migrants. The walk will be approximately 3 miles on limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Road, located east of Rt. 59, and west of Winfield Road.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, Cell: (708)506-5186

Bird Sit at Whalon Lake Preserve, Naperville
2025-04-12 08:00 - 10:00
Preregistration is suggested so you can be contacted in case of cancellationOur 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 like a less vigorous birding experience. Share in the camaraderie of fellow birders! Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides and join us at Whalon Lake Preserve.A scope 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 welcome. Whalon Lake Preserve is located on Royce Rd., west of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive in Naperville (across the street from Lissen Rd.) Drive all the way to the boat landing area, we will meet there. Dress muchwarmer than you think is necessary. It’s hard to stay warm while sitting, especially if the weather is chilly.Leader: Natalie McFaul, Natcatcher7@gmail.com

West Branch Forest Preserve, Bartlett
2025-04-13 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participantsThis 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 theparking lot off Army Trail Road, near Deep Quarry Lake.Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2025-04-16 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is suggestedOn this trip we will be exploring the western part of Danada Forest Preserve looking for nesting Great Blue Herons who have had a rookery here in the past. Also, we will be searching for early spring migrants. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot.Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630 640-2450

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-04-19 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is requiredJoin Joe Suchecki to look for early spring migrants, grassland birds and marsh birds at this great birding location. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear in case we go off-trail. Insect repellant recommended. Meet at the main parking lot on 83 rd Street, between Book Rd. and Route 59.Leader: Joe Suchecki, Dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Bike & Bird, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-04-19 08:30 - 11:00
Pre-registration required with the leader, 10 participantsGreene Valley has a lot of great habitats in it, but you can’t really cover more than one in a typical field trip due to distance. We will bike around the preserve to hit as much as possible in one run. Expect to ride about 5 miles with a few light hills (no overlook). We will be sticking to the limestone/paved trails. Meet at the north end of the Greene Road parking lot near the information sign & trailhead.Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve West, Bolingbrook
2025-04-22 09:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is requiredThis trip will look for early migrants and returning summer residents in the Thunderbird area. We will travel along the gravel road to the campground and then walk back through the woods. Meet at the west entrance parking lot off Thunderbird Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/qBDz7dMEctk3oJss8Leader: Mark Freeburg, Cell: (630)661-1521, freebs59@sbcglobal.net

After-Work Birding at Danada Forest Preserve (east side), Wheaton
2025-04-25 17:45 - 19:45
Registration is not required. Please email the leader if you plan to attend to receive updates.Start the weekend off with a casual evening of birding. This trip is planned with the after-work/school crowd in mind, but anyone interested is welcome! Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of 1-88 (Danada House). Plan to meet at the north end of the parking lot near the entry kiosk with the benches and bike racks. This trip may be cancelled due to weather.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2025-04-28 07:30 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsWe’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

Meacham Grove Forest Preserve, Bloomingdale
2025-04-29 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsThis walk will cover approximately 3 miles of trails through woodland groves, meadows, wetlands and along open edges. Woodland trails can be wet and/or muddy. Meet at main parking lot on Circle Avenue, just north of Lake Street (Rt 20). https://maps.app.goo.gl/dJvRbGDZAmZ5cKGeALeader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com

Wood Dale Reservoir, Wood Dale
2025-05-01 17:30 - 20:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 15 participants.Shorebirds after work! Wood Dale Reservoir offers great viewing opportunities for several species of migrating shorebirds. Spotting scopes can be useful here; trip leader will have one. Shorebird IDs can be difficult at times. The trip leader will be happy to help people who may be new to it, but it will help to review field guides, eBird/Merlin, and/or some of the DBC YouTube content (Yellowlegs and Similar Waders, Peeps) ahead of time. We will meet at the parking lot at the end of School Street (298 School Street in Wood Dale if using GPS).Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery, Plainfield
2025-05-03 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 20 participantsThe Heron Rookery Preserve at Lake Renwick is a limited access preserve where it is possible to view nesting egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Double-Crested Cormorants. The rookery itself is located on an island in Lake Renwick. This trip will include hiking less than 1 mile to viewing areas on natural surfaces and uneven terrain. If there is time, we may also walk some of the trails at the rookery. We will meet our guide at the visitor center at the Renwick Road entrance. Bring your cameras and scopes! Dress for the weather. Bring water and bug spray.Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is located at 23202 W. Renwick Road. (On Renwick Road east of route 30/Lincoln Highway and West of the I55 overpass in Plainfield.) LINK

Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Chicago
2025-05-04 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit of 20 participants.Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is one of the premier birding hotspots in the state. Located next to Montrose Beach along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary offers a variety of habitats for a large number of birds. The group will explore the entire sanctuary, including wooded areas, prairie, beachfront and the dunes area. Some trails may be muddy, so dress appropriately. Targets will include migrating warblers and shorebirds. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Testers Test, West Chicago
2025-05-05 00:00 - 2025-05-07 00:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsThe Heron Rookery Preserve at Lake Renwick is a limited access preserve where it is possible to viewnesting egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Double-crested Cormorants. The rookery itself is located on anisland in Lake Renwick. This trip will include hiking less than one mile to viewing areas on naturalsurfaces and uneven terrain. If there is time, we may also walk some of the trails at the rookery. We willmeet our guide at the visitor center at the Renwick Road entrance. Bring your cameras and scopes!
Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is located at 23202 W. Renwick Road. (On Renwick Road east of route30/Lincoln Highway and West of the I55 overpass in Plainfield.)
Dress for the weather. Bring water and bug spray.https://maps.app.goo.gl/1E2acv1Wd1wLYzyZALeader: Test Tester, test1@test.tt, (555) 555-5555; Test Tester2 test2@test.tt (777) 777-7777; Test Tester3 test3@test.tt (999) 999-9999

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-05-05 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsThis 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, Winfield
2025-05-05 18:30 - 20:30
Registration with the leader is required.Come check out a popular birding hotspot at a less-often visited time of day; an evening at Elsen’s! There should be plenty of migrant birds around, as well as resident species. Hopefully we could also encounter some crepuscular or nocturnal birds and other wildlife. This trip will be approximately 2 miles on earthen trails which might be muddy or even have standing water if there has been a lot of rain lately. Meet at the Elsen’s Hill parking lot in West DuPage Woods located on the north side of Gary’s Mill Road, west of Winfield Road, and east of where Gary’s Mill intersects Roosevelt Road.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186 (text or call to register)

Waterfall Glen Sawmill Creek Area, Lemont (Walk and Lunch)
2025-05-07 07:00 - 11:00
Registration not required.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 (text with any questions)

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-05-08 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required.The trip will look for spring migrants in the wetlands, grasslands, and wooded areas of Springbrook Prairie. Trip will focus on spring migrants in a variety of habitats. Meet at Model Aircraft Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 mi south of 75 th Street. Wear appropriate foot ware to go off-trail and bring/use insect repellent for ticks and possibly mosquitos.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com .

Spring Bird Count, DuPage County
2025-05-10 08:00 - 17:00
A hundred or more birders will fan out across DuPage County to identify all the bird species they can find at the Spring Bird Count on Saturday May 10. 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 16 areas, with teams scouring each area. To volunteer or find out more information email Joe Suchecki.

Email Joe Suchecki at DuPagesbc@gmail.com

Birding Hotspots of Northeastern DuPage County
2025-05-13 07:00 - 12:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants.On this trip, we will be driving to different locations that offer a variety of habitats including mudflats, lakes, woodlands, and more. There should be a large variety of bird species found. Our exact route within northeastern DuPage County may be determined based on recent sightings. Participants can continue as long as they wish. Expect approximately 3 miles of walking on limestone or earthen trails. Meet at the parking spots for Wood Dale Reservoir located on School Street as far as you can go west of Wood Dale Road. The exact meeting spot can be viewed in the following link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K8LmfNm3HyigkVmP7Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186 (text or call if you have questions, and to register)
