DuPage Birding Club

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge/Naperville
2021-04-22 19:30 - 20:30, 2021-04-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. 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, approximately ½ mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be cancelled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

St. James Farm FP, Warrenville
2021-04-22 07:30 - 09:30
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

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-04-22 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This trip will focus on grassland birds and late spring migrants. Please park at the model aircraft field on Plainfield-Naperville Road, South of 75th Street in Naperville.Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-386-5570, issuesman50@yahoo.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge/Naperville
2021-04-20 08:00 - 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. If you register for this walk, Bonnie will either notify you that you are confirmed, or offer to put you on a waiting list in case someone cancels. 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

New! Bird the Park: Herrick Lake, Butterfield Road, Wheaton
2021-04-20 07:00 - 10:00
This is a leaderless birding experience. You are invited to bird the Meadowlark Trail / Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail loop (about one and half miles) on your own between the hours of 7 and 10 am. The idea is you will ‘bump’ into fellow birders as you make your way along the trail loop, chat a little about what you are seeing, then move on and hopefully run into another birder further along the trail. You can start at 7 or sleep in and start at 8 or even 9! Park in the Herrick Rd parking lot or, if you want to walk around Herrick Lake, the West Picnic Area lot off Hwy 56. You can reach the Meadowlark Trail from both lots. You can hike the loop in either direction. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. The main entrance is on Butterfield Road approximately 1 mile west of Naperville Road. The south parking lot (Herrick Rd lot) is on the east side of Herrick Road south of Butterfield. Herrick Lake Website (including a trail map).Organizer: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2021-04-18 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Enjoy a mid-morning bird walk at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve for a chance to see herons, egrets, kingfishers, terns, geese, ducks, and early spring migrants. This site includes ample parking and an indoor restroom which will be open.Leader: Mary Loye, maryloye@gmail.com

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, Oak Brook
2021-04-18 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This will be a walk for new birders. We will walk slowly and allow ample time to look for spring warblers and other migrants. Our focus will be the lowland woods along the Salt River. Meet at the main parking lot on Spring Road in Oak Brook.Leader: Lesa Hipes, 630-689-7463, lesahipes@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-04-17 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This trip will focus on grassland birds and late spring migrants. Please park at the model aircraft field on Plainfield-Naperville Road, South of 75th Street in Naperville. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-386-5570, issuesman50@yahoo.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont, IL
2021-04-15 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the 101st Street Waterfall Glen parking lot off of Lemont Road where we will caravan, and depart promptly at 7:30 am. We will be walking along Centennial Trail along the Des Plaines River in search of waterfowl, Bald Eagles, and new spring arrivals.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net

Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
2021-04-10 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Between 1979 and 1992 more than 100 parcels of land were assembled to form the core of this park. Today it is one of the most accessible natural areas in DuPage County, having wood chip trails and a floating boardwalk. The focus of the trip will be observing and interpreting breeding and nesting bird activity. Directions: The entrance to Lincoln Marsh is on the west side of the park, at the corner of Harrison St. and Pierce Ave. From County Farm Rd., turn east on Harrison St. and proceed one mile to the parking lot. Be prepared for wet trail conditions and insects and dress accordingly.Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721, joceb2005@sbcglobal.net

Morton Arboretum, Lisle WEST SIDE
2021-04-05 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at P21, the Thornhill parking lot. Must get entry passes beforehand. Will be looking for early spring migrants. Leaders: Mike & Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com

Cricket Creek Forest Preserve, Addison
2021-03-27 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10. This morning trip 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. Join us to check out this small preserve on the eastern side of DuPage County, right next to Salt Creek. Meet at the parking lot north of Fullerton Avenue (west of Rt. 83, east of Villa Ave.). Website link: http://www.dupageforest.com

Leaders: Andrew and Rebecca Steinmann, 708-533-6604, asteinmann@dupagebirding.org

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Woodridge
2021-03-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2021-03-12 18:00 - 20:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10. 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, approximately ½ mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be cancelled due to weather. Leader: Jeff Smith, jsmith@dupagebirding.org

Palos Area-McGinnis Slough: Waterfowl and More
2021-03-21 08:00 - 13:00
Pre-registration is required, limit 10. This 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. Contact Bob Fisher to register. Finding waterfowl is associated with open water conditions. Bob will monitor conditions and may change the starting location in order to see more birds; so, ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS! This trip might extend past the noon hour. Wear appropriate clothing.

Leader: Bob Fisher, 630-985-2956, bfisher@dupagebirding.org

Lyman Woods Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2021-03-21 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration is with the leader is required, limit 10. We’ll be looking for late Winter birds, early Spring birds, and everything in between. 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.

Leader: Joan Campbell, 630-337-2605, jcampbell@dupagebirding.org

Mississippi River - Waterfowl Trip
2021-03-20 00:00 - 23:59
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10. 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. We will caravan from the western suburbs. Meeting time and location to be determined.

Leader: Jeff Chapman, jchapman@dupagebirding.org

Norris Woods
2021-02-27 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration required, limit 10. Norris Woods is an Illinois Nature Preserve in St. Charles along the Fox River. We will hike along the river utilizing the bike trail that heads north through St. Charles Park District property as well as Kane County Forest Preserve property. We’ll be searching for early woodland migrants as well as anything that might be moving along the river. To reach Norris Woods starting from the intersection of Route 64 and Route 25 head north on Route 25. In .9 miles turn left on Johnor Avenue which is right after the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Johnor Avenue will take a hard turn to the left and then you will see a parking lot on your right. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00am. You must register with the leader.

Leader: Denis Kania djkan36@gmail.com

Little Red Schoolhouse
2021-02-13 08:30 - 11:30
Pre-registration required, limit 10. Currently the grounds are open from 8 am to 4pm. Nature Center exhibit buildings remain closed. Drinking fountains are not available; please bring your own water. Please dress warm 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. Face masks and social distancing are required. You must pre-register with the Leader.

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 turning 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-JamesCell: 954-708-4804 with any questions.

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-02-13 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration required, limit 10. You must call or text Kyle to request a spot. He will reply to let you know if you are confirmed, or if you have been placed on a waiting list. Only 10 people are allowed on each walk and that includes the leader. Do not show up if you are not confirmed. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, no additional participants beyond 9 people will be allowed to join the event. If for some reason you are confirmed and then realize you cannot attend, please notify Kyle ASAP so that he can add someone from the waiting list.

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 WiktorCell: 708-506-5186

Goose Lake Prairie SP and surrounding areas CANCELED
2021-02-06 14:30 - 17:00
This trip has been canceled due to extreme cold. Join Bob Fisher and check various locations for raptors, gulls, waterfowl and owls. Meet at theMcDonalds in Coal City at the SE corner of Hwy 113 and Broadway. Dress warmly since we will likely be standing in one exposed location as the sun sets. Trip may be canceled in the event of bad weather.

Leader: Bob Fisher

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, Oak Brook
2021-01-29 08:30 - 10:30
Registration closed. This will be a walk looking for winter birds. We will walk along the Salt Creek in the lowland woods with good habitat for birds and possibly ducks. Meet at the main parking lot on Spring Rd. in Oak Brook. Leader: Nancy Allured

McKee Marsh, Winfield
2021-01-24 08:00 - 10:00
This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter birds. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Road (Mack is south of Roosevelt and north of Butterfield), located between Winfield Road and Rte. 59 in Warrenville. Leaders: Joan Campbell peachjmc@gmail.com 630-337-2605

Danada East Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2021-01-17 08:00 - 10:00
Registration closed. We will be looking for winter residents, with nearly 3 miles of the nationally designated Danada-Herrick Regional Trail winding through prairie, woodland and marsh habitats. Dress for the cold. The main entrance is on Naperville Rd., 1 mile south of Butterfield Road. Leader: Pat Sterbling pesterbling@gmail.com 630-235-5001

2021 New Year Day Birding at the Morton Arboretum
2021-01-01 09:00 - 15:00
Since we will have more than one leader on this walk, the 10 person limit will not apply on this walk only.

Gather at the north end of the main parking lot (near the Troll and Car). We plan to sample a variety of bird locations. We will split into several groups to look for birds across the Arboretum. We can rendezvous back at the parking lot to compare our sightings. Bob and Jean Spitzer will produce an integrated bird list for sharing by email. We want to exit before the Arboretum prepares for the evening lights.

Note: Preregistration with the trip leader is required; you are NOT registered until you receive a confirmation from the trip leader. Note also, the Arboretum may choose to close off access – check the DBC website for updates on the trip’s status. Also, read carefully the details below on how to obtain an entry pass to the Arboretum.

The Covid-19 Virus has impacted this year’s birding. There are some key constraints, both from the Arboretum and our bird club.

Arboretum:

1. Consult the Arboretum website section for Admissions and Hours. – Link to gain admission and pay the fee as required.

2. Everyone must sign-in days in advance to gain entry into the Arboretum. – Every attendee must have an entry pass. – We all must individually apply for the entry pass. – This must be done well in advance (days). – Arboretum members can use their Member Card. – Non-members will need to pay on the computer in advance. – We all will receive an entry pass via email. – The pass form must be shown at the entry gate. – Entry is only allowed at the selected entry time. – There is a “late” arrival tolerance period of one hour. – Expect a “no entry” sign when they hit their daily overall limit. – Exercise people may be significant in the morning. – We should be OK with our entry timing.

3. Given the Virus-related constraints, there is no restaurant service. There may be some take-out service. – As of this time, we will NOT be planning a lunch. – Bring your own water.

4. The Arboretum encourages all those who visit to follow the basics, especially in proximity with people. – All attendees should have full-face mask. – All attendees should honor the 6-ft. spacing. – Activities in buildings require full adherence. – There is less concern with outside activities.

5. We all are subject to changing to Covid-19 rules.

DuPage Birding Club guidelines: See top of page

Our birding will be on walking trails. The weather may change. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Past New-year Birding has been both fun and productive. Let’s make this a good 2021 birding event. See you all at the Arboretum. Leaders: Bob and Jean Spitzer bobspitzer1@msn.com 630-222-3307

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2020-12-20 00:00 - 23:59
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. A map of the circle is on this webpage: http://geoffwilliamson.info/lislecbc/lisle_files/circle.htm. 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:

Contact: Carl Giometti, chicagiometti@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle
2020-12-19 00:00 - 23:59
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s count will be quite a bit different than year’s past. First, there will be no countdown dinner this year, as it’s unclear that open dining will be possible or advisable. In addition, we will have a Zoom countdown instead of an in-person countdown. Details are still being worked out, but the countdown will likely be a scaled down version of our typical program.

If you counted in the last year or two, each area captain will reach out regarding count details, as Audubon is advising that no carpooling, large group meet-ups or counting in groups more than necessary should be incorporated into every circle. In addition, it is looking that Area 1 (Fermilab grounds) will likely be off limits this year. If this occurs, Area 1 participants may be rerouted to other areas needing additional counters. If you have not counted before, or haven’t counted in several years, but would like to, please let me know and I can put you on the list. Note that the deadline for new counters is Friday, December 4, 2020, since late decision participation throws off area captain plans and coverage strategies.

Let’s work together to make this count a safe and successful one!

Contact: : Jeff Chapman, jchapman@dupagebirding.org

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2020-12-12 04:10 - 16:50, 2020-12-10 16:10 - 16:50
Pre-registration is required. 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 cancelled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570
