DuPage Birding Club

Morton Arboretum, West Side, Lisle
2024-10-22 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.Let’s see what we can find among the sparrows, waterfowl, and wintering residents. We will meet at Thornhill parking lot, P21. *Please note that a timed-reservation entry is required for all NON-members. Timed entry tickets can be obtained at the following link: 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.Leaders: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630-640-2450

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2024-10-25 08:00 - 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. More info here: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/fullersburg-woodsLeader: Kathy and Steve Mineck, cell: 630-254-4077 (day of), kmineck@yahoo.com (RSVP to email)

'LAST CHANCE' Hawk Migration, Greene Valley Forest
2024-10-26 10:00 - 13:00
Preserve’s Scenic Overlook, Woodridge (Sunday, October 27, will be the ‘rain date’.)No limit on number of participants, but RSVP to Bob so you can get an email update on weather conditions and receive the handouts.Root for N/NW winds! This will be our last opportunity in 2024 to see migrating raptors from the Scenic Overlook, aka Fisher Point, at Greene Valley (the overlook is closed to the public after this weekend). The Broadwings are long gone, but some of the later migrating raptor species may sail by—Northern Harriers, Red-shouldered and Rough-legged Hawks, and if we’re lucky, maybe a goshawk or Golden Eagle! Plus, of course, Redtails (sometimes we get those dark morph westerns) and TVs. Plus, pipits, Lapland longspurs and maybe a Snow Bunting or two may be hanging around the hill.

Bring a chair, hat, water, and a lunch or snacks, binocs, camera, and a scope, if you have one. It will be much cooler than at ground level, especially with N winds; so please bring layers.

We suggest you review the DBC Hawk Watch/Buteos talk. A 2nd club talk on the other families of hawks-accipiters, falcons, eagles is also helpful. We’ll have raptor field guides on hand as well. Check out and consider installing the free Cornell Lab/HawkWatch International Raptor ID mobile phone app, worthwhile for descriptions, photos, and, especially, videos that show flight styles of different hawks.

Gather at the top of the overlook at 10 am (come earlier if you wish – the gate opens around 9 am). We’ll have a brief site orientation, explain hawk watching techniques, plus do a quick review of the Hawk Migration Association of North America’s Hawk ID sheet. HMANA is the place where you can find all the data from the GV hawkwatch, as well as the multitude of hawkwatches dotting the north American landscape. (NOTE: If you’re unable to join us on this date, you can still visit the hawk watch any weekend during October, from when it opens around 9 am.)Leader: Bob Fisher, bfisher928@aol.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-10-29 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration not required.This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us, approximately 3.25 miles, to check out resident species and fall migrants. We hope to see Red-headed Woodpeckers, Henslow’s Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and some marsh and woodland species. 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

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2024-11-07 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and fall and early 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

Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2024-11-10 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, 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 migrant waterfowl. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot at 8am.Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-11-15 07:30 - 10:30
Registration not required.Join us on another walk around one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots. We will be looking for wintering species and late fall migrants. The walk will be approximately 3 miles on limestone & earthen trails. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd. between Winfield Rd. & Route 59.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Nygren Wetland Preserve, Rockton, IL. - Canceled
2024-11-15 15:30 - 2024-11-16 13:00
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Led by Dan Williams. Organized by Lenny Edgin.This trip will begin Friday at 3:30 pm, at Nygren Overlook, and end around Noon to 1:00 pm Saturday. Full itinerary will be sent to registrants.To register and for more detailed information contact Lenny Edgin @ ledgin72@gmail.com.

Nygren is a beautiful wildlife refuge located in Rockton, Illinois, owned by the Natural Land Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust which was created in 1958 by George Fell, one of the founders and first executive director of The Nature Conservancy. It covers over 700 acres of pristine wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, making it a diverse and important ecosystem in the area. It is a waystation for Sandhill Cranes as they migrate south for the winter. On this field trip, between the evening and daytime walks, we hope to see a variety of waterfowl and raptors, including Northern Harrier and Rough-legged Hawks and early migrants like Lapland Longspurs and late sparrows. We will also look for Northern Shrike, and Barred and Short-eared Owls. We will be visiting Ferguson Forest Preserve and perhaps Sugar River Forest Preserve during this trip.

This trip will be led by Dan Williams, who has lived in Winnebago County for over 50 years and has been birding for more than 45 years. He is currently a member of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee. He has been the President and past board member of the Natural Land Institute, the owner of the Nygren Wetland Preserve, and a former member and past chair of the Land Advisory Council, a citizens advisory committee of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District. The purpose of the LAC was to advise the Forest Preserve Commission regarding land acquisition opportunities.

DBC Volunteers: Celebrating YOU at the DBC Volunteer Luncheon
2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:30
The DuPage Birding Club would not exist if not for the many volunteers that give of their time and talents. The DBC Board would like to acknowledge all of our volunteers with a luncheon Saturday, November 16, at St. James Farm. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a short birding walk followed by a luncheon at 11:30.

The event is for everyone who has volunteered in any capacity on behalf of the club in the last year. This includes Board Members, Committee members, field trip leaders, outreach volunteers, newsletter and website contributors, and any others who have helped out in the past year. This is also a great time to socialize with fellow members and possibly win a prize!

Meet at 10 a.m. at the St James parking lot off Winfield Rd for the walk. Lunch will be served at the St. James indoor riding arena meeting space at 11:30. Located in the far right yellow building when looking from the parking lot (the building where the restrooms are located). If you prefer, you may join us just for the luncheon at 11:30. (Link to St. James Farm)

Please let us know you will be attending by emailing Natalie McFaul at natcatcher7@gmail.com

Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve, Hampshire
2024-11-17 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration is preferred, limit 20 participants. Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve is fast becoming one of the most promising birding sites in Kane County. Formerly farmland, Muirhead has undergone quite a transformation in the past few years, hosting a wide range of grassland birds. Winter sparrows, waterfowl, as well as Pipits, Longspurs, and Snow Buntings will be the main targets of this trip. If you haven’t been to Muirhead yet, this is a great opportunity to do so. New birders are always welcome to join. The parking lot entrance is on Bahr Road, off Plank Road. Please note that we may trek through tall grass, so dress appropriately. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com (text or call with any questions regarding directions on the day of: 630-724-7534)

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2024-11-24 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 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. Please bring a scope if you have one, though the leader will have a scope for everyone to share. 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. (Google Maps Waterfall Glen Parking Lot #3.)Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

DuPage River Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook-CANCELED
2024-12-06 08:00 - 10:00
CANCELED DUE TO COLD WEATHER

We will meet at the trailhead, which is located on Royce Rd., just off Rt.53. We will walk the 2.5 mile trail, that follows the East Branch of the DuPage River to Whalon Lake and back. We will look for winter residents and any migrants that happen to be passing through. Leader: Mark Freeburg. Please call or text if you have any questions 630-661-1521

Whalon Lake, Naperville
2024-12-07 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.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 by the boat launch dock.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with henrymm21@icloud.com

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2024-12-10 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This field trip will include 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. Please register with nallured@comcast.net

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2024-12-12 08:00 - 10:00
No limit to the number of participants, but please email us to let us know you are coming and for any updates.Join us as we take a casual walk and look for winter birds and possibly some waterfowl on the lake. 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. This is an approximately a 1.5 – 2 mile walk mostly on limestone paths with some dirt paths.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner mwarner2543@gmail.com 630-640-2450

Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle, Batavia
2024-12-14 06:00 - 17:00
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is Saturday, December 7.Join us for The DuPage Birding Club sponsored Christmas Bird Count. This is your chance to contribute to an important community science opportunity. Data collected provides invaluable insights into winter bird populations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with fellow birders. If you participated last year, you are already on the list and will be contacted in early December. If you are new to the Bird Count, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details and to be assigned to a location and area captain. Remember you’ll be grouped with a team, so no need to be an expert.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Annual DBC Christmas Bird Countdown dinner, in private room, at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Naperville Deadline to register is December 7. Space is limited to 40 members. Cost per member $20. Following the DBC Christmas Bird Count we will be having our first in-person countdown dinner since before the pandemic. Come join us as we watch the totals from the day’s bird count, and feast together on pizza, pasta, salad and drinks in a private room at Lou Malnati’s in Naperville. A cash bar will be available. Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available. If you have any questions, and to register, contact Sherry Courtney at sherrycourtney10@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2024-12-14 08:00 - 17:00
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is Saturday, December 7.Join us for The DuPage Birding Club sponsored Christmas Bird Count. This is your chance to contribute to an important community science opportunity. Data collected provides invaluable insights into winter bird populations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with fellow birders. If you participated last year, you are already on the list and will be contacted in early December. If you are new to the Bird Count, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details and to be assigned to a location and area captain. Remember you’ll be grouped with a team, so no need to be an expert.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Annual DBC Christmas Bird Countdown dinner, in private room, at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Naperville
2024-12-14 17:00 - 19:30
Deadline to register is December 7. Space is limited to 40 members. Cost per member $20.Following the DBC Christmas Bird Count we will be having our first in-person countdown dinner since before the pandemic. Come join us as we watch the totals from the day’s bird count, and feast together on pizza, pasta, salad and drinks in a private room at Lou Malnati’s in Naperville. A cash bar will be available. Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available. If you have any questions, and to register, contact Sherry Courtney at sherrycourtney10@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2024-12-15 08:00 - 17:00
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is Sunday, 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 feeder-watcher.For details and signup: https://www.chicagobirder.org/events/2024/12/15/lisle-christmas-bird-count

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-12-18 07:30 - 10:30
Registration not necessary. Join us for a morning walk around one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots. This trip will be about 3 miles long on limestone and earthen trials. This site often has a good selection of wintering species including the Northern Shrike, American Black Duck, and other waterfowl, various raptors, and other birds. Meet at the visitor parking lot located on the north side of Mack Road, east of Route 59, and west of Winfield Road.Leader: Kyle Wiktor. 708-506-5186 (text or call if you have questions regarding weather cancellation)

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2024-12-19 16:10 - 16:50
Trip Canceled.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 canceled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather. Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email: dbcsec2020@gmail.com . Phone: 630-369-5570.

Annual New Year’s Day Birding at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00
There is no limit to the number of participants, but please email us to let us know you are coming and for any updates.The bird club has a tradition of New Year’s Day birding, so come one, come all to the Morton Arboretum to start the new year right! We will gather at parking lot P13, Big Rock on the east side, https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/maps-guides/ . We will walk about 2 miles on mulched paths. 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. Nonmembers will need to pay an entrance fee. If you want to follow us in and pay the guest fee of $5.00, please let us know when you email. Here is a link for reserving an entry pass: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/480/listLeader: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com

Fermilab, Warrenville
2025-01-04 15:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration is required, limit 10 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, participants must remain in public areas at all times 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. Full details on public access to Fermilab can be found HERE.

We will meet at the ‘Red Barn Area’ located at the end of Sauk Cir Google Map Link (If needed, Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive) for a short trip through the Sparrow Hedge before heading to a different part of the lab to look for winter resident Short-eared Owls and other raptors which are typically active in this area around sunset. The trip leader will provide registered participants with more detailed information closer to the date of the trip.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2025-01-09 16:10 - 17:00
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 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. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trip will be canceled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email: dbcsec2020@gmail.com. Phone: 630-369-5570.

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2025-01-11 14:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and other winter residents. Spotting scopes can be useful here, trip leader will have one. We will meet at the bike trailhead on the east end of Canal Bank Road. If using navigation, search for 15112 Canal Bank Rd, Lemont. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP.Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-01-25 14:30 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 10 participantsWe will be looking for common woodland wintertime residents. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. While the trip will wrap up at sunset, for those who would like, we can do a shorter walk after sunset to see if there’s any owl activity. If you want to do this, a red flashlight/headlamp is recommended.Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-01-28 10:00 - 12:30
Registration not necessary.Join us for a morning walk around one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots. This trip will be about three miles long on limestone and earthen trials. This site often has a good selection of wintering species including the Northern Shrike, American Black Duck and other waterfowl, various raptors, and other birds. Meet at the visitor parking lot located on the north side of Mack Road, east of Route 59, and west of Winfield Road.Leader: Kyle Wiktor. 708-506-5186 (text or call if you have questions regarding weather cancellation).

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, CANCELED
2025-02-06 08:00 - 10:00
CANCELED – This trip is canceled due to weather. This morning trip will be oriented toward winter birds such as sparrows, finches, and raptors. We will walk at a leisurely pace to provide as much time as desired to look at each bird and to answer questions for any new birders. Please dress for the weather. Meet at Greene Valley Forest Preserve West entrance, near the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. The entrance (Thunderbird Road) is on the south side of 79th, west of Greene Road in Naperville/Woodridge. https://maps.app.goo.gl/nwLczvPZDP9FP3zF9 Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, Coye72112@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2025-02-08 14:30 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and other winter residents. Spotting scopes can be useful here, trip leader will have one. We will meet at the bike trailhead on the east end of Canal Bank Road. If using navigation, search for 15112 Canal Bank Rd, Lemont. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP. Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-02-13 07:00 - 09:00
No registration required. No limit to the number of participants. This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter birds. 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. Text or call Kyle for any additional information including questions regarding weather related cancellation. Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186
