DuPage Birding Club

Big Sit, Bob Fisher’s Backyard, Downers Grove
2025-05-24 07:30 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Registration with Thelma Hulka is required.Bob’s backyard is a bird sanctuary, with a creek running through it that attracts many migratory birds. Come relax and share a birding experience with other club members in a private environment. We are unsure what we will see. There are surprise birds on occasion. Participants should bring their own lawn chair. Park on the street. Restroom facilities available nearby. Oldfield Oaks FP is a short distance away, and Bob’s property borders on Meyer’s Woods, a Darien Park District parcel comprising a mostly natural area. This Big Sit event is, of course, weather permitting.Leader: Call or text Thelma Hulka at (630) 738-0720 to register, and for Bob’s address

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-05-24 07:30 - 11:00
Registration with the leader is required by email. Limit 10 participants.Our primary targets will be warblers, but we’ll explore most of the preserve in search of any of the recent spring arrivals. On the expectation of plenty of activity, this will be a longer walk than typical. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. Lyman’s trails are almost always muddy regardless of weather. If rain occurs ahead of the trip, expect areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear. Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
2025-05-25 07:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required.The trip will look for late spring migrants and grassland birds. We will concentrate on finding late spring migrants such as Mourning and Connecticut Warblers as well as the grassland birds that nest at Springbrook. Meet at Model Aircraft Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 mi south of 75th Street. Wear appropriate footwear to go off-trail and bring/use insect repellent for ticks and possibly mosquitos.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Elsen’s Woods, West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2025-05-25 07:30 - 09:30
Registration is not required. If you want to be informed of any last-minute changes, email the leader with your contact information.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. We will meet and sit as a group and look for spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. Elsen’s Woods is part of West DuPage Woods. We will meet at the Gary’s Mill Road parking lot. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go west on Gary’s Mill Rd. to the Preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Bring a lawn chair, water, bug spray and dress for the weather. West DuPage WoodsLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Bike & Bird, Greene Valley, Naperville
2025-05-26 08:00 - 11:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants.Greene 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. There will be a slight emphasis on areas more likely to have migrating warblers. 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

Waterfall Glen/Poverty Prairie, Lemont
2025-05-28 07:00 - 10:30
Registration is not required. We’ll be looking for shrubland/grassland birds on a walk of 2.5-3 miles on limestone trails only, through the prairie and savanna. Optional continuation through the oak woodland-kettle pond area for later migrants. Hat, water bottle and snack highly recommended. Meet at the Lemont Rd parking lot at 101st Street (Google Maps Waterfall Glen Parking Lot #3.) No reservation is needed but please text or call leader with any questions. Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630-297-9512

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Will County
2025-06-01 08:00 - 10:00
Registration required. Limit of 20 participants.Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is one of the premier grassland birding spots in the area. The area is littered with abandoned munitions bunkers, as well as fantastic grassland species such as Henslow’s Sparrow, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Blue Grosbeak. This walk will primarily take place on gravel trails, but may venture into tall grass. Dress appropriately and bring bug spray and sun protection. We will meet at the Iron Bridge Trailhead on Route 53 in Elwood, Illinois. The entrance to the trailhead parking lot is about a mile south of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and the intersection of Hoff Road and Route 53. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

St James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2025-06-03 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required.We will search for migratory and breeding birds in the former domain of the McCormick family. Our targets include Acadian Flycatcher, Summer Tanager and Hooded Warbler. The 600-acre preserve has one of the oldest presettlement forests in the district. Trails can be wet and muddy here. Meet at the “horse statue” in the main parking lot.Leader: Mark Freeburg, Cell: (630)661-1521, freebs59@sbcglobal.net

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-06-05 07:00 - 10:00
Registration is not required.Join us for a walk around one of DuPage county’s premier birding hotspots to look for resident birds, waterfowl and spring migrants. 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.Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, cell for same day questions: 630-254-4077

After work Birding at Danada Forest Preserve (East), Wheaton
2025-06-05 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-06-20 17:30 - 19:30
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! We will stick to well-maintained gravel trails and walk approximately two miles. Danada East (Danada House) is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Rd. and north of 1-88. 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

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-06-08 07:00 - 09:30
Registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.This trip will focus on finding and identifying the grassland birds that nest at Springbrook Prairie including such species as Henslow’s, Savannah, and Grasshopper Sparrows; Bobolinks, Sedge Wren, and Dickcissel. Some shrubland birds such as Yellow-breasted Chat, Bell’s Vireo, and marsh nesting birds are also possible. Meet the leader at the main parking lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd St., west of Book Rd. The main lot is across from the Springbrook Golf Course. The trip will go off-trail and the vegetation may be wet, so please wear appropriate footwear. Ticks are an issue, so please bring and use insect repellent. Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2025-06-09 08:00 - 11:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this field trip we will be exploring swampy river bottom and marsh habitats in hopes of finding unique breeding birds such as the Prothonotary Warbler, among others. Finding this spot can be a little tricky, but if you put “TruckParking247” into Google Maps it should take you to the right spot. Park along the side of the end of Canal Bank Road. Ask Henry if you have additional questions.Leader: Henry Meade,henrymm21@icloud.com

Bike and Bird Herrick Lake, Wheaton
2025-06-10 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.Bird the eight miles of trails by bike. We will cover most of Herrick Lake Forest Preserve with stops in different habitats along the way. Bring your bike, helmet and binoculars. You must be able to bike a minimum of eight miles. We will cover grassland, woodland, savannah, and scrub habitats looking for a wide variety of migrants. Meet in the parking lot off Herrick Road on the west side of the preserve. Leader: Nancy Allured,nallured@gmail.com

You Are All Invited to the DBC’s 40th Birthday Party!!
2025-06-14 09:30 - 12:30
DBC members, it is time to celebrate! Newest members, founding members, and all the members in between, come and celebrate the DuPage Birding Club’s 40th Birthday! There will be lunch. There will be cake! And there will be the Forty Birds in Forty Minutes Scavenger Hunt!

Date: June 14, 2025Time: 9:30 am – Forty Birds in Forty Minutes Scavenger Hunt11:30 am – Lunch servedPlace: Blackwell Forest Preserve, North Shelter

Please RSVP by June 8. CLICK HERE TO RSVPWe will meet at 9:30 am at the Blackwell Forest Preserve’s North Shelter for the first ever Forty Birds in Forty Minutes Scavenger Hunt. This will be a fun birding adventure for all levels of birders. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

We will serve a hot dog lunch at 11:30. If you cannot make the Forty Birds in Forty Minutes Scavenger hunt at 9:30, you are welcome to come just for lunch. Though why would you want to miss a scavenger hunt??

Please come! Wouldn’t it be fun if all 350+ DBC members, your fellow birders, came together to celebrate forty years of field trips, meetings, and the joy of birding?

Any questions contact: Andie Duffy aduffy99@ameritech.net

Directions:Use Blackwell FP main entrance on Butterfield Road (about ¼ mile west of Winfield Rd.) To get to the North Shelter take the Main Drive to the north end of Silver Lake (past the boat rental place). The shelter is located just before the campground entrance. Blackwell FP Webpage

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge
2025-06-16 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants.This morning trip will be more oriented towards new birders, but experienced birders are welcome. We will walk at a leisurely pace to allow everyone to see all the birds. We will search for late migratory birds and summer residents. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th about ½ mile, the entrance in on the south side of 79th Street, west of Greene Road.Leader: Bonnie Graham, coye72112@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-06-25 07:30 - 10:30
Registration is not required.Join us for a morning walk at one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots to look for resident and breeding species. The walk will be approximately three 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, 708-506-5186

Fabyan Forest Preserve, Geneva
2025-07-06 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Fabyan Forest Preserve, in Geneva, is located along the Fox River. Participants will explore both sides of the river utilizing the extensive trail system there. We will be looking for resident species as well as exploring the historic sites at Fabyan. We will mainly stick to crushed limestone trails, but may venture off into grassy areas. New and experienced birders are welcome. https://maps.app.goo.gl/qdfhMs2KhyPFVo3f8Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com, (630) 724-7534

Danada Forest Preserve (East), Wheaton- CANCELED
2025-07-11 17:30 - 19:30
Registration is not required for this evening birding trip. 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! We will stick to well-maintained, gravel trails and walk approximately two miles. Danada East (Danada House) is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Rd. and north of I-88. 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. Please email the leader if you plan to attend to receive updates.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-07-15 07:30 - 10:30
Registration for this trip is not required.Join us for a morning walk at one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots to look for resident and breeding species. The walk will be approximately three 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. https://maps.app.goo.gl/KXCPRk4BFnszuntK7Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-07-15 18:15 - 21:00, 2025-07-29 18:15 - 21:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Birding after work! Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. We’ll conclude the trip with some dusk birding looking for the resident owls. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Lyman’s trails can be muddy if we get rain – be prepared with appropriate footwear. Insect repellent is highly recommended. https://maps.app.goo.gl/anx9bjWV6JG4MTaQ9Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Greene Valley, Naperville
2025-07-19 17:00 - 20:00
Bike & BirdRegistration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.Greene 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 five 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 and trailhead.https://maps.app.goo.gl/nrYDHkpd3n5BtXb86Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com.

Danada Forest Preserve (East), Wheaton
2025-07-25 17:30 - 19:30
Registration for this trip is not required.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! We will stick to well-maintained, gravel trails and walk approximately two miles. Danada East (Danada House) is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Rd. and north of I-88. 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. Please email the leader if you plan to attend to receive updates.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-08-11 17:45 - 20:30
Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Birding after work! Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. We’ll conclude the trip with some dusk-time birding looking for the resident owls. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Lyman’s trails can be muddy if we get rain — be prepared with appropriate footwear. Insect repellent is highly recommended.https://maps.app.goo.gl/sWWxHJ9QeDQPS7rRALeader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com.

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-08-13 08:30 - 11:00
Registration for this trip is 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 early fall migrants. Most of our walk will be on the 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.https://maps.app.goo.gl/6bWV27h75kFfnAe57Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186.

Wood Dale Reservoir, Wood Dale
2025-08-20 17:30 - 20:00
Registration with the leader is 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; the 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 ahead of time (Yellowlegs and Similar Waders, Peeps). We will meet at the parking lot at the end of School Street.https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tatkdrr6CcoYbqrV6Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com.

Birding and Breakfast, Blackwell Forest Preserve (West Shelter), Warrenville
2025-08-23 07:30 - 11:00
Birding and BreakfastTo help us with planning, please RSVP here.Please join us for a bird walk and casual breakfast at the West Shelter at Blackwell Forest Preserve. We will begin at 7:30 with a short bird walk followed by breakfast in the picnic shelter at 9:00. The club will provide bananas, bagels, donuts, juice, and coffee. You are welcome to come just for the walk or just for the breakfast.
All birders and potential birders are welcome! This is a great time to get together and relive highlights of your summer birding experiences with others who share your interest in birding and the outdoors.
Blackwell Forest Preserve is located on the north side of Butterfield Road a quarter mile west of Winfield Road. The West Shelter is located on the left side of the Main Dr. opposite the boat rental parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bh1HxwvczZ92dJmA8Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com.

Greene Valley Bike Trip, Naperville
2025-08-30 08:30 - 11:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.Greene 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 the 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 and trailhead.https://maps.app.goo.gl/yTA7dZtMT1zL98of7Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com.

Lyman Woods Nature Center, Downers Grove
2025-09-03 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required.After meeting in the parking lot, we will explore the varied habitats of Lyman Woods. We will be looking for migrants and end of the summer birds. Lyman’s trails are known for being very muddy. If a rainy spell occurs prior to the date, be prepared with appropriate footwear. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. 901 31st St, Downers Grove, ILLeader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com
