Cricket Creek Forest Preserve, Addison
2021-03-27 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago)
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

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

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge/Naperville
2021-04-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2021-04-22 19:30 - 20:30
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction to Birding By Ear, Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-04-25 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This trip is intended for those birders who would like to learn about bird calls and songs and how to use those sounds to identify “Birds-by-Ear.” The trip leader will key-in on bird calls and songs as the group looks for marsh birds, grassland birds, and spring migrants. The emphasis of the trip will be to point out and learn the calls of the birds and how to develop the skills of identifying birds by sound. Please park at the Model Aircraft Field on Plainfield-Naperville Road south of 75th Street in Naperville. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, issuesman50@yahoo.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-04-25 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. McDowell Grove is typically a productive site for warblers and other migrants. The focus of the trip will be early migrants, forest, and scrubland birds. Meet in the parking lot off Raymond Drive, 1/2 mile south of I-88. Most of our walk will be on gravel and good earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Leader: Diann Bilderback, 630-272-5746, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com

Bird Sit at McDowell Grove, Naperville, 4s500 Raymond Dr. Naperville
2021-04-27 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This is a new 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 and join us at McDowell Grove. We will meet and sit as a group (masked and socially distanced) and look for early spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome.McDowell Grove is on the east side of Raymond Drive, south of Interstate 88. The main entrance is south of Diehl Road, approximately 1 mile north of Ogden Avenue (Route 34). Meet in the parking lot near the Information Kiosk. Bring a folding lawn chair! Dress warmer than you think necessary as it is harder to stay warm while sitting, especially if the weather is chilly.

Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-04-29 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 Raymond Drive where it intersects with McDowell Road (stop light). Leader: Denis Kania at djkan36@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2021-05-02 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This location has the designation of “Important Bird Area.” Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is a traditionally excellent spot for warblers. 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. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and boots for muddy trails.

Leader: Diann Bilderback, 630-272-5746, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-05-04 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. We’ll be concentrating on 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 Raymond Drive where it intersects with McDowell Road (stop light).

Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Danada Forest Preserve - East side, Wheaton
2021-05-04 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the parking lot east of Naperville Rd. between Butterfield Rd. and Warrenville Rd. We will be searching for resident and migrant species, through a variety of habitats including woodlands, prairie and Rice Lake. A scope would be helpful.

Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com

Maple Grove Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2021-05-06 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We’ll be looking for spring migrants, including warblers, songbirds, and Wood Ducks that nest in the area. Trails are dirt and may be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. Meet in parking lot off of Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.

Leader: John Hebert, johnhhebert@yahoo.com

2021 Spring Bird Count
2021-05-08 06:00 - 17:00
A hundred or more birders will fan out across DuPage County to identify all the bird species they can find. 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 17 areas, with teams scouring each area.

Email Joe Suchecki at DuPageSBC@gmail.com to volunteer or find out more information.

Whalon Lake and Peacock Marsh, Will County
2021-05-09 15:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15. Please email both Bob and Jean to reserve your spot on the trip. We are going to start this trip in the afternoon to get the sun at our back. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland species are targets. We’ll start at Whalon Lake in Naperville. Drive down to meet at the picnic shelter next to the parking lot near the dog play lot. Whalon Lake on the south side of Royce Rd., west of Rt. 53 and south of 75th St. From Whalon Lake, we will drive south to visit Peacock Marsh to look for waterfowl again. Limited to 15 participants. Please email Bob and Jean

Leaders: Bob and Jean Spitzer, 630-790-4842, (birding day cell: 630-222-3307)bspitzer@dupagebirding.org and jeanspitz1@gmail.com

Beginners Bird Walk, St. James Farm, Warrenville
2021-05-11 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. With migration in full swing, there should be plenty of birds around. We will concentrate on basic bird ID skills in order to establish a foundation for your future enjoyment of birds. We will meet in the main parking lot. The entrance is located on the east side of Winfield Road, 0.25 mile north of Butterfield Road.

Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-05-13 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We will be looking for spring migrants. Meet at the first parking lot at McDowell Grove on Raymond Rd., just south of Diehl Road.

Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Waterfall Glen, Poverty Prairie, Lemont
2021-05-14 07:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Please park in the lot for Poverty Prairie, on the east side of Lemont Road at 101st Street. We’ll be on limestone trails with a slight elevation until we level out onto the prairie. Expect about a 3.5 mile walk round trip. We’re looking for all the migrants and possibly local woodpeckers and owls, and to see if the Blue Grosbeaks, Bell’s Vireos, and Yellow-breasted Chats returned after a thorough burn on the shrublands this year.

Leader: Vicky Sroczynski 630-297-9512 vsroczynski@dupagebirding.org

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville - Birding by Ear Field Trip
2021-05-15 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Field trip concentrating on building birding by ear skills to identify birds. The field trip will focus on how to identify and learn bird songs in the field at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville. Combination of grassland birds and spring migrants. Meet at the gravel parking lot on the EAST side of Plainfield-Naperville Rd., about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street. We will be going off trail over bumpy terrain. Be prepared for wet grass and use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.

Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Beginners Bird Walk McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-05-17 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. With migration in full swing there should be plenty of birds around. We will concentrate on basic bird ID skills in order to establish a foundation for your future enjoyment of birds. We will meet in the main parking lot which is accessed off of Raymond Drive where it intersects with McDowell Road (stop light).

Leader: Denis Kania at djkan36@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Elsen’s Woods - CANCELED
2021-05-18 07:30 - 09:30
CANCELED AND RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 20 Pre-registration with the leader is 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 wants to share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group (masked and socially distanced) and look for early spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. 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 and dress warmer than you think necessary as it is harder to stay warm while sitting.

Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2021-05-20 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is 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 wants to share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group (masked and socially distanced) and look for early spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome.

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 and dress warmer than you think necessary as it is harder to stay warm while sitting. Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com
