Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2021-05-02 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago)
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

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-05-22 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Join us for another morning walk to the marsh where we hope to see residents and migrant waterfowl. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville. Most of our walk will be on limestone and earthen trails: wear appropriate shoes and clothing.

Leader: Kathy Mineck, cell day of: 630-254-4077, kmineck@dupagebirding.org

Bird the Park: St. James Farm, Warrenville
2021-05-25 07:00 - 10:00
This is a leaderless birding experience. You will bird on your own between the hours of 7 am 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!

The route we will follow is as follows. Starting at Waterlily Pond (just south of the Office) follow the St. James Trail to the McCormick Woods Trail intersection. Follow McCormick Woods Trail all the way to the Information Kiosk by Mack Road, then travel South down the drive to just past the Horse & Hound Cemetery and back to the parking area. St James Farm Map

The entrance is located on the east side of Winfield Road, 0.25 mile north of Butterfield Road. You can hike the loop in either direction.

Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required.

Organizer: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-05-29 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Joe Suchecki, the Forest Preserve’s District’s volunteer Steward and Bird Monitor for Springbrook, will lead this trip. Participants will cover several of the key birding areas at Springbrook that are good for grassland birds and late spring migrants. Park at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Rd. about 0.5 miles south of 75th St. We will be going off-trail over bumpy terrain. Be prepared for wet grass and trails, ticks, and mosquitos. Use insect repellent.

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

Beginners Bird Walk at McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-06-04 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. We’ll explore this celebrated preserve, searching for grassland and marsh species. We will concentrate on basic bird ID skills in order to establish a foundation for your future enjoyment of birds. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville. Most of our walk will be on limestone and earthen trails: wear appropriate shoes and clothing.

Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

York Woods, Oak Brook
2021-06-06 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. York Woods is a great location for summer residents. It is one of DuPage County’s smallest forest preserves with level asphalt trails and mainly oak woods. This field trip will be designed for beginners, but experienced birders may not be disappointed. We will cancel in the event of inclement weather.

Directions: From southbound York Rd. take Frontage Rd. west (I-88 exit) to Harger. Access to Frontage Rd. from northbound York is not allowed. Take York north to Roosevelt Rd. and follow the Roosevelt interchange to southbound York. Please note there is major construction in progress at Harger Road.

Leader: Kathy Mineck, day of: 630-254-4077, kmineck@dupagebirding.org

Bird Sit at Danada East, Wheaton
2021-06-08 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 share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will be birding on the Danada Equestrian (east) side of the park. We will meet in the parking lot and then take a short walk on a paved trail to a small bird garden behind Danada House where we will sit. Birders of all levels are welcome. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray (sitting, we are easy targets for mosquitos!) and drinking water. Danada website

Danada is located at 3S507 Naperville Road, 1 mile south of Butterfield Road and 0.75 mile north of Interstate 88 on the east side of Naperville Road.

Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-06-12 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-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, 630-369-5570 (home), jsuchecki@dupagebirding.org

TWI’s Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin Hopper and other Putnam County birding hotspots
2021-06-12 07:30 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leaders is required, limit 20 participants. An all day trip! It takes approx. 90 minutes to reach the morning rendezvous spot from the merge from I-355 onto I-55 S. This spot is the farmhouse on the W side of IL Rte. 26, right at the edge of the The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) complex; 9231 State Route 26 Hennepin, IL 61327. From the start location, we will break into 2 groups of 10 or less each, visit various scattered locations containing different habitats and bird species. Carpooling will be encouraged as the 2 groups travel from spot to spot. We plan a group brown bag lunch at a covered pavilion at the Putnam County Conservation District. Bathroom facilities are available there, and some short walking trails along the bluff can produce some interesting woodland birds at this location. Some stops may have wet trails, etc., so please wear appropriate footwear. Ticks are an issue, so please bring and use insect repellent. We will cancel in the event of predicted inclement weather.

Leaders: Bob Fisher bfisher928@aol.com and Vera Miller vleopold@wetlands-initiative.org

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-06-15 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-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 pleasewear appropriate footwear. Ticks are an issue, so please bring and use insect repellent.

Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570 (home), jsuchecki@dupagebirding.org

Greene Valley, Woodridge
2021-06-17 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. This morning trip will be more oriented for new birders, but experienced ones are welcome. We will walk at a leisurely pace to allow for all to see any birds. We will search for late migratory birds and summer residents. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th about 1/2 mile, the entrance is on south side of 79th Street, west of Greene Road in Naperville/Woodridge.Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, coye72112@gmail.com

James Pate Philip State Park and nearby areas, Bartlett
2021-06-21 07:30 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Let’s meet at James Pate Philip State Park in the northwest corner of the county, to look for nesting grassland, shrubland, and marshland birds. This preserve includes an area designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, comprised of a Dwarf Bur-Reed Marsh. Please be prepared to walk almost 4 miles on flat turf and limestone trails, mostly without shade. Park in the main parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Bring a sack lunch so we can eat there together when we’re done. Depending on time, and scouting results, we could visit parts of Pratt’s Wayne Woods, especially the nearby wetland areas, and check out the newly improved Dunham Woods Forest Preserve afterwards.

Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630-297-9512, RSVP to VSroczynski@comcast.net

Bird the Park: Hidden Lake, Downers Grove
2021-06-22 07:00 - 10:00
This is a leaderless birding experience, you do not need to sign up with the organizer. You will bird on your own between the hours of 7 am 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! Dress for the weather, bring bug spray and water. The route we will bird is as follows: starting at the North parking lot follow the Round Meadow Lake trail to the Eagle Trail loop. Complete the Eagle Trail loop then return back to the Round Lake Trail, complete it back to the parking lot. As always you can hike the loop in either direction. Hidden Lake is located on the east side of Route 53 0.25 mile south of Butterfield Road. Hidden Lake Website

Organizer: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Bemis Woods South, Western Springs
2021-06-26 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Join us at Bemis Woods South for a morning of birding. This will be a walk for new birders. We will walk slowly and allow time for all to look at the birds. We will check out resident and nesting birds. Meet by the “Go Ape” course. The entrance is off Ogden Ave. between I 294 and Wolf Rd. The trails can be muddy so wear appropriate shoes and use insect repellant.

Leader: Lesa Hipes, 630-689-7463, lhipes@dupagebirding.org

Swainson’s Hawks, Kane County
2021-07-10 09:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This trip will be to look for the Swainson’s Hawks that have traditionally nested in this area. Also, we will check out some nearby grassland locations for grassland birds such as Western Meadowlark. Pre-register for directions to meeting spot and/or car-pooling opportunities.Leader: Bob Fisher, 630-985-2956, bfisher928@aol.com

Pratt’s Wayne Woods, Wayne
2021-07-11 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Designated as an Audubon Important Bird Area, this is the largest forest preserve in DuPage County. We will be looking for summer residents, including wrens, sparrows and marsh birds. Meet at the Pickerel Lake parking lot off Powis Rd.

Leader: Diann Bilderback, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com

Danada Forest Preserve (East), Wheaton
2021-07-13 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This morning we will look for grassland birds, and check out the lake and the wooded areas. Meet at the parking lot east of Naperville Rd. in Wheaton.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Greene Valley, Woodridge
2021-07-22 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. This morning trip is oriented towards our summer residents. Most of the walk will be on gravel or mulch paths. Wear appropriate shoes and bring bug spray. Don’t forget to bring some water to stay hydrated. As always, new birders are welcome as we will take a leisurely pace to provide as much time as desired to look at each bird and to answer questions on equipment or bird identification. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th St. about 1/2 mile; the entrance is south of 79th St., west of Greene Rd. in Naperville/Woodridge.Leader: Bonnie Graham, coye72112@gmail.com , 630 204-8750
