After-Work Birding at Danada Forest Preserve (east side), Wheaton
2025-04-25 17:45 - 19:45 (America/Chicago)
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! Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of 1-88 (Danada House). 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

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2025-04-28 07:30 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsWe’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

Meacham Grove Forest Preserve, Bloomingdale
2025-04-29 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsThis walk will cover approximately 3 miles of trails through woodland groves, meadows, wetlands and along open edges. Woodland trails can be wet and/or muddy. Meet at main parking lot on Circle Avenue, just north of Lake Street (Rt 20). https://maps.app.goo.gl/dJvRbGDZAmZ5cKGeALeader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com

Wood Dale Reservoir, Wood Dale
2025-05-01 17:30 - 20:00
Pre-registration with the leader 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; 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 (Yellowlegs and Similar Waders, Peeps) ahead of time. We will meet at the parking lot at the end of School Street (298 School Street in Wood Dale if using GPS).Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery, Plainfield
2025-05-03 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 20 participantsThe Heron Rookery Preserve at Lake Renwick is a limited access preserve where it is possible to view nesting egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Double-Crested Cormorants. The rookery itself is located on an island in Lake Renwick. This trip will include hiking less than 1 mile to viewing areas on natural surfaces and uneven terrain. If there is time, we may also walk some of the trails at the rookery. We will meet our guide at the visitor center at the Renwick Road entrance. Bring your cameras and scopes! Dress for the weather. Bring water and bug spray.Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is located at 23202 W. Renwick Road. (On Renwick Road east of route 30/Lincoln Highway and West of the I55 overpass in Plainfield.) LINK

Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Chicago
2025-05-04 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit of 20 participants.Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is one of the premier birding hotspots in the state. Located next to Montrose Beach along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary offers a variety of habitats for a large number of birds. The group will explore the entire sanctuary, including wooded areas, prairie, beachfront and the dunes area. Some trails may be muddy, so dress appropriately. Targets will include migrating warblers and shorebirds. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Testers Test, West Chicago
2025-05-05 00:00 - 2025-05-07 00:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsThe Heron Rookery Preserve at Lake Renwick is a limited access preserve where it is possible to viewnesting egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Double-crested Cormorants. The rookery itself is located on anisland in Lake Renwick. This trip will include hiking less than one mile to viewing areas on naturalsurfaces and uneven terrain. If there is time, we may also walk some of the trails at the rookery. We willmeet our guide at the visitor center at the Renwick Road entrance. Bring your cameras and scopes!
Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is located at 23202 W. Renwick Road. (On Renwick Road east of route30/Lincoln Highway and West of the I55 overpass in Plainfield.)
Dress for the weather. Bring water and bug spray.https://maps.app.goo.gl/1E2acv1Wd1wLYzyZALeader: Test Tester, test1@test.tt, (555) 555-5555; Test Tester2 test2@test.tt (777) 777-7777; Test Tester3 test3@test.tt (999) 999-9999

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-05-05 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participantsThis morning trip will focus on woodland migrants passing through our area. This is a popular migrant hotspot in both spring and fall. If birds are on the move, we will be in a great location to view them. Meet in the first parking lot after entering the preserve. The entrance is at the intersection of Raymond Dr. and McDowell Rd. where there is a stoplight.Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Elsen's Hill, Winfield
2025-05-05 18:30 - 20:30
Registration with the leader is required.Come check out a popular birding hotspot at a less-often visited time of day; an evening at Elsen’s! There should be plenty of migrant birds around, as well as resident species. Hopefully we could also encounter some crepuscular or nocturnal birds and other wildlife. This trip will be approximately 2 miles on earthen trails which might be muddy or even have standing water if there has been a lot of rain lately. Meet at the Elsen’s Hill parking lot in West DuPage Woods located on the north side of Gary’s Mill Road, west of Winfield Road, and east of where Gary’s Mill intersects Roosevelt Road.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186 (text or call to register)

Waterfall Glen Sawmill Creek Area, Lemont (Walk and Lunch)
2025-05-07 07:00 - 11:00
Registration not required.We’ll walk at least 3 miles searching this watershed for all the spring migrants, summer breeding birds, and a couple resident specialties. PLEASE be prepared for rocky, root-filled trails along the creek, and hills throughout. Bring lunch so we can eat together in the picnic shelter afterwards. Park in the large new parking lot just southeast of the intersection of Cass and Bluff. (Enter from Bluff Rd. and listen for nesting Pine Warblers singing.) Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630-297-9512 (text with any questions)

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-05-08 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required.The trip will look for spring migrants in the wetlands, grasslands, and wooded areas of Springbrook Prairie. Trip will focus on spring migrants in a variety of habitats. Meet at Model Aircraft Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 mi south of 75 th Street. Wear appropriate foot ware to go off-trail and bring/use insect repellent for ticks and possibly mosquitos.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com .

Spring Bird Count, DuPage County
2025-05-10 08:00 - 17:00
A hundred or more birders will fan out across DuPage County to identify all the bird species they can find at the Spring Bird Count on Saturday May 10. 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 16 areas, with teams scouring each area. To volunteer or find out more information email Joe Suchecki.

Email Joe Suchecki at DuPagesbc@gmail.com

Birding Hotspots of Northeastern DuPage County
2025-05-13 07:00 - 12:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants.On this trip, we will be driving to different locations that offer a variety of habitats including mudflats, lakes, woodlands, and more. There should be a large variety of bird species found. Our exact route within northeastern DuPage County may be determined based on recent sightings. Participants can continue as long as they wish. Expect approximately 3 miles of walking on limestone or earthen trails. Meet at the parking spots for Wood Dale Reservoir located on School Street as far as you can go west of Wood Dale Road. The exact meeting spot can be viewed in the following link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K8LmfNm3HyigkVmP7Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186 (text or call if you have questions, and to register)

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2025-05-13 09:00 - 23:00
Registration with the leader is required.This trip will check out the river and the Barrow Pit and then follow along the trail looking for spring migrants and new summer arrivals. 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.Leader: Mark Freeburg, Cell: (630) 661-1521, freebs59@sbcglobal.net

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-05-14 17:45 - 20:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants.Warblers (and other spring migrants) after work! Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. We’ll conclude the trip with some dusk birding looking for the resident Great Horned Owls. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. 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

Bird Sit at Isle a la Cache, Romeoville
2025-05-15 07:00 - 09:00
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 small park on the Des Plaines River. This field trip is 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. Dress for the weather, bring bug spray, and water. We will meet at the visitor center parking lot; when entering the park turn left into the parking lot. Isle a la Cache is located on the Des Plaines River about a mile east of Route 53 on Romeo Road/135th St, Romeoville. Isle a la Cache WebsiteLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Goose Lake Natural Area, McHenry County
2025-05-15 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit of 20 participants.This unique spot in northern McHenry County is a great spot for sought after marsh birds. The walk will focus on finding the site’s nesting Yellow-headed Blackbird population, as well as species such as Black Tern, King Rail, Marsh Wren, and others. There is roughly a mile walk on a straight gravel path before we hit the marsh area. We may venture off trail into tall grass, so dress appropriately and bring bug spray and sun protection. The parking lot is behind the Hebron Township Building in Hebron, Illinois (10206 Seaman Rd, Hebron, IL 60034). Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Seager Park, Naperville
2025-05-16 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 12 participants.Meet at the main parking lot, 1163 Plank Rd. This relatively small area is rich in varied habitat, which increases the number of species we may observe. We will be in search of migrants (especially warblers), Red-headed Woodpeckers, and other woodland birds. Leaders: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630 640-2450

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-05-20 07:00 - 10:30
Registration not required.Join us for a morning walk at one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots to look for spring migrants and breeding species. The walk will be approximately 3 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

Big Sit, Bob Fisher’s Backyard, Downers Grove
2025-05-24 07:30 - 10:00
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
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
