DuPage Birding Club

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-09-04 07:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Registration with the leader is required.Springbrook Prairie is a great place to look for early fall migrants. Dress for the weather and wear long pants and hiking boots in case we go off trail. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Meet in the gravel lot on the east side of Plainfield-Naperville Road at 7:00 am.https://maps.app.goo.gl/hpb5Q9WPwojvrApj6Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Wood Dale Reservoir, Wood Dale
2025-09-06 16:30 - 19:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.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 – 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.https://maps.app.goo.gl/gzcz9vDcy4ypAJbM8Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Elsen's Hill, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve, Winfield
2025-09-08 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is requested in case of cancellation due to weather.Elsen’s Hill is well-known as one of the best places to witness fall passerine migration in DuPage County. We’ll be out in the morning in the peak of migration season looking for warblers, vireos, sparrows and other fall migrants stopping to refuel on their journeys south. We’ll also stay on the lookout for resident preserve specialties, such as titmice, Pileated Woodpeckers, and raptors. The grass and/or dirt trails we will be taking are maximum 1.5-2 miles long. Elsen’s Hill can be very muddy, so you may want to bring boots.Meet at the “West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve – Elsen’s Hill Area” parking lot.(https://maps.app.goo.gl/KYHzHmL5osNTVZin8)This walk will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Participants will be notified of any changes or cancellations via email.Leader: Hazem Alkhan, hazemdsf@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2025-09-12 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required, limit 8 participants.St. James Farm provides a variety of restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands where over 300 species of native plants and animals thrive. Let’s see how many fall migrants we can find. We’ll walk about 2 miles on crushed gravel and dirt deer paths if they’re not too overgrown. Bring bug/tick spray in case. Meet by the horse statue.https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2ut1D88rMQa23tE8Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-09-16 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Field trip for fall migrants at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. Trip will start by looking for waterbirds, including rails at the marsh, and then move on to migrant bird locations on east side of Plainfield-Naperville Road. Trip will concentrate on fall warblers. Dress for weather and wear appropriate hiking boots in case we go off trail. Wear insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road at 7:30 am.https://maps.app.goo.gl/WqXt8t2ibR1Sizty6Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Wood Dale Reservoir, Wood Dale
2025-09-20 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.On this trip with Henry we will explore the best shorebirding hotspot in DuPage County. We have the chance to see some uncommon/rare shorebirds along with warblers and other passerine migrants during the portion of this walk that will take us near Salt Creek. Paved surfaces. Meet at the lot at the end of School Street at 8am sharp.https://maps.app.goo.gl/vftaZZZEx2fHg9yw9?g_st=ipcLeader: Henry Meade, meadehenry21@gmail.com, (224) 319-4377

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-09-21 07:30 - 12:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.Functionally, this is more or less a “Big Morning” trip – our targets will primarily be southbound warblers, but we’ll be exploring Lyman in detail and trying to find as much as possible in the heart of fall migration. Expect a longer walk than typical. 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 and bring bug/tick spray. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.https://maps.app.goo.gl/NtYkLrUroVB2wUk87 Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Take a Hike! Challenge Bird Walk, St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville,
2025-09-21 08:00 - 10:00
If you’re interested in participating in this bird walk, please reach out to the field trip leader via email. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.comDuPage Birding Club will be partnering with the Conservation Foundation to lead a bird walk as part of the Take a Hike! Challenge. The walk will be held at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville. We will meet in the parking lot off Winfield Road and will traverse St. James Farm’s limestone trails at a leisurely pace, taking our time to identify tricky fall migrants. The walk will cover a couple of miles over relatively flat terrain. Our targets will include fall warblers and other migrant species. New and experienced birders are always welcome. The Conservation Foundation and Endeavor Health have partnered to create the Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 2 to Oct. 28, people of all ages are encouraged to rediscover the health benefits of being active and spending time outdoors.People interested in participating in the free challenge can follow the directions below to sign up. 1) Sign up online at theconservationfoundation.org/take-a-hike/ 2) Get out and hike from Sept. 2 to Oct. 28! 3) Turn in the Take a Hike! Tracker with 6 completed hikes to earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award* (commemorative pin or medallion. First time participants can earn a hiking stick + medallion). *Must register individually to be eligible. Supplies are limited. Offer is valid while supplies last. To learn more and sign up, visit theconservationfoundation.org/take-a-hike/. If you’re interested in participating in this bird walk, please reach out to the field trip leader via email.Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-09-24 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader 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 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/Jg3GqKUyYp1RtrYW7Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Morton Arboretum - West Side, Lisle
2025-09-25 07:30 - 11:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 8 participants.***Arboretum membership is required*** We’ll meet at P19 and do a 3-mile loop to the prairie and back on wood chip, grass and gravel trails looking for fall migrants.https://maps.app.goo.gl/A3E5CygtfZLK3qnz8Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Hawkwatch, Greene Valley Overlook, Naperville
2025-09-27 11:00 - 13:00
Registration with the leader is required for update on weather conditions, and hawk ID handouts.Bring a chair, lunch, and hat to the Greene Valley Hawkwatch, where we will quickly review how to ID hawks in flight and then join the team counting migrating raptors. Walk a hundred feet on limestone path from parking lot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/LFgVdFWzG8L26NE58) to the watch site–you will see a car and people–then we’ll be sitting on a grass lawn. If winds are good, we can see many migrating Broad-winged Hawks in late September.It is a good idea to bring a hoodie or jacket as it can be colder up top than at ground level. Watch the Greene Valley Hawkwatch and Hawk ID talks on the club’s YouTube channel to fully prepare for this experience.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net, (630) 297-9512

Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN
2025-10-04 08:00 - 13:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.We'll start from the Wilson Shelter parking lot and make a loop of trails 10 & 2 through woods and the marsh boardwalk, about 5 miles. We will not be climbing sand dunes. Should get some late migrants and fall colors. Entrance fee is $12 per car. Bring a sack lunch and bug spray.https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parking+lot,+Tremont+Rd,+Chesterton,+IN+46304Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-07 07:30 - 09:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
Springbrook Prairie Fall Sparrow Trip. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for fall sparrows and other migrants. Targets for the trip include Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrows. We will search along wetland areas for these elusive sparrows and will go off trail through some wetter areas, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.
Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield -Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-07 07:30 - 09:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.Springbrook Prairie Fall Sparrow Trip. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for fall sparrows and other migrants. Targets for the trip include Nelson's and LeConte's sparrows. We will search along wetland areas for these elusive sparrows and will go off trail through some wetter areas, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.
Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield -Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-11 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
Springbrook Prairie Fall Sparrow Trip. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for fall sparrows and other migrants. Targets for the trip include Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrows. We will search along wetland areas for these elusive sparrows and will go off trail through some wetter areas, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.
Meet at the Main Parking Lot on 83rd Street between Route 59 and Book Road.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-11 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.Springbrook Prairie Fall Sparrow Trip. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for fall sparrows and other migrants. Targets for the trip include Nelson's and LeConte's sparrows. We will search along wetland areas for these elusive sparrows and will go off trail through some wetter areas, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.
Meet at the Main Parking Lot on 83rd Street between Route 59 and Book Road.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-10-11 07:30 - 12:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
Our targets will primarily be southbound warblers, but we’ll be exploring Lyman in detail and trying to find as much as possible in the heart of fall migration. Expect a longer walk than typical. Lyman’s trails are almost always muddy regardless of the weather. If rain occurs ahead of the trip, expect areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear and bring bug/tick spray. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.
Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-10-11 07:30 - 12:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.Our targets will primarily be southbound warblers, but we’ll be exploring Lyman in detail and trying to find as much as possible in the heart of fall migration. Expect a longer walk than typical. Lyman’s trails are almost always muddy regardless of the weather. If rain occurs ahead of the trip, expect areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear and bring bug/tick spray. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.
Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-10-13 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader 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 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/T7aiJKAa2FoLWUYo8
Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-10-13 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader 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 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/T7aiJKAa2FoLWUYo8
Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Hanover Park
2025-10-16 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
The 85-acre Mallard Lake is the District’s largest recreational lake. Mallard Lake has 4 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile trail system that winds around the lake and over two bridges plus a boardwalk that is ideal for birdwatching. The lake is a beautiful place to spend a fall day.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mallard+Lake+Shelter+Parking/
Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Hanover Park
2025-10-16 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.The 85-acre Mallard Lake is the District's largest recreational lake. Mallard Lake has 4 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile trail system that winds around the lake and over two bridges plus a boardwalk that is ideal for birdwatching. The lake is a beautiful place to spend a fall day.https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mallard+Lake+Shelter+Parking/
Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-21 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 15 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1. This morning trip, oriented toward fall/early winter birds, 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. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. From Greene Road, 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.https://maps.app.goo.gl/AGV527igwEnVudDd7Leader: Bonnie Graham, coye72112@gmail.com, (630) 204-8750

Danada Forest Preserve - WEST, Wheaton
2025-11-09 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 12 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.On this trip we will be exploring the western part of Danada Forest Preserve searching for passerine migrants such as hopefully some uncommon sparrows that can be found in DuPage County this time of year. We will also check several different ponds to look for migrating waterfowl. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot at 8am.https://maps.app.goo.gl/6T4JW5wdoxtCrbF78?g_st=icLeader: Henry Meade, meadehenry21@gmail.com, (224) 319-4377

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2025-11-13 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. There is no limit on participants. Join us as we take a casual walk and look for winter birds and possibly some waterfowl on the lake. This is an approximately a 1.5 – 2 mile walk mostly on limestone paths with some dirt paths. 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. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQhgxr4zypZNMTwS6Leader: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, (630) 640-2450

Bemis Woods North Grove, Westchester
2025-11-15 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.Bemis Woods is a beautiful place to look for winter residents. We will be looking for Brown Creepers, woodpeckers, perhaps see an occasional Pileated Woodpecker, and maybe a Belted Kingfisher or two. We'll start off walking along Salt Creek then loop back to the parking lot and then do an out & back on the nature preserve trail. Meet by the bridge, at the parking lot off Wolf Road between 31st and Ogden. See map.https://maps.app.goo.gl/JD3ir3Kaz177X4xf9Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com
