Events

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.The goal of this trip will be to help participants get last minute additions to their year lists. Whalon Lake can have great diversity of waterfowl, so we will be looking for goldeneye, mergansers etc. Please meet in the parking lot off of Royce Road that is east of the dog park.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with henrymm21@icloud.com

A reservation with the Morton Arboretum is required if you are a nonmember. (see below).There is no limit to the number of participants.You do not need to register with the DBC Organizer listed below, but she is available to answer questions.Come one, come all to Morton Arboretum to start the new year right! Gather at parking lot P33 on the west side https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/maps-guides/. Non-members (aka, guests) can’t enter the Arb until 9:00 am, so we will start gathering at 9:00 am and begin birding at about 9:15.Here is the link for reserving an entry pass: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/480/listPlease read the details below […]

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. We will be looking for winter resident 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.  The trip will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, (day of, 630-254-4077), kmineck@yahoo.com

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER.Pre-registration is required (please email), limit 8 participants.Please note that Fermilab is a government research facility and has strict access requirements: All participants aged 18 and over must have a REAL-ID compliant state ID or passport to enter the site. When on site, must remain in public areas at all times, have a visitor’s tag visible, and leave the same way they came in. When arriving at Fermilab, present your ID and let the security guard know you are here for bird watching, they will provide a visitors tag for you to wear. […]

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. Meet at the Bolingbrook Park & Ride lot, 120 E. Old Chicago Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Behind Ramada Inn). We can carpool from there. We will travel downstream along the Des Plaines River looking for waterfowl. The trip will end in the Channahon area. We can stop for lunch along the way. A scope would be helpful, but not necessary. Hope to be back late afternoon or you can return earlier. Trip may be canceled if roads […]

THIS TRIP IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and other winter residents.  We will meet in the gravel parking lot at the end of Canal Bank Road. Coming off of Lemont Road this turnoff is called Old Lemont Road, and is unmarked, so turn at this pin: 41,683840, -88.003541. Google Map link.  Please call if you have any problems with directions.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. New birders welcome. We'll visit a few spots that highlight the park's variety of habitats, staying within about 1/3 mile of the parking lot. Trails are level and are grass/dirt/paved. Meet at the parking lot on 336 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

FIELD TRIP CANCELED DUE TO BAD WEATHER. Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. New birders welcome. A short walk to see what birds have settled in for winter in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for woodpeckers, raptors, crows, etc. Trails are mostly level, although we have an option to descend into the beautiful ravine down a somewhat steep slope.  Meet in the parking lot at 1163 Plank Road, Naperville.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather. Meet at the Bolingbrook Park & Ride lot, 120 E. Old Chicago Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Behind Ramada Inn). We can carpool from there. We will travel downstream along the Des Plaines River looking for waterfowl. The trip will end in the Channahon area. We can stop for lunch along the way. A scope would be helpful, but not necessary. Hope to be back late afternoon or you can return earlier. Trip may be canceled if roads become hazardous.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

No registration is required. There is no limit for this walk.This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter birds. Most of our walk will be on 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.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.Currently the grounds are open from 9am to 5pm. Nature Center exhibit buildings remain closed. Drinking fountains may not be available; please bring your own water. Please dress warmly and in layers. We will walk mostly on natural trails, so hiking boots with solid treads are advised. We can expect to see Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatch, Sparrows, Juncos, and Waterfowl. The walk will be approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours. The Little Red Schoolhouse address is 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs 60480.  Directions: From LaGrange, I usually take LaGrange Rd South, turn right on to W […]

There is no limit to this walk, but please let the field trip leader know if you plan on attending.This field trip will focus on winter migrants, specifically Red and White-winged Crossbills, which have been seen at the Arboretum in the past. We will start at the Visitor Center and walk through some of the pine forests looking for Crossbills. We'll then wander around a bit looking for other winter birds and waterfowl. We will meet in front of the visitor center. *Please note that a timed-reservation entry is required for all NON-members. Timed entry tickets can be obtained at […]

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. On this field trip we will meet in the gravel parking lot at the end of Canal Bank Road. Coming off of Lemont Road this turnoff is called Old Lemont Road, and is unmarked, so turn at this pin: 41.683840, -88.003541. Google Map link. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP. On this field trip our main targets will be waterfowl. Common Goldeneye and Redhead, along with many others are all possible. We will also be on the lookout for songbirds on the wooded side […]

Sometime between late February and early March, Snow Geese can be present at Chautauqua, in 10's, even 100's of thousands - a true wildlife spectacular! If that happens, DBC will organize a trip on short notice, so watch your email...

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.On this field trip our main targets will be early returning spring migrants. Northern Shovelers and Redheads, along with a large array of waterfowl are all possible. We will also be on the lookout for songbirds such as Rusty Blackbirds, Eastern Towhees, and many more, on the wooded side of the trail. We will meet in the gravel parking lot at the end of Canal Bank Road. Coming off of Lemont Road this turnoff is called Old Lemont Road, and is unmarked, so turn at this pin: 41,683840, -88.003541. Google Map link. […]

Canceled due to rain. Rescheduled for Thursday March 21st.

Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.Beginning birders welcome. We’ll explore the woodlands along Salt Creek on pretty easy, level trails, as well as the feeders around the visitor’s center and other buildings. Meet in the main parking lot at 3609 Spring Road. If conditions are good, we might do a quick side-trip at the end to nearby Dean Nature Sanctuary. More info here: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/fullersburg-woodsLeader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Registration not required.This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter and incoming spring birds. Most of our walk will be on 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.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Pre-registration is required (please email), limit 8 participants.Please note that Fermilab is a government research facility and has strict access requirements: All participants aged 18 and over must have a REAL-ID compliant state ID or passport to enter the site. When on site, you must remain in public areas at all times, have a visitor’s tag visible, and leave the same way they came in. When arriving at Fermilab, present your ID and let the security guard know you are here for bird watching, they will provide a visitors tag for you to wear. Full details on public access to […]

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.We will meet at Thornhill parking lot, P21, and take a long walk around much of the west side, including the river and Lake Marmo, but excluding the prairie. *Please note that a timed-reservation entry is required for all NON-members. Timed entry tickets can be obtained at the following link below. https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/. If you don’t have an arboretum membership, let us know and you can follow us in. It will cost $5.00.Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630 640-2450

Pre-registration suggested so you can be contacted in the case of bad weather.Our first sit of the year! 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 and join us at Whalon Lake Preserve. If you have a scope it can be helpful for spotting birds on the lake. We will meet and sit as a group and look for early spring migrants, […]

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsThis location is an Audubon “Important Bird Area.” Loons, grebes, and other waterfowl are targeted on this trip. Meet at McGinnis Slough, on the west side of LaGrange Rd. (US45), approximately 1⁄2 mile south of 131st St. Finding waterfowl is associated with open water conditions. Bob will monitor conditions and may change the starting location in order to see more birds. This trip might extend past the noon hour. Wear appropriate clothing.Leader: Bob Fisher, 630-985-2956, bfisher928@aol.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.Waterfowl, cranes, eagles, and pelicans will be sought on this all-day trip exploring spots along the Mississippi, both in Illinois and Iowa. In addition to the river, Lost Mound will be visited to search for Western Meadowlark and Northern Mockingbird. Please contact the leader for meeting time and location. We will caravan from the western suburbs.Leader: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.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. We will walk the woods looking for passerines and scan the lake for waterfowl.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com 630-640-2450

No registration required.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, approx. 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Pre-Registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This is a trip to look for wetland birds and early grassland and spring migrants. Meet at the Model Airplane Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th  St. Wear appropriate footwear and bring insect repellent since we will likely go off trail. Leader: Joe Suchecki,  dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.This morning trip is designed to focus on waterfowl such as Common Loons and Horned Grebes, but we will also search for songbird migrants alongside the lake. We will most likely go onto smaller trails, which could be muddy depending on recent conditions, so boots are highly recommended. We will meet in the parking lot off Army Trail Road. Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

No registration required.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, approx. 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.The DuPage Greenway Trail is a paved trail in Bolingbrook that runs alongside the East Branch of the DuPage River. The trailhead is on Royce Rd just west of Rt 53. Looking for early migrants and returning residents, maybe a warbler or two. We will walk to Whalon Lake and see if anything is on the water and maybe spot a bald eagle. Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521