DuPage Birding Club

Elsen's Hill Area (West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve)
2021-10-21 07:30 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration with the leader is required, call or text only please, limit 20 participants. Join us for a walk around one of DuPage County’s top hotspots in search of fall migrants. This walk will be on earthen & limestone trails. Meet at the parking lot on the north side of Gary’s Mill Rd. to the west of Winfield Rd. & east of the intersection of Gary’s Mill & Roosevelt Roads. Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
2021-10-23 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, 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 resident birds and fall migrants. 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; dress accordingly. Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721, jcebula@dupagebirding.org

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-10-25 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, call or text only please, limit 20 participants. Join us on a morning walk to the marsh for fall migrants, including shorebirds and waterfowl. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. 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. and be prepared for some dirt trails, possibly muddy if wet. Located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Pratt's Wayne Woods, Bartlett
2021-11-08 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Call or text only to register. On this trip, we will check out different spots within this massive IBA (Important Bird Area) for resident birds and late fall migrants. This time of year should be good for finding a variety of waterfowl. We will meet at the parking lot for Harrier Lake on the south side of Sterns Rd., west of Munger Rd., and east of Powis Rd. After checking that area, we will all drive to other spots in Pratt’s Wayne, and depending on time may even visit other nearby sites.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, call or text 708-506-5186

Bird Sit at Herrick Lake West Shelter, Wheaton
2021-11-09 08:00 - 10:00
NOTE: New Time. 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. Dress for the weather, it might be cold! Bring drinking water.

We will be birding at the Herrick Lake West Shelter. Meet at the parking lot located on the east side Herrick Road south of Butterfield (Hwy 56). Drive all the way to the end of the parking lot, the shelter is on the right. The lot for the West shelter is located on the east side of Herrick Road south of Butterfield. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Seager Park, Naperville
2021-11-14 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Let’s see what birds may still be passing through or settling in for winter in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. New birders welcome. We’ll take our time and keep our eyes and ears open for woodpeckers, kinglets, creepers, raptors, and crows. Trails are mostly gravel, grass, and dirt/mud, with some chip and pavement. We have an option to descend into the beautiful ravine down a somewhat steep slope. Meet at Seager Park at 1163 Plank Road, Naperville 60563. Google Maps link here. Indoor restrooms available. Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2021-11-19 08:00 - 11:30, 2021-11-22 08:00 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We’ll look for waterfowl, gulls and others at the Centennial Trail Borrow Pit and ponds, Lemont Quarries, and Saganashkee Slough. Depending on conditions and sightings, other stops may include Sag Quarries, Long John Slough, and Maple Lake. Meet at the Lemont Rd. parking lot of Waterfall Glen (at the portable toilet). We will then caravan to the Borrow Pit. The trip will be canceled if waterfowl are scarce or the weather is poor. Directions to Waterfall Glen: drive south on I55 on Lemont Rd. to 101st St., and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot. Please register with the leader who will e-mail driving directions to each location in case the caravan gets separated. For questions ahead of time, or if you are running late the day of the trip, please call 630-297-9512. Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-11-23 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Call or text only to register. Join our morning walk around the marsh to check out late fall migrants and wintering birds. Northern Shrike, American Black Duck, and many other species of birds regularly winter at this site. There should be some late fall migrants present as well. 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 Preserve limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

The DuPage Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook
2021-12-01 08:00 - 10:00
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. It is about a mile and a half walk down to Whalon Lake, where we will look for migrating waterfowl, gulls, and possibly a bald eagle. We also hope to see winter residents along the way.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2021-12-11 08:00 - 10:30
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 American Coots, along with Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Canvasback, and Northern Pintail are all possible. Centennial Trail in the past has been an excellent spot for Winter Wrens too.

Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-12-15 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Call or text only to register. This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter birds, as well as possible late migrants. Northern Shrike and American Black Duck are among the several species of birds known to regularly winter here. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd. (Mack is south of Roosevelt and north of Butterfield), located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville. Be sure to dress for the weather.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-12-16 16:10 - 16:50
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for Short-eared Owls. Short-eared Owls frequently winter at Springbrook Prairie and can be seen as they come out to hunt over the preserve at dusk. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Rd., south of 75th St. in Naperville. We will walk a short distance off-trail to wait for the owls to appear. Dress very warmly since we will be standing in one place as the sun goes down. Note that the owls are generally pretty far away and often appear just as the light is failing, so this trip does not offer a photo-op. The trip will last about 30-40 min. Contact Joe if you plan on attending. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trips will be cancelled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email at dbcsec2020@gmail.com. Phone: 630-369-5570.

Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle
2021-12-18 08:00 - 16:00
The DuPage Birding Club sponsors this Christmas Bird Count. Thousands of birds and over 100 species have been logged in previous Bird Counts. This opportunity to join almost 100 other birders is open to all skill levels. If you did not count last year, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details or to volunteer and to be assigned to a location and area captain.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2021-12-19 08:00 - 16:00
Birders of all skill levels are welcome on the Lisle-Arboretum CBC. The Chicago Ornithological Society (www.chicagobirder.org) sponsors this count where sub-teams are assigned to various locations. Even if you cannot go out in the field, there is another way to contribute: DBC members who live in the count circle can participate as a feederwatcher. For details and signup: Contact: Carl Giometti, chicagiometti@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-12-19 16:10 - 16:50
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for Short-eared Owls. Short-eared Owls frequently winter at Springbrook Prairie and can be seen as they come out to hunt over the preserve at dusk. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Rd., south of 75th St. in Naperville. We will walk a short distance off-trail to wait for the owls to appear. Dress very warmly since we will be standing in one place as the sun goes down. Note that the owls are generally pretty far away and often appear just as the light is failing, so this trip does not offer a photo-op. The trip will last about 30-40 min. Contact Joe if you plan on attending. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trips will becancelled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email: dbcsec2020@gmail.com. Phone: 630-369-5570.

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-12-26 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Enjoy the winter quiet as we explore the fields and woods along the Thunderbird Trail. The walk will be on grass, gravel, and mulch paths. We’ll look and listen for woodpeckers and whoever else has decided the spend the holidays in our area. As always, new birders are welcome as we’ll take our time to spot the birds and to answer questions. The entrance is located on the south side of 79th Street, about 0.5 miles west of Greene Road. Meet in the parking lot at the south end of Thunderbird Road. Map link for parking. Greene Valley map.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com , 630-890-8956

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2021-12-30 08:00 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We’ll look for waterfowl, gulls and others at the Centennial Trail Borrow Pit and ponds, Lemont Quarries, and Saganashkee Slough. Depending on conditions and sightings, other stops may include Sag Quarries, Long John Slough, and Maple Lake. Meet at the Lemont Rd. parking lot of Waterfall Glen (at the portable toilet). We will then caravan to the Borrow Pit. The trip will be canceled if waterfowl are scarce or the weather is poor. Directions to Waterfall Glen Parking Lot #3: drive south on I55 on Lemont Rd. to 101st St. and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot. Please register with the leader who will e-mail driving directions to each location in case the caravan gets separated. For questions ahead of time, or if you are running late the day of the trip, please call 630-297-9512.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

New Year’s Day Birding at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle
2022-01-01 09:00 - 11:00
A reservation with the Morton Arboretum is required (see below).

There is no limit to the number of participants.You do not need to register with the DBC Organizers listed below, but they are available to answer questions.Come one, come all to Morton Arboretum to start the new year right! Gather at the north end of the Visitor’s Center parking lot, P1. We will split into several groups to look for birds across the Arboretum. There will be several Organizers that will give a hand with the various groups. We can rendezvous back at the parking lot to compare our sightings.● 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.● We will adhere to the Arb’s Covid-19 policies. Vaccinated birders don’t need to wear masks outdoors. See this FAQ for more details: https://mortonarb.org/visit-the-arboretum/faq/#covid-19-adjustments.● We are not planning a lunch; bring your own water/snacks. Bathrooms will be open. And dress warmly!Here is the link for reserving an entry pass: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/480/listPlease read the details below on how to obtain an entry pass to the Arboretum:● Every attendee must reserve their own entry pass online.● This must be done well in advance (days).● Non-members (aka, Guests) will need to pay for their pass.● Entry passes are sent via email.● The pass must be shown at the entry gate.● Entry is only allowed at the selected entry time.If you have questions, feel free to contact any of the Organizers:

If you have questions, feel free to contact any of the Organizers:Kathy & Steve Mineck, kmineck@yahoo.comSteve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956Diann Bilderback, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com, 630-272-5746

Elsen's Hill, Winfield
2022-01-05 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Call or text only to register. Come check out the resident and wintering birds at this birding hotspot within West DuPage Woods. The walk will be on earthen trails. Meet at the parking lot for West DuPage Woods—Elsen’s Hill Area on thenorth side of Gary’s Mill Rd., which is west of Winfield Rd. and east of where Gary’s Mill & Roosevelt Rd. intersect.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Dixon Refuge CANCELED
2022-01-08 08:00 - 17:00
This trip has been canceled, refuge is frozen and waterfowl not present.

Come check out this refuge for waterfowl and possible other locations nearby for other wintering birds. This 3,000-acre restored wetlands is one of the premier natural areas in the state. It is approximately a 90-minute drive from the western suburbs. Meet at the main parking lot of the refuge. Start time TBD, but not real early! Dress warmly since we may be at times standing in one exposed location. Trip may be cancelled in the event of bad weather or if the refuge and other nearby open water areas are frozen.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2022-01-15 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration is not required for this walk. Come out for a Birding/Nature Walk at a local forest preserve. St. James Forest Preserve is a 595-acre preserve that contains more than 100 acres of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands We will be looking for winter birds and enjoying the pristine winter landscape. Paths are gravel. Dress for the cold. The main entrance is on Winfield Rd. just north of Butterfield Road. Meet at the Horse Statue in the parking lot.Leader: Pat Sterbling, pesterbling@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2022-01-17 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Call or text to register. Join our morning walk around the marsh to check out late fall migrants and wintering birds. Northern Shrike, American Black Duck, and many other species of birds regularly winter at this site. 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 Preserve limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Centennial Trail, Lemont - CANCELED
2022-01-20 08:00 - 10:00
This trip has been canceled due to cold weather.

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 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. We will be walking Centennial Trail along the Des Plaines River in search of waterfowl, Bald Eagles, and winter residents.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net , 630-661-152

Seager Park, Naperville
2022-01-22 08:00 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. 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. New birders welcome. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for woodpeckers, raptors, crows, etc. Trails are mostly gravel, grass, and dirt/mud, with some chip and pavement. We have an option to descend into the beautiful ravine down a somewhat steep slope. Meet at Seager Park at 1163 Plank Road, Naperville 60563. Google Maps link here. Indoor restrooms available.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, Oak Brook
2022-01-30 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. This will be a walk for birders of all levels. We will walk slowly and allow time for all to look at the birds. We will walk along the Salt Creek in the lowland woods with good habitat for birds. Meet at the main parking lot on Spring Road in Oak Brook.Leader: Lesa Hipes, lesahipes@gmail.com

Dean Nature Sanctuary, Oak Brook
2022-02-06 08:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. A short winter walk at a charming nature sanctuary along Salt Creek. We’ll look for birds in savanna, wetland, pond, and field. New birders welcome. Trails are basically level and are grass/dirt, with some gravel/pavement. Meet at the parking lot on 115 Canterberry Lane, Oak Brook. Google Maps link.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville
2022-02-11 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. A weekday winter walk to the DuPage River confluence, where the east and west branches meet. We’ll look for birds in the woods, fields, and on the water. New birders welcome. Trails are basically level and are grass/dirt, with some paved. Meet at the parking lot on 336 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville. Google Maps link.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Hickory Knolls, St. Charles
2022-02-13 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. We will walk through this hilly oak savanna in search of wintering birds. The walk will be on a mixture of gravel road and mowed trails. It is hilly and on uneven terrain. Meet outside of the entrance of the Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles. Google Maps link.Leader: Wally and Angela Levernier, wglevernier@gmail.com

Helping Birds in Your Own Backyard
2022-02-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Glen Ellyn Park District
MEETING TYPE: Zoom. PRESENTER: Denis Kania.REGISTER HERE: http://glenellynparkdistrict.org
