DuPage Birding Club

Spring Bird Count, DuPage County
2023-05-06 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
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. To volunteer or find out more informationEmail Joe Suchecki at Dupagesbc@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-05-11 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the Model Airplane Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street. Field trip to look for marsh, grassland, and migrant birds in the various habitats at Springbrook Prairie. Wear footwear suitable to go off trail and bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2023-05-11 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This morning’s walk will take us through some prairie and woods. We’ll be looking for resident birds as well as migratory birds. We’ll be walking approximately 2 miles on mostly easy terrain. We will meet in the parking lot on Winfield Rd, just north of Butterfield Rd.Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Lambert Lake Nature Preserve, Glen Ellyn
2023-05-12 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This walk with be geared towards new birders, but any level of birder is invited. Lambert Lake is a hidden gem surrounded by shrubby woodland and a small lake to see an assortment of ducks and waders. Our walk will focus on migratory birds, including warblers, orioles, and vireos. A wood chip trail encircles the lake, but spots can be muddy. A few trails to the south can be a good spot for warblers. Those trails can also be muddy and some have an incline. Please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet in the parking lot off of Lambert Rd., just south of Roosevelt Rd. Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, Coye72112@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-05-13 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the parking lot for McDowell Grove Forest Preserve on Raymond Road just south of I-88. Field trip to look for migrants, especially warblers. Bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-05-15 07:30 - 10:30
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is traditionally an 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: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com

Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
2023-05-17 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, 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. There is a small prairie and an oak forest besides the marsh. The walk should be between one hour fifteen minutes and two hours and cover approximately a mile. 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. If entrance gate is locked, be prepared to park along the street. (People who use their GPS are misdirected to the Lincoln Marsh Office).Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721, joceb2005@sbcglobal.net

Bird Sit: Lyman Woods Nature Center & Preserve, Downers Grove
2023-05-21 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10. Join us at this new location to look for spring migrants. This is a field trip foranyone 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 meet in the parking lot off 31st Street and sit near the Nature Center. Lyman Woods is located at 901 31st St. Downers Grove, about one block east of Highland Ave. Lyman Woods website Dress for the weather; bring bug spray, drinking water and a folding chair.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-05-21 07:30 - 10:30
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is traditionally an 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

Bird/Bike Herrick Lake, Wheaton
2023-05-23 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 6 participants. Bird the 8 miles of trails by bike. We will cover most of the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve with stops in different habitats along the way. Bring your bike, helmet and binoculars. You must be able to bike a minimum of 8 miles. We will cover grassland, woodland, savannah, and scrub habitats looking for a wide variety of migrants in each. Meet at the parking lot off Herrick Road on the west side of the preserve.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Goose Lake Natural Area, McHenry County
2023-05-24 07:30 - 09:30
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 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, 630-724-7534, robertperez787@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-05-27 07:00 - 10:00
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the Main Parking Lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd Street just west of Book Road. Field trip primarily to look for grassland birds at Springbrook. Wear footwear suitable to go off trail and bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, Bartlett
2023-05-29 08:00 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. On this trip we will be searching for returning breeding birds, such as Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Yellow-breasted Chat. We will also keep a lookout for some of the warblers that move through our region later in the month, such as Blackpoll Warbler, Canada Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and possibly even Connecticut Warbler. Meet on the southern side of the Pickerel Lake parking lot off of Powis Road, approximately here: (41.9632891, –88.2412360) at 8 am. After birding around here, we will likely head to the nearby model airfield, and James Pate Philip State Park for more birding. Leader: Henry Meade; please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-05-30 07:00 - 10:00
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the gravel parking lot on the east side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street. This will be a field trip to look for late migrants such as Mourning and Connecticut warblers as well as some grassland and shrubland birds. Wear footwear suitable to go off trail and bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, Lemont
2023-06-02 07:00 - 12:00
This will be a long, 4-mile walk to the kettle ponds, and then out through Poverty Prairie to the overlook (Borrow Pit) and back. We’ll be on mostly level limestone trails and a couple dirt shortcuts so prepare for mud if it’s rained. Hat, water bottle, and snack highly recommended. If you’d like to bring a lunch we can eat together afterwards on site. Meet at the parking lot off Lemont Road. No RSVP needed but text any questions.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630-297-9512

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes
2023-06-04 07:30 - 17:00
Meet at the observation tower where we will start the trip by scanning for summering waterfowl, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and rails. We will also scan from the boat launch lot before moving on toSandy Hollow to look for sparrows (Lark, Grasshopper, etc.) Due to Covid, lunch will be on your own. Pack a sandwich if you plan to stay past noon. Leader will stay until 5:00 p.m. for those who want to “make a day of it.” Bring a scope if you have one. Bring plenty of water and snacks. No water available on site. It is a 1 1/2 hour drive from Bolingbrook I-55 ramp to the site. Don’t fret if you are running late as we will be scanning the lake for the first hour. Directions and other information can be found at the link below. http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-location-and-visitingLeader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Will County
2023-06-04 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 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 old asphalt roads, 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 2 miles south of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and the intersection of Hoff Road and Route 53. Advanced registration required, max of 20 participants. Leader: Robert Perez, 630-724-7534, robertperez787@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2023-06-07 07:30 - 10:00
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. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP. On this field trip our main target will be looking for late migrant warblers and returning summer residents. Please call if you have any problems with directions.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Lambert Lake, Glen Ellyn
2023-06-10 07:30 - 10:00
This walk will be geared towards new birders, but any level of birder is invited. Lambert Lake is a hidden gem surrounded by shrubby woodland and a small lake to see an assortment of ducks and waders. Our walk will focus on late migratory birds, including warblers, orioles, and vireos. A wood chip trail encircles the lake, but spots can be muddy. A few trails to the south can be a good spot for warblers. Those trails can also be muddy and some have an incline. Please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet in theparking lot off of Lambert Rd., just south of Roosevelt Rd.Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, Coye72112@gmail.com

Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood
2023-06-17 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.

On this trip we will be exploring one of the best birding locations in McHenry County, Glacial Park Conservation Area. We will be searching for a large array of breeding birds at this location, such as Yellow-headed Blackbird, rails, bitterns and a many passerine breeders, such as Henslow’s Sparrow and Yellow-breasted Chat. Please meet in the Lost Valley Visitor Center parking lot at 8am.Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Bird Sit at Fullersburg Woods: Oak Brook
2023-06-20 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader required: Limit 10 participantsThis 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, field guides, bug spray and water. We will sit on the Nature Center balcony where we will be able to observe the river and surrounding woods. Meet in the main parking lot at 3609 Spring Rd. Fullersburg WoodsLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville
2023-06-30 07:00 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.A bird walk to the DuPage River confluence, where the east and west branches meet. We’ll look for summer residents in the woods, fields, and on the water, so prepare for some sun, heat, and a few bugs! New birders welcome. Trails are mostly 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

Wood Dale Reservoir
2023-07-03 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. On this trip to the Wood Dale Reservoir complex, we will be searching for shorebirds along with birds that breed at this site, including Savannah Sparrows and Dickcissel. The leader will go in to depth about the basics of shorebird identification in the field, in hopes that participants will feel confident identifying shorebirds. Meet in the parking lot at the end of School Street at 8am. Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-07-07 07:00 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. We hope to see summer residents, grassland birds, and raptors. 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. Bring bug spray. The trip will be cancelled if there is inclement weather or temps higher than 90 F. (It is a long, hot walk in the open fields).Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, (day of, 630-254-4077), kmineck@yahoo.com

Greene Valley Overlook
2023-07-08 11:00 - 13:00
Pre-registration with the leader required. Meet at the second-highest point in DuPage County for grassland birds and lunch. At 11:15, we’ll gather and walk on grass around the parking lot and up to the glider hill in search of grassland birds. Bring your own lunch and a chair so we can eat together around 12 or 12:30pm. RSVP so you can get a drink and dessert. The driveway to the overlook can be found on the west side of Greene Road, just south of the parking lot on the west side of Greene Road. The overlook opens at 11am. Drive 75th street either from the east or west, and turn south on Greene Rd, proceeding past 79th Street and the trailhead parking lot on the west. Rain date is Sunday, July 9.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net, call 630-297-9512 with any questions.

Bird Sit at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center,Lemont
2023-07-12 09:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10 participants.NOTE THE LATE START TIME! This trip will be a little different. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center is known for its hummingbirds with a viewing area to sit and watch them at the feeders. There are also other feeders set up in the area and a small pollinator garden. We will sit near the feeders and observe the birds as they come and go. As always 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 meet at the Sagawau Parking lot. There is a longer walk than usual into the park, however, arrangements have been made to allow us to drive from the parking lot to the seating area using the park’s service road. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center’s address is 12545 West 111th St., Lemont. (West 111th street is also known as Calumet Sag Road and 83.) The park is located less than ¼ mile east of the intersection of Archer Ave and Calumet Sag Road (83), on Calumet Sag Road (West 111th Street). Sagawau Environmental Learning Center Website Feel free to contact me with any questions about the location. Dress for the weather, bring bug spray, drinking water and a folding chair.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Morton Arboretum, east side
2023-07-19 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. We will meet at parking lot 8 and explore this area. Depending on where birds have been seen we may also move to another spot. Although birds are nesting and may be quieter we may see some young birds. If you don’t have an arboretum membership, let us know and if you can follow us in. It will cost $5.00.Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630 640-2450

Birding and Breakfast! - Blackwell Forest Preserve
2023-08-05 07:00 - 10:00
No pre-registration required. The DuPage Birding Club invites all members to join us for our annual Birding and Breakfast event on Saturday, August 5, at Blackwell Forest Preserve. After some morning birding around the forest preserve, DBC will serve breakfast to all attendees. We will meet at 7 AM at the South Shelter. After turning into Blackwell off of Butterfield Road continue North on the main drive about a quarter of a mile. Make the first right at the South Shelter sign and meet in the parking lot. We hope to see you there!Organizer: Mike Warner mwarner2543@gmail.com

Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
2023-08-09 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area is located just northwest of downtown Wheaton. From County Farm Road, go east on Harrison Street. Harrison ends in Lincoln Marsh’s parking lot. (CAUTION: GPS will probably direct you to the site’s headquarters which is across the marsh from where we meet.) Two large marshes dominate the area. However, there is a large oak woodland, a small prairie, and two small ponds. A variety of birds, residents and migrants, associated with such habitats can be seen here. The trails at Lincoln Marsh are generally excellent, consisting mostly of wood chips and crushed limestone; boardwalks cross low areas, and there are two floating boardwalks and bird blinds. A fuller description of the site can be found here.Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721, joceb2005@sbcglobal.net

Bird Sit at Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-08-13 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10. Springbrook is a great place to see a variety of birds of open fields and shallow waters. 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 camaraderieof fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will be birding at the small picnic shelter by the Model Airplane field parking lot off Plainfield-Naperville Rd on the east side of the park. The parking lot is located on the west side ofPlainfield-Naperville Road .05 mile south of 75th Street. Springbrook Prairie Website Dress for the weather and bring bug spray (sitting, we are easy targets for mosquitos!) and drinking water.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com
