DuPage Birding Club

Bird Sit: Lyman Woods Nature Center & Preserve, Downers Grove
2023-05-21 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago)
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

Lyman Woods Nature Center, Downers Grove
2023-08-16 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 15 participants. After meeting in the parking lot (901 31st St.), we will explore the varied habitats of Lyman. We will be looking for late summer residents and early migrants. Lyman’s trails are known for being very muddy. If a rainy spell occurs, be prepared with appropriatefootwear. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Greene Valley Shorebirds
2023-08-18 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Meet at Greene Road parking lot. We will walk east to the 83rd Street Fluddle to look for shorebirds, birding on the way. Scopes recommended here–leader will have one. To prepare for fall shorebird migration (that begins mid-July or so, please consider enrolling in Cornell’s Shorebirds Class, and definitely review shorebird ID with Denis Kania’s mini-tutorials: “Yellowlegs and Similar Waders,” and “Peeps” on the DBC YouTube channel.Some bushwacking on overgrown grass trails or thru tall grass is necessary here so please prepare for ticks and mosquitoes.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net or text 630-297-9512

Wood Dale Reservoir
2023-08-19 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 12 participants.On this trip we will be exploring one of the premier shorebird spots in DuPage County. We will focus on finding and identifying migratory shorebirds such as Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers and both species of yellowlegs. There’s even the chance for something rarer like a Stilt or Baird’s Sandpiper. Please meet in the parking lot at the end of School St.Leader: Henry Meade, kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville
2023-08-24 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. We’ll visit a few spots that highlight the park’s variety of habitats, staying within about 1/3 mile of the parking lot. New birders welcome. We’ll seek summer residents, youngsters, and early migrants along the DuPage River, in the woods, at a field’s edge, and among shade trees by the nature center. Trails are level and are grass/dirt/paved. Meet at the parking lot on 336 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Bolingbrook
2023-08-27 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We’ll be looking for summer residents, youngsters, and early migrants as we explore the fields and woods along the Thunderbird Trail. New birders are welcome as we will take a fairly leisurely pace to see (and listen to) the birds and to answer questions. If conditions are good, we’ll do a little bonus walk at the end. NOTE: 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, aka “Greene Valley Forest Preserve West Entrance.” Here is the map link for parking.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-09-03 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This field trip will search for early fall migrant species. Meet in the main parking lot off of Raymond Road, just south of I-88. Registration is required. You are not registered for the filed trip unless you receive an email acknowledgement from the field trip leader.Leader: Joe Suchecki, DBCsec2020@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-09-06 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.This 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
