New Year’s Day Birding at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle
2023-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
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:Kathy & Steve Mineck, 630-254-4077Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2023-01-02 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. On this field trip we’ll be exploring Centennial Trail in hopes of finding waterfowl and any other wintering birds that might be around. Please meet at the end of Canal Bank Road at 8 am. The coordinates for the parking area are (41.6874173, -87.9825162).Feel free to ask questions about parking after you RSVP. Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-01-07 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration is not required 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. 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 theweather.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Danada East/Rice Lake, Wheaton
2023-01-14 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration is requested for this walk so that participants can be contacted in event of cancellation due to weather or unsafe walking conditions. Come out for a Birding/Nature Walk at a local forest preserve. We will be looking for winter birds and enjoying the pristine winter landscape. Paths are gravel. Dress for the cold. Danada East on the east side of Naperville Rd, 3S507 Naperville Rd. Meet in the parking lot by the horse corrals.Leader: Pat Sterbling, pesterbling@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2023-01-18 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. On this field trip we’ll be exploring Centennial Trail in hopes of finding waterfowl and any other wintering birds that might be around. Please meet at the end of Canal Bank Road at 8 am. The coordinates for the parking area area (41.6874173, -87.9825162). Feel free to ask questions about parking after you RSVP. Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Des Plaines River Tour
2023-01-22 09:00 - 17:00
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. Trip may be canceled if roads become hazardous.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2023-01-27 08:00 - 10:00
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 or Graue Mill. More info here.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-02-03 07:30 - 09:30
Registration not required. 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

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge/Naperville
2023-02-07 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This morning trip will be oriented toward winter birds, sparrows, finches, raptors. We will be at a leisurely pace to provide as much time as desired to look at each bird and to answer questions for any new birders. Please dress for the weather. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. 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.Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, Coye72112@gmail.com

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville
2023-02-11 15:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. A winter afternoon 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

The Great Backyard Bird Count
2023-02-17 06:00 - 2023-02-20 18:00
The Great Backyard bird count is an opportunity to contribute from the comfort of your own home. Check out their website at: www.birdcount.org

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2023-02-26 08:00 - 11:00
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 of the trail.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-03-11 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants.New birders welcome! This trip will focus on resident birds and early migrants, as well as waterfowl. Bring appropriate footwear, as trails could be muddy or flooded. Take Winfield Road to Gary’s Mill Road west to the preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road.Leader: Robert Perez, 630-724-7534, robertperez787@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2023-03-12 08:00 - 11:00
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. Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

The DuPage Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook
2023-03-15 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.We’ll explore riverside habitat looking for resident birds and early spring migrants. New birders welcome. 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 to Whalon Lake.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Seager Park, Naperville
2023-03-17 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.New birders welcome! We’ll be looking for some of our “basic” resident birds (and hopefully a few spring surprises) in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. Trails are a mix and 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. Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Seager Park, Naperville
2023-03-19 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.New birders welcome! We’ll be looking for some of our “basic” resident birds (and hopefully a few spring surprises) in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. Trails are a mix and 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. .Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Mississippi River - Waterfowl Trip
2023-03-19 08:00 - 17:00
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

Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2023-03-20 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants.We will look for the possible ducks and land birds, some early migrants and the variety of year round birds. Meet at Blackwell off of Butterfield Road, drive to the back parking lot by the campground and a picnic shelter. Plan to walk a couple miles at this location. Some trails may be muddy so wear appropriate shoes or boots.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Bird Sit at Whalon Lake Preserve, Royce Road, Naperville
2023-03-21 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10. 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. We will meet and sit as a group and look for early spring migrants, waterfowl and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. Whalon Lake Preserve is located on Royce Rd. west of Route 53/Bolingbrook Drive in Naperville. (It is across the street from Lissen Rd.) Drive all the way to the boat landing. We will meet there. Dress much warmer than you think necessary, as it is harder to stay warm while sitting, especially if the weather is chilly. Whalon Lake PreserveLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Woodridge
2023-03-21 19:00 - 19:45, 2023-03-31 19:00 - 19:45
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

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-03-24 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Join another morning walk to the marsh to check out early migrating birds. We hope to see migrant waterfowl. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. 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; wear appropriate shoes and warm clothing.Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, 630-254-4077 (day of), kmineck@yahoo.com

Palos Area-McGinnis Slough: Waterfowl and More
2023-03-25 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This 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

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes
2023-03-26 08:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Meet at the Bolingbrook Park & Ride lot, 120 E. Old Chicago Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Behind Ramada Inn) before 6:30 a.m. We can carpool from there or you can meet the group at the observation tower where we will start the trip by scanning for waterfowl. We will also scan from the boat launch lot before hiking the trails. 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. More information: http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-waterfowl-refuge-hhLeader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve
2023-03-29 08:00 - 10:30
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

Danada West Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-04-05 07:30 - 10:00
We will be looking for shorebirds, waterfowl, rails and others on this 2-mile walk through Danada West. Meet in the east side of the parking lot at Forest Preserve Headquarters. We’ll be walking on limestone and dirt trails.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski 630-297-9512

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-04-08 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This trip will focus on early grassland birds, marsh birds and waterfowl. Please park at the Main Parking Lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd Street west of Book Rd in Naperville.Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-842-4921, Please RSVP to issuesman50@yahoo.com

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-04-10 19:30 - 20:15
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, appr. 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Greene Valley, Naperville
2023-04-12 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We will search for early migratory birds. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. 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.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521
