DuPage Birding Club

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2024-12-15 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is Sunday, December 8.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 feeder-watcher.For details and signup: https://www.chicagobirder.org/events/2024/12/15/lisle-christmas-bird-count

Annual DBC Christmas Bird Countdown dinner, in private room, at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Naperville
2024-12-14 17:00 - 19:30
Deadline to register is December 7. Space is limited to 40 members. Cost per member $20.Following the DBC Christmas Bird Count we will be having our first in-person countdown dinner since before the pandemic. Come join us as we watch the totals from the day’s bird count, and feast together on pizza, pasta, salad and drinks in a private room at Lou Malnati’s in Naperville. A cash bar will be available. Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available. If you have any questions, and to register, contact Sherry Courtney at sherrycourtney10@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2024-12-14 08:00 - 17:00
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is Saturday, December 7.Join us for The DuPage Birding Club sponsored Christmas Bird Count. This is your chance to contribute to an important community science opportunity. Data collected provides invaluable insights into winter bird populations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with fellow birders. If you participated last year, you are already on the list and will be contacted in early December. If you are new to the Bird Count, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details and to be assigned to a location and area captain. Remember you’ll be grouped with a team, so no need to be an expert.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle, Batavia
2024-12-14 06:00 - 17:00
Cutoff for registration to assist in the count is Saturday, December 7.Join us for The DuPage Birding Club sponsored Christmas Bird Count. This is your chance to contribute to an important community science opportunity. Data collected provides invaluable insights into winter bird populations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with fellow birders. If you participated last year, you are already on the list and will be contacted in early December. If you are new to the Bird Count, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details and to be assigned to a location and area captain. Remember you’ll be grouped with a team, so no need to be an expert.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Annual DBC Christmas Bird Countdown dinner, in private room, at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Naperville Deadline to register is December 7. Space is limited to 40 members. Cost per member $20. Following the DBC Christmas Bird Count we will be having our first in-person countdown dinner since before the pandemic. Come join us as we watch the totals from the day’s bird count, and feast together on pizza, pasta, salad and drinks in a private room at Lou Malnati’s in Naperville. A cash bar will be available. Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available. If you have any questions, and to register, contact Sherry Courtney at sherrycourtney10@gmail.com

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2024-12-12 08:00 - 10:00
No limit to the number of participants, but please email us to let us know you are coming and for any updates.Join us as we take a casual walk and look for winter birds and possibly some waterfowl on the lake. 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. This is an approximately a 1.5 – 2 mile walk mostly on limestone paths with some dirt paths.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner mwarner2543@gmail.com 630-640-2450

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2024-12-10 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This field trip will include winter birding in wooded areas as well as some open water sections. Join us to look for a good variety while walking about 2 miles on uneven trails. Prepare for possible snow and/or ice depending on current weather. Meet in the main parking lot on Spring Road.Leader: Nancy Allured. Please register with nallured@comcast.net

Whalon Lake, Naperville
2024-12-07 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.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 by the boat launch dock.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with henrymm21@icloud.com

DuPage River Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook-CANCELED
2024-12-06 08:00 - 10:00
CANCELED DUE TO COLD WEATHER

We will meet at the trailhead, which is located on Royce Rd., just off Rt.53. We will walk the 2.5 mile trail, that follows the East Branch of the DuPage River to Whalon Lake and back. We will look for winter residents and any migrants that happen to be passing through. Leader: Mark Freeburg. Please call or text if you have any questions 630-661-1521

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2024-11-24 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 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. Please bring a scope if you have one, though the leader will have a scope for everyone to share. 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 Lemont Rd., past I-55 to 101st St, and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot. (Google Maps Waterfall Glen Parking Lot #3.)Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve, Hampshire
2024-11-17 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration is preferred, limit 20 participants. Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve is fast becoming one of the most promising birding sites in Kane County. Formerly farmland, Muirhead has undergone quite a transformation in the past few years, hosting a wide range of grassland birds. Winter sparrows, waterfowl, as well as Pipits, Longspurs, and Snow Buntings will be the main targets of this trip. If you haven’t been to Muirhead yet, this is a great opportunity to do so. New birders are always welcome to join. The parking lot entrance is on Bahr Road, off Plank Road. Please note that we may trek through tall grass, so dress appropriately. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com (text or call with any questions regarding directions on the day of: 630-724-7534)

DBC Volunteers: Celebrating YOU at the DBC Volunteer Luncheon
2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:30
The DuPage Birding Club would not exist if not for the many volunteers that give of their time and talents. The DBC Board would like to acknowledge all of our volunteers with a luncheon Saturday, November 16, at St. James Farm. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a short birding walk followed by a luncheon at 11:30.

The event is for everyone who has volunteered in any capacity on behalf of the club in the last year. This includes Board Members, Committee members, field trip leaders, outreach volunteers, newsletter and website contributors, and any others who have helped out in the past year. This is also a great time to socialize with fellow members and possibly win a prize!

Meet at 10 a.m. at the St James parking lot off Winfield Rd for the walk. Lunch will be served at the St. James indoor riding arena meeting space at 11:30. Located in the far right yellow building when looking from the parking lot (the building where the restrooms are located). If you prefer, you may join us just for the luncheon at 11:30. (Link to St. James Farm)

Please let us know you will be attending by emailing Natalie McFaul at natcatcher7@gmail.com

Nygren Wetland Preserve, Rockton, IL. - Canceled
2024-11-15 15:30 - 2024-11-16 13:00
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Led by Dan Williams. Organized by Lenny Edgin.This trip will begin Friday at 3:30 pm, at Nygren Overlook, and end around Noon to 1:00 pm Saturday. Full itinerary will be sent to registrants.To register and for more detailed information contact Lenny Edgin @ ledgin72@gmail.com.

Nygren is a beautiful wildlife refuge located in Rockton, Illinois, owned by the Natural Land Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust which was created in 1958 by George Fell, one of the founders and first executive director of The Nature Conservancy. It covers over 700 acres of pristine wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, making it a diverse and important ecosystem in the area. It is a waystation for Sandhill Cranes as they migrate south for the winter. On this field trip, between the evening and daytime walks, we hope to see a variety of waterfowl and raptors, including Northern Harrier and Rough-legged Hawks and early migrants like Lapland Longspurs and late sparrows. We will also look for Northern Shrike, and Barred and Short-eared Owls. We will be visiting Ferguson Forest Preserve and perhaps Sugar River Forest Preserve during this trip.

This trip will be led by Dan Williams, who has lived in Winnebago County for over 50 years and has been birding for more than 45 years. He is currently a member of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee. He has been the President and past board member of the Natural Land Institute, the owner of the Nygren Wetland Preserve, and a former member and past chair of the Land Advisory Council, a citizens advisory committee of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District. The purpose of the LAC was to advise the Forest Preserve Commission regarding land acquisition opportunities.

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-11-15 07:30 - 10:30
Registration not required.Join us on another walk around one of DuPage County’s premier birding hotspots. We will be looking for wintering species and late fall migrants. The walk will be approximately 3 miles on limestone & earthen trails. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd. between Winfield Rd. & Route 59.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2024-11-10 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this trip we will be exploring the western part of Danada Forest Preserve searching for passerine migrants such as some of the more uncommon sparrows that can be found in DuPage County. We will also check several different ponds to look for migrant waterfowl. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot at 8am.Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2024-11-07 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this field trip our main target will be looking for waterfowl and fall and early 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

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-10-29 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration not required.This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us, approximately 3.25 miles, to check out resident species and fall migrants. We hope to see Red-headed Woodpeckers, Henslow’s Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and some marsh and woodland species. 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

'LAST CHANCE' Hawk Migration, Greene Valley Forest
2024-10-26 10:00 - 13:00
Preserve’s Scenic Overlook, Woodridge (Sunday, October 27, will be the ‘rain date’.)No limit on number of participants, but RSVP to Bob so you can get an email update on weather conditions and receive the handouts.Root for N/NW winds! This will be our last opportunity in 2024 to see migrating raptors from the Scenic Overlook, aka Fisher Point, at Greene Valley (the overlook is closed to the public after this weekend). The Broadwings are long gone, but some of the later migrating raptor species may sail by—Northern Harriers, Red-shouldered and Rough-legged Hawks, and if we’re lucky, maybe a goshawk or Golden Eagle! Plus, of course, Redtails (sometimes we get those dark morph westerns) and TVs. Plus, pipits, Lapland longspurs and maybe a Snow Bunting or two may be hanging around the hill.

Bring a chair, hat, water, and a lunch or snacks, binocs, camera, and a scope, if you have one. It will be much cooler than at ground level, especially with N winds; so please bring layers.

We suggest you review the DBC Hawk Watch/Buteos talk. A 2nd club talk on the other families of hawks-accipiters, falcons, eagles is also helpful. We’ll have raptor field guides on hand as well. Check out and consider installing the free Cornell Lab/HawkWatch International Raptor ID mobile phone app, worthwhile for descriptions, photos, and, especially, videos that show flight styles of different hawks.

Gather at the top of the overlook at 10 am (come earlier if you wish – the gate opens around 9 am). We’ll have a brief site orientation, explain hawk watching techniques, plus do a quick review of the Hawk Migration Association of North America’s Hawk ID sheet. HMANA is the place where you can find all the data from the GV hawkwatch, as well as the multitude of hawkwatches dotting the north American landscape. (NOTE: If you’re unable to join us on this date, you can still visit the hawk watch any weekend during October, from when it opens around 9 am.)Leader: Bob Fisher, bfisher928@aol.com

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2024-10-25 08:00 - 09:30
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. More info here: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/fullersburg-woodsLeader: Kathy and Steve Mineck, cell: 630-254-4077 (day of), kmineck@yahoo.com (RSVP to email)

Morton Arboretum, West Side, Lisle
2024-10-22 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.Let’s see what we can find among the sparrows, waterfowl, and wintering residents. We will meet at Thornhill parking lot, P21. *Please note that a timed-reservation entry is required for all NON-members. Timed entry tickets can be obtained at the following link: 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.Leaders: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630-640-2450

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Woodridge
2024-10-15 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.This morning trip, oriented toward early fall and late summer birds, is especially designed for new birders and will be at a leisurely pace to provide as much time as desired to look at each bird and to answer questions on equipment or bird identification. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. From Greene Road, 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

Sunset, Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2024-10-12 16:00 - 18:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 10 participants.We will be looking for late migrants and remaining residents. Lyman’s trails are almost always muddy regardless of weather. If rain occurs ahead of the trip, expect areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear, and insect repellent is recommended. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Herrick Lake West Shelter, Wheaton
2024-10-06 08:00 - 10:00
No Pre-registration necessary. (Send me an email if you want to be notified should the trip be canceled.)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 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 Dress for the weather, it feels much colder when you are sitting! Bring drinking water or hot tea!Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Whalon Lake Sparrow Search, Naperville
2024-10-04 08:00 - 10:00
No need to RSVP but email leader with any questions.Let’s spend an hour near the wetlands searching for Nelson’s and Leconte’s Sparrows, and then head to the big quarry pond for waterfowl and other birds. Please watch DBC Mini tutorial on Nelson’s and Leconte’s Sparrows to prepare. Meet at the picnic shelter at the wetlands-this is the first big parking lot you’ll see, between the dog park on the north and the shallow wetlands to the south.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2024-10-02 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsJoin Joe Suchecki for a trip to Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for later fall migrants and ducks. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Road. Please contact the trip leader at dbcsec2020@gmail.com to reserve your spot on the trip. Ensure that you receive confirmation from the trip leader that you are registered for the trip.Leader: Joe Suchecki, DBCsec2020@gmail.com

Fall Hawk Migration Extravaganza at Greene Valley Forest Preserve Overlook/Fisher Point
2024-09-29 11:15 - 13:00, 2024-09-28 11:15 - 13:00, 2024-09-22 11:15 - 13:00
No limit on number of participants.Let’s gather at the top of the overlook, right after the gate is unlocked at 11:00am. We’ll have a short site orientation, explain hawk watch techniques, and do a quick review of Hawk Migration Association of North America’s Hawk ID sheet. We picked these two weekends to give us the best chance to witness together the spectacle of Broad-winged Hawk migration. At the end of September, Broadwings, leaving the US, start passing by hawk watches in large numbers, depending on wind and timing.

Please review the club’s Hawk Watch/Buteos talk, https://youtu.be/ltXn5knJmyc?si=LchgvzD8BIXqPU1y.There is a second club talk on the other families of hawks-accipiters, falcons, eagles-that is also helpful. https://youtu.be/z-x00gRQvlI?si=KLS2-RO3BuSiMQhG. We’ll have raptor field guides on hand as well. If you don’t already have the free HawkWatch International Raptor ID mobile phone app, this is worthwhile for the descriptions, photos, and, especially, the videos that show flight styles of different hawks.

Please bring a chair, hat, water, and a sack lunch or snacks. There is no shade here, so, a solar umbrella may be useful to you. It can also be much cooler than at ground level, especially with northerly winds; so please bring layers.Please RSVP to Vicky for any combo of dates so you can get an email update on weather conditions/Broadwing movement/potential site closure, and for the handouts.( NOTE: If you’re unable to join us for these event dates, please note, you can still visit the hawk watch any weekend during September and October, from 11:00am to 6:00pm.)Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net

Danada West, Wheaton,
2024-09-29 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 12 participants.September is easily one of the best months of the year to see migrating species in DuPage County. On this trip we will mainly be focusing on finding migrant warblers, along with raptors and possibly some earlier returning fall and winter residents, such as white-crowned sparrows. The diverse habitat at Danada West always provides the chance to find something unusual as well, so we’ll keep a lookout for rarer species. Meet in the forest preserve parking lot.Leader: Robert Perez. robertperez787@gmail.com

Fermilab, Warrenville CANCELED
2024-09-28 07:30 - 10:00
This trip has been CANCELED

Pre-registration is required (please email), limit 10 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. Full details on public access to Fermilab can be found HERE and the trip leader will send out additional details to registered participants closer to the date of the trip.We will cover a variety of habitats while looking for any fall migrants and with a primary focus on sparrows. We will walk a loop around the AE Sea Nature Area which will cover about 2 miles on wide, mown grass trails. We may venture into unmaintained grassy areas, so please be prepared for ticks. Depending on time and interest, we may drive elsewhere within Fermilab. We will meet at the ‘Red Barn Area’ located at the end of Sauk Circle Google Map Link. If needed, Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2024-09-26 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 10 participantsWe will be looking for late summer woodland/wetland residents and early migrants. Lyman’s trails are almost always muddy regardless of weather. If rain occurs ahead of the trip, expect areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear, and insect repellent is recommended. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street .Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com
