DuPage Birding Club

Take a Hike! Challenge Bird Walk, St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville,
2025-09-21 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
If you’re interested in participating in this bird walk, please reach out to the field trip leader via email. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.comDuPage Birding Club will be partnering with the Conservation Foundation to lead a bird walk as part of the Take a Hike! Challenge. The walk will be held at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville. We will meet in the parking lot off Winfield Road and will traverse St. James Farm’s limestone trails at a leisurely pace, taking our time to identify tricky fall migrants. The walk will cover a couple of miles over relatively flat terrain. Our targets will include fall warblers and other migrant species. New and experienced birders are always welcome. The Conservation Foundation and Endeavor Health have partnered to create the Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, from Sept. 2 to Oct. 28, people of all ages are encouraged to rediscover the health benefits of being active and spending time outdoors.People interested in participating in the free challenge can follow the directions below to sign up. 1) Sign up online at theconservationfoundation.org/take-a-hike/ 2) Get out and hike from Sept. 2 to Oct. 28! 3) Turn in the Take a Hike! Tracker with 6 completed hikes to earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award* (commemorative pin or medallion. First time participants can earn a hiking stick + medallion). *Must register individually to be eligible. Supplies are limited. Offer is valid while supplies last. To learn more and sign up, visit theconservationfoundation.org/take-a-hike/. If you’re interested in participating in this bird walk, please reach out to the field trip leader via email.Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-09-24 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is 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. Most of our walk will be on the 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.https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg3GqKUyYp1RtrYW7Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Morton Arboretum - West Side, Lisle
2025-09-25 07:30 - 11:00
Registration with the leader is required, limit 8 participants.***Arboretum membership is required*** We’ll meet at P19 and do a 3-mile loop to the prairie and back on wood chip, grass and gravel trails looking for fall migrants.https://maps.app.goo.gl/A3E5CygtfZLK3qnz8Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Hawkwatch, Greene Valley Overlook, Naperville
2025-09-27 11:00 - 13:00
Registration with the leader is required for update on weather conditions, and hawk ID handouts.Bring a chair, lunch, and hat to the Greene Valley Hawkwatch, where we will quickly review how to ID hawks in flight and then join the team counting migrating raptors. Walk a hundred feet on limestone path from parking lot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/LFgVdFWzG8L26NE58) to the watch site–you will see a car and people–then we’ll be sitting on a grass lawn. If winds are good, we can see many migrating Broad-winged Hawks in late September.It is a good idea to bring a hoodie or jacket as it can be colder up top than at ground level. Watch the Greene Valley Hawkwatch and Hawk ID talks on the club’s YouTube channel to fully prepare for this experience.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net, (630) 297-9512

Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN
2025-10-04 08:00 - 13:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.We'll start from the Wilson Shelter parking lot and make a loop of trails 10 & 2 through woods and the marsh boardwalk, about 5 miles. We will not be climbing sand dunes. Should get some late migrants and fall colors. Entrance fee is $12 per car. Bring a sack lunch and bug spray.https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parking+lot,+Tremont+Rd,+Chesterton,+IN+46304Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-07 07:30 - 09:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
Springbrook Prairie Fall Sparrow Trip. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for fall sparrows and other migrants. Targets for the trip include Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrows. We will search along wetland areas for these elusive sparrows and will go off trail through some wetter areas, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.
Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield -Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-11 07:30 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
Springbrook Prairie Fall Sparrow Trip. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for fall sparrows and other migrants. Targets for the trip include Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrows. We will search along wetland areas for these elusive sparrows and will go off trail through some wetter areas, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos.
Meet at the Main Parking Lot on 83rd Street between Route 59 and Book Road.
Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com, (630) 842-4921

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-10-11 07:30 - 12:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
Our targets will primarily be southbound warblers, but we’ll be exploring Lyman in detail and trying to find as much as possible in the heart of fall migration. Expect a longer walk than typical. Lyman’s trails are almost always muddy regardless of the weather. If rain occurs ahead of the trip, expect areas with standing water. Be prepared with appropriate footwear and bring bug/tick spray. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.
Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-10-13 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is 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. Most of our walk will be on the 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.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T7aiJKAa2FoLWUYo8
Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Hanover Park
2025-10-16 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.
The 85-acre Mallard Lake is the District’s largest recreational lake. Mallard Lake has 4 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile trail system that winds around the lake and over two bridges plus a boardwalk that is ideal for birdwatching. The lake is a beautiful place to spend a fall day.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mallard+Lake+Shelter+Parking/
Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Hanover Park
2025-10-16 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1.The 85-acre Mallard Lake is the District's largest recreational lake. Mallard Lake has 4 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile trail system that winds around the lake and over two bridges plus a boardwalk that is ideal for birdwatching. The lake is a beautiful place to spend a fall day.https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mallard+Lake+Shelter+Parking/
Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2025-10-21 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 15 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on October 1. This morning trip, oriented toward fall/early winter 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.https://maps.app.goo.gl/AGV527igwEnVudDd7Leader: Bonnie Graham, coye72112@gmail.com, (630) 204-8750

Danada Forest Preserve - WEST, Wheaton
2025-11-09 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 12 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.On this trip we will be exploring the western part of Danada Forest Preserve searching for passerine migrants such as hopefully some uncommon sparrows that can be found in DuPage County this time of year. We will also check several different ponds to look for migrating waterfowl. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot at 8am.https://maps.app.goo.gl/6T4JW5wdoxtCrbF78?g_st=icLeader: Henry Meade, meadehenry21@gmail.com, (224) 319-4377

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2025-11-13 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. There is no limit on participants. Join us as we take a casual walk and look for winter birds and possibly some waterfowl on the lake. This is an approximately a 1.5 – 2 mile walk mostly on limestone paths with some dirt paths. 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. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQhgxr4zypZNMTwS6Leader: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, (630) 640-2450

Bemis Woods North Grove, Westchester
2025-11-15 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 8 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.Bemis Woods is a beautiful place to look for winter residents. We will be looking for Brown Creepers, woodpeckers, perhaps see an occasional Pileated Woodpecker, and maybe a Belted Kingfisher or two. We'll start off walking along Salt Creek then loop back to the parking lot and then do an out & back on the nature preserve trail. Meet by the bridge, at the parking lot off Wolf Road between 31st and Ogden. See map.https://maps.app.goo.gl/JD3ir3Kaz177X4xf9Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve, Hampshire
2025-11-16 08:00 - 10:00
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 20 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.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. Text or call with any questions regarding directions on the day of: 630-724-7534.https://maps.app.goo.gl/kvMp3HLCdidzvT566 Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com, (630) 724-7534

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, Oak Brook
2025-11-18 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.This field trip will include late migrants and winter birding in wooded areas as well as some open water along Salt Creek. Join us to look for a good variety while walking about 2 miles on uneven trails. Meet in the main parking lot on Spring Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3pm1oV7VXkBf8hbf8Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, Oak Brook
2025-11-18 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.This field trip will include late migrants and winter birding in wooded areas as well as some open water along Salt Creek. Join us to look for a good variety while walking about 2 miles on uneven trails. Meet in the main parking lot on Spring Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3pm1oV7VXkBf8hbf8Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com, (630) 240-6004

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-11-22 07:30 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is 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. 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.https://maps.app.goo.gl/LyxyTCuQgXHvMCmL9Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-11-23 14:30 - 17:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 15 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.We will be looking for late migrants and remaining residents, including some owling after dark. Lyman's trails can be muddy. While it has been quite dry overall this season, if substantial rain occurs ahead of the trip, be prepared with appropriate footwear. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended for the owling portion. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street.https://maps.app.goo.gl/bcJuErw1iwpqKVBx9Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Jasper-Pulaski Sandhill Crane Observation Area, Medaryville, IN
2025-12-06 11:45 - 18:30
JASPER-PULASKI SANDHILL CRANES MIGRATIONRegistration with the leader is required. Limit 12 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.The Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area is known for its large Sandhill Crane population during fall migration, with peak counts reaching between 15,000-30,000. We'll meet at 11:45 am, in the Villa Park free public parking lot on Villa Ave just south of Wildwood Ave to carpool. Please let me know if you're available to drive and/or ride in another's car. First stop will be a short out and back trail on Nature Conservancy land. Sightings here can be surprising, so we will see what shows up. We will not be walking around Jasper-Pulaski itself, as it is open for hunting season. There is also a nearby shooting range, so expect to hear gunfire. After that, we'll drive around looking for cranes in nearby farm fields. We'll head to the observation tower one hour before sunset to watch flocks of Sandhill Cranes kite into the refuge from all directions. They gab and socialize before returning to roosting marshes at dusk. International Crane Foundation (ICF) staff will be at the tower to answer your crane questions. Dress for the weather and bring a scope if you have one.Carpool Meeting Place: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R7v4veCehsWtmviK8Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com

Morton Arboretum, West Side, Lisle
2025-12-10 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required.We will meet at Thornhill parking lot, P21 and explore the area. We are looking for winter resident birds and hopefully some migrants from the north. New birders are welcome to join. Arboretum members are free. There is a charge for nonmembers. Please contact leaders for possible discount. Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, (630) 640-2450

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2025-12-16 08:00 - 10:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 10 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on December 1.This field trip will include about 4 miles of walking through open grassland and wooded trails. We will look for winter birds including some raptors known to frequent here. We will walk on limestone trails out and back on the same path. Meet at the east end of the parking lot off Butterfield Road, by the restrooms and boat house. https://maps.app.goo.gl/dm7Ak52QQwcGgUjK9Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2025-12-17 08:00 - 11:00
Registration is not required. There is no limit to the number of participants.Join us for a walk around the marsh as we search for the variety of bird species that spend the winter here. We will be walking for 3.25 miles on preserve limestone and earthen trails. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59.https://maps.app.goo.gl/tcoGDz9MN7ewnNvq5Leader: Kyle Wiktor, (708) 506-5186

Springbrook Prairie - Canceled
2025-12-18 16:00 - 17:00
This trip is canceled.
Short-eared Owls frequently winter at Springbrook Prairie and can be seen as they come out to hunt over the preserve at dusk. 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 40-50 min. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trip will be canceled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.
Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Rd., south of 75th St. in Naperville. https://maps.app.goo.gl/p9BR3fJosNn8FSk98
Leader: Joe Suchecki

Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle
2025-12-20 07:00 - 16:00
Registration is required by December 13, 2025.
The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Fermilab Circle is December 20 this year, and the always-fun Countdown Dinner is a go!
This is your chance to join the world’s longest running community science program! Now in its 125th year, the CBC brings together bird lovers across the continent to contribute research that helps ornithologists understand bird population abundance and trends.
Here in DuPage County, the DBC sponsors the Fermilab Circle, a 15-mile circle. Compiler Jeff Chapman organizes teams and assigns them to coverage areas to count all the birds they see and hear on this one day in December.
If you have participated in the CBC count last year, you will receive an email from Jeff in early December on plans for this year’s count. If it’s been awhile since you participated or you’d like to join a team, notify Jeff at jeffchapman948@gmail.com. You do NOT have to be an expert birder to join as you will be part of a team. Birders of all skill levels are welcome!
One of the best parts of the CBC is the Countdown Dinner, where Jeff shares the results of all the teams and we get to learn which birds are most abundant, abundance trends, surprise finds, and more! It is a great way to connect with fellow birders and enjoy a brew and some delicious hot food. See details in the next post.

Annual Christmas Bird Countdown Dinner, Cooper's Corner, Winfield
2025-12-20 17:00 - 20:00
RSVP is required. Deadline to register is December 7. Space is limited to 50 members. Cost per member $20.
After your long day on the trails, it’s time to relax and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow birders and hear the results for the day in a warm, private room at Cooper’s Corner, where Jeff Chapman will lead the tally for DuPage County at the Annual Christmas Bird Countdown Dinner. If you have never been to this event, it is a hoot! Buffet dinner will be served with several entree choices, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. A cash bar will also be available. Cooper’s Corner, 27W150 Roosevelt Rd, Winfield, IL 60190.
RSVP by December 7 to Sherry Courtney at sherrycourtney10@gmail.com or (505) 239-1258.

Lyman Woods, Canceled
2025-12-28 14:30 - 17:30
This trip has been moved to December 31.
We will be looking for common woodland wintertime residents.
We will conclude the trip with a brief search for the resident Great Horned Owls around and after sunset. Dress very warmly as we may be stationary at times. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vf3YKmyeJSDr5fxT7
Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
2025-12-31 14:30 - 17:30
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 15 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on December 1.We will be looking for common woodland wintertime residents. We will conclude the trip with a brief search for the resident Great Horned Owls around and after sunset. Dress very warmly as we may be stationary at times. A red flashlight or headlamp is recommended. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vf3YKmyeJSDr5fxT7Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2026-01-01 08:00 - 10:00
There is no limit to the number of participants. Registration is required for planning and updates in case of bad weather. NEW YEAR’S DAY BIRDINGThe bird club has a tradition of New Year’s Day birding, so come one, come all to St. James Farm to start the new year right! We’ll meet by the horse statue and walk about 2 miles along gravel paths and possibly some grass or deer paths depending on conditions. Due to increased pricing at the Morton Arboretum we are trying something new so there is no cost barrier to joining.https://maps.app.goo.gl/u5pncs3WPA6Q9Gb78Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com
