DuPage Birding Club

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2021-12-30 08:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 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. 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 Parking Lot #3: drive south on I55 on Lemont Rd. to 101st St. and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot. Please register with the leader who will e-mail driving directions to each location in case the caravan gets separated. For questions ahead of time, or if you are running late the day of the trip, please call 630-297-9512.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-12-26 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Enjoy the winter quiet as we explore the fields and woods along the Thunderbird Trail. The walk will be on grass, gravel, and mulch paths. We’ll look and listen for woodpeckers and whoever else has decided the spend the holidays in our area. As always, new birders are welcome as we’ll take our time to spot the birds and to answer questions. 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. Map link for parking. Greene Valley map.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com , 630-890-8956

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-12-19 16:10 - 16:50
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for Short-eared Owls. Short-eared Owls frequently winter at Springbrook Prairie and can be seen as they come out to hunt over the preserve at dusk. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Rd., south of 75th St. in Naperville. 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 30-40 min. Contact Joe if you plan on attending. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trips will becancelled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email: dbcsec2020@gmail.com. Phone: 630-369-5570.

Christmas Bird Count, Lisle-Arboretum Circle
2021-12-19 08:00 - 16:00
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 feederwatcher. For details and signup: Contact: Carl Giometti, chicagiometti@gmail.com

Christmas Bird Count, Fermilab Circle
2021-12-18 08:00 - 16:00
The DuPage Birding Club sponsors this Christmas Bird Count. Thousands of birds and over 100 species have been logged in previous Bird Counts. This opportunity to join almost 100 other birders is open to all skill levels. If you did not count last year, please contact the compiler, Jeff Chapman, for details or to volunteer and to be assigned to a location and area captain.Contact: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-12-16 16:10 - 16:50
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Join Joe Suchecki at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville to look for Short-eared Owls. Short-eared Owls frequently winter at Springbrook Prairie and can be seen as they come out to hunt over the preserve at dusk. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on Plainfield-Naperville Rd., south of 75th St. in Naperville. 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 30-40 min. Contact Joe if you plan on attending. The owls do not always winter at Springbrook and the trips will be cancelled if they are not around or in the event of inclement weather.Leader: Joe Suchecki. Register via email at dbcsec2020@gmail.com. Phone: 630-369-5570.

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-12-15 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Call or text only to register. This site remains one of DuPage County’s premier birding spots. Walk around the marsh with us to check out winter birds, as well as possible late migrants. 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 the weather.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2021-12-11 08:00 - 10:30
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 American Coots, along with Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Canvasback, and Northern Pintail are all possible. Centennial Trail in the past has been an excellent spot for Winter Wrens too.

Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

The DuPage Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook
2021-12-01 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.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 down to Whalon Lake, where we will look for migrating waterfowl, gulls, and possibly a bald eagle. We also hope to see winter residents along the way.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-11-23 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Call or text only to register. Join our morning walk around the marsh to check out late fall migrants and wintering birds. Northern Shrike, American Black Duck, and many other species of birds regularly winter at this site. There should be some late fall migrants present as well. 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 Preserve limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2021-11-22 08:00 - 11:30, 2021-11-19 08:00 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 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. 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 I55 on Lemont Rd. to 101st St., and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot. Please register with the leader who will e-mail driving directions to each location in case the caravan gets separated. For questions ahead of time, or if you are running late the day of the trip, please call 630-297-9512. Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

Seager Park, Naperville
2021-11-14 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Let’s see what birds may still be passing through or settling in for winter in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. New birders welcome. We’ll take our time and keep our eyes and ears open for woodpeckers, kinglets, creepers, raptors, and crows. Trails are mostly gravel, grass, and dirt/mud, with some chip and pavement. 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. Google Maps link here. Indoor restrooms available. Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Herrick Lake West Shelter, Wheaton
2021-11-09 08:00 - 10:00
NOTE: New Time. Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. 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. Dress for the weather, it might be cold! Bring drinking water.

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 Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Pratt's Wayne Woods, Bartlett
2021-11-08 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Call or text only to register. On this trip, we will check out different spots within this massive IBA (Important Bird Area) for resident birds and late fall migrants. This time of year should be good for finding a variety of waterfowl. We will meet at the parking lot for Harrier Lake on the south side of Sterns Rd., west of Munger Rd., and east of Powis Rd. After checking that area, we will all drive to other spots in Pratt’s Wayne, and depending on time may even visit other nearby sites.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, call or text 708-506-5186

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-10-25 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, call or text only please, limit 20 participants. Join us on a morning walk to the marsh for fall migrants, including shorebirds and waterfowl. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. 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. and be prepared for some dirt trails, possibly muddy if wet. Located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
2021-10-23 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, 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. The focus of the trip will be observing resident birds and fall migrants. 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. Be prepared for wet trail conditions and insects; dress accordingly. Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721, jcebula@dupagebirding.org

Elsen's Hill Area (West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve)
2021-10-21 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, call or text only please, limit 20 participants. Join us for a walk around one of DuPage County’s top hotspots in search of fall migrants. This walk will be on earthen & limestone trails. Meet at the parking lot on the north side of Gary’s Mill Rd. to the west of Winfield Rd. & east of the intersection of Gary’s Mill & Roosevelt Roads. Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186

Lyman Woods Nature Center, 901 31st St, Downers Grove, IL
2021-10-20 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants. After meeting in the parking lot, we will explore varied habitats of Lyman. We will be looking for late migrants and birds that winter in our region. Lyman’s trails are known for being very muddy. At this time, they are quite dry, but if a rainy spell occurs, be prepared with appropriate footwear. Meet at the parking lot on 31st Street. Leaders: Mike & Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com

Bird the Park: Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2021-10-19 07:00 - 10:00
This is a leaderless birding experience; you do not need to sign up with the organizer. You will bird on your own between the hours of 7 am and 10 am. The idea is you will “bump” into fellow birders as you make your way along the trail, chat a little about what you are seeing, then move on and hopefully run into another birder further along the trail. You can start at 7 or sleep in and start at 8 or even 9! We will follow the Riverbend trail. This trail is a loop and starts at the main parking lot by the visitor’s center. You can walk the loop in either direction. Map The main entrance is at 3609 Spring Road, 1 mile south of 31st Street and 0.25 mile north of Ogden Avenue. Do not use the Graue Mill parking lot on York Road. Fullersburg Woods Website Dress for the weather, bring bug spray and water. Organizer: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2021-10-18 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants. Explore the woodlands of this preserve looking for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other fall and winter birds. We will also check out the open spaces for grassland birds and the skies for migrating raptors. Be prepared for some dirt trails, possibly muddy if wet. Meet at the parking lot off Winfield Road. Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2021-10-16 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants. Join Joe Suchecki for our annual club fall trip to locate Nelson’s and LeConte’s sparrows at Springbrook Prairie. We also will be looking for other late migrant species of the wetlands and grasslands. This trip requires that we go off-trail through uneven terrain, so this is not for those who want/need to stay on wide, flat groomed trails. The vegetation and footing will likely be wet as we walk along the edge of wetlands looking for the sparrows, so rubber boots are recommended. Meet at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road south of 75th St. Leader: Joe Suchecki, jsuchecki@dupagebirding.org

Hawkwatching 2.0; Greene Valley Scenic Overlook, Woodridge
2021-10-10 11:00 - 13:00, 2021-10-09 11:00 - 13:00
Pre-register by email please, it will help in determining the number of handouts needed. This is an opportunity for DBC birders unfamiliar with hawkwatching to learn the ins and outs of spotting and identifying distant raptors as they fly by the hilltop. Briefing on techniques and handouts will be provided, from the regulars at the Greene Valley Hawkwatch (which operates from 9/1 through 11/30). Bring a scope if you have one. Dress warmly and bring extra layers – it’s almost always colder and windier up on the hilltop, even in mid-fall. The entrance to the scenic overlook is south of 75th St on Greene Road in Naperville/Woodridge, past 79th St – the entrance to the road to the hilltop will be just S of the road level GV parking lot, on the W side of Greene. Don’t arrive early; the hill is not open to the public until 11 am. The hill stays open until 6 pm. Leader: Bob Fisher 630 985 2956, bfisher928@aol.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge
2021-10-07 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 20 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

Bird Sit at Greene Valley North Picnic Area, Naperville
2021-10-05 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 10 participants. 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 Greene Valley North Picnic Area, near the dog park. Meet at the very end of the parking area off Greene Road. The lot for the north picnic area is on Greene Road, 0.3 mile north of 75th Street and south of Hobson Road. Link to Greene Valley Website. Link to Google Map. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray (sitting, we are easy targets for mosquitoes!) and drinking water.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Wood Dale Reservoir, School Street off of North Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, IL
2021-10-02 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants. During this field trip we will be targeting migrating shorebirds and possibly warblers at one of the best shorebird spots in DuPage County. We will meet at the parking lot off of School Street and we will start the field trip at 7:30 am. There is a paved trail around the reservoir, and it is about a mile loop. We will also check Salt Creek for warblers and possibly Salt Creek Marsh, depending on the water level. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.Leader: Henry Meade, sign up by email to kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2021-09-30 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. This morning walk will be around the marsh in search of the local nesting birds and possibly a few early fall migrants. 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. Most of our walk will be on preserve limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, 708-506-5186, kylewiktor@msn.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2021-09-26 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This is a morning field trip. Meet at the Model Airplane Field Parking Lot on Plainfield- Naperville Rd. south of 75th St. in Naperville. The trip will focus on fall migrants in the grassland and wetland habitats of Springbrook with special emphasis on locating Sharp- tailed Sparrows. Springbrook is among the best sites to find Sharp-tailed Sparrows in the fall, and we have been able to find them on previous trips to this location. Wear waterproof boots since the area around the marsh and early morning vegetation is likely to be wet.Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, jsuchecki@dupagebirding.org

York Woods, Oak Brook
2021-09-24 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. York Woods is a small site with good paths. Meet at the main entrance parking lot. There will be the usual suspects plus migrants. Beginning birders are always welcome. Directions: From York Rd, south of Roosevelt, take the I-88 exit, then turn right for the parking lot. Anyone driving north on York Rd will need to drive north to Butterfield Rd and turn around. (Just after driving over Roosevelt Rd, turn left into the health center, turn around in the parking lot, and go back south on York Rd. There is an exit for I-88 on the right, which has a right turn-off for the York Woods main parking lot.)Leader: Kathy Mineck, cell: 630-254-4077, kmineck@dupagebirding.org
