Bird Sit at Pratt’s Wayne Woods, Powis Road, West Chicago
2022-09-16 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration with the leader 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. We will meet in the first parking area by Pickerel Lake as you come into the park off Powis Road. NOTE: the entrance is on the WEST side of Powis Road north of Army Trail and south of Stearns Road. Be aware that when using GPS it sometimes takes you to the Preserve which is NOT where we will meet, we are meeting at Pratt’s Wayne Woods: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/pratts-wayne-woods

Dress for the weather and bring bug spray (sitting, we are easy targets for mosquitoes!) and drinking water.

Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2022-09-17 07:30 - 10:00
On this trip we’ll be exploring Elsen’s Hill within West DuPage Woods in hopes of finding migrant songbirds, in particular warblers. Please meet in the parking lot off Gary’s Mill Rd.Leader: Henry Meade, Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2022-09-18 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This morning trip will focus on woodland migrants passing through our area. 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: Joe Suchecki, DBCsec2020@gmail.com

Waterfall Glen Poverty Prairie, Darien
2022-09-20 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the Lemont Rd. parking lot, south of I55 at 101st Street. We’ll start in the Kettle Pond Woods and walk to the prairie.Leader Vicky Sroczynski, RSVP to vsroczynski@comcast.net or text 630-297-9512

Seager Park, Naperville
2022-09-21 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the main parking lot, 1163 Plank Rd. We will be in search of migrants, especially fall warblers and other woodland birds.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2022-09-24 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This morning’s walk will take us through some prairie and woods. We’ll be looking for resident birds as well as early migratory birds. We’ll be walking approximately 2 miles on mostly easy terrain. We will meet in the parking lot off on Winfield Rd, just north of Butterfield Rd.Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, coye72112@gmail.com

Greene Valley Overlook, Naperville
2022-09-25 11:00 - 13:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Drive up to the overlook parking lot south of 79th Street off Greene Rd and meet the hawk watch volunteers to scan the skies for raptors. Hawk ID handouts provided and discussed. Review buteos by watching the club’s Hawk Watch talk on YouTube. Please bring layers (it can be much colder up on the hill than at ground level) and a hat for sun (no shade). Bring lunch, extra water, and a lawn chair.Leader Vicky Sroczynski, RSVP to vsroczynski@comcast.net or text 630-297-9512

Lyman Woods Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2022-09-28 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This morning trip will be oriented toward fall migration. 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. Meet in the parking lot in front of Lyman Woods Interpretive Center, located one block east of Highland Avenue on 31st Street. Boots are recommended if it’s been raining recently. Some areas are muddy.Leader: Lisa Gaylord, lisarae59@icloud.com, cell phone:630-740-0911. Please leave a message or text along with your name & email.

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2022-10-06 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 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: Kathy Mineck, cell: 630-254-4077 (day of), kmineck@yahoo.com (RSVP toemail)

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2022-10-08 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, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2022-10-09 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration is required by email please, 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, Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2022-10-11 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration 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, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2022-10-17 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration 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

Lyman Woods Nature Center, 901 31st St, Downers Grove, IL
2022-10-18 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 12 participants. After meeting in the parking lot, we will explore the 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. 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

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Woodridge
2022-10-27 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, 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

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2022-10-27 08:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Let’s walk off our Thanksgiving and see what birds have decided to spend the winter here. Beginning birders welcome. We’ll explore the woodlands along Salt Creek on pretty easy, level trails. Afterwards, if weather permits, we might continue to the Graue Mill area or nearby Dean Nature Sanctuary. Meet in the main parking lot at 3609 Spring Road. Fullersburg Woods info.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Bird Sit at Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2022-10-28 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader 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, 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

Hawkwatching 2.0; Greene Valley Scenic Overlook, Woodridge
2022-10-30 11:00 - 13:00
Pre-register please, it helps in determining the number of handouts needed. This is a 2nd opportunity for DBC birders unfamiliar with hawkwatching to learn techniques for spotting and identifying distant (hopefully some at close range too!) raptors as they fly by the hilltop. Briefing on techniques and handouts will be provided from the regulars at the Greene Valley Hawkwatch (our 17th year of operation from 9/1 through 11/30). Bring a scope if you have one.

Dress warmly and bring extra layers – it’s always colder and windier up on the hilltop, especially in late fall. We also hope to count gray ghosts, witches on broomsticks and goblins, migrating early in anticipation of next day’s celebration.

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 south of the road level GV parking lot, on the west side of Greene. Don’t arrive early; the hill doesn’t open to the public until 11 am.Leader: Bob Fisher, 630 985 2956, bfisher928@aol.com

McKee Marsh at Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2022-11-05 08:30 - 10:30
DBC Planting day. Please join us to plant shrubs and saplings. The DBC is partnering with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County on a project to improve habitat for our forest birds. The Club provided a $2,000 grant to the District to purchase native shrubs and saplings to plant in an area of McKee Marsh where nonnative, invasive shrubs and trees were removed. Restoring the understory vegetation will improve the habitat for woodland nesting birds such as thrushes and warblers.Anyone can volunteer to help on this important and unique fall activity to improve bird habitat in DuPage County. Plan to volunteer with your fellow DuPage birders and give back to the Forest Preserves where we all bird every day. The more volunteers we have, the easier and quicker the project will be.Contact Joe Suchecki at DBCsec2020@gmail.com by October 31 to volunteer.

Danada Forest Preserve (west side), Wheaton
2022-11-06 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email please, limit 15 participants.On this trip we will be exploring the western side of Danada Forest Preserve searching for uncommon sparrows, migrating waterfowl, and raptors. Please meet on the west side of the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot.Leader: Henry Meade, Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2022-11-11 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is NOT required for this trip.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

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes
2022-11-12 07:00 - 14:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required.Join us as we check out this refuge for waterfowl and other wintering birds. This 3,000 acre restored wetlands is one of the premier natural areas in the state. It is approximately a 90-minute drive from the western suburbs. We will view the lake with scopes and walk through the woods along the lake. Plan to be at the refuge for about 4 hours (8:30-12:30). We will meet at a central location at 7:00 and carpool from there or you can meet us there at the main parking lot.Pack a lunch, snacks, and water. Bring a scope if you have one. More information: http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-location-and-visiting.Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com, 630-640-2450

Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Hanover Park
2022-11-14 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration is required, limit 10 participants. Let’s explore Mallard Lake for late fall birds and waterfowl. We will meet at the main parking lot on Schick road just west of Gary Avenue. There are a few water areas to check and some woodland edges and shrub areas. If we have time we can continue on to West Branch Forest Preserve nearby for some more possibilities. Plan on walking trails including crushed limestone and dirt and even some grassy trails.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Bird Sit at Herrick Lake West Shelter, Wheaton
2022-11-15 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10 participants. This will be the last bird sit for 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 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 will be cold. Bring drinking water or hot tea!Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

The DuPage Greenway Trail, Bolingbrook
2022-11-16 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We will look for late migrants, waterfowl, and winter residents. 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.

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2022-11-25 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Let’s walk off our Thanksgiving and see what birds have decided to spend the winter here. Beginning birders welcome. We’ll explore the woodlands along Salt Creek on pretty easy, level trails. Afterwards, if weather permits, we might continue to the Graue Mill area or nearby Dean Nature Sanctuary. Meet in the main parking lot at 3609 Spring Road. More info.Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com, 630-890-8956

Southeast DuPage and Southwest Cook Waterfowl Search
2022-11-27 08:00 - 12:00
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 Lemont Rd., past I-55 to 101st St., and turn left at the stoplight into the parking lot.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, VSroczynski@comcast.net

Elsen’s Hill/ West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2022-11-30 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email or text, limit 15 participants. After meeting in the parking lot, we will explore the varied habitats. We will be looking for fall/winter birds; cardinals, blue jays, juncos & whatever decides to hang around for our colder weather. Take Winfield Rd. to Garys Mill Rd. west to the preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road (245 Garys Mill Road). If it rains or snows prior to trip please wear appropriate footwear for it could be muddy & layer-up for the cold temperatures.Leader: Lisa Gaylord, lisarae59@yahoo.com, 630-740-0911

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2022-12-04 07:30 - 10:30
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

Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
2022-12-06 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required. This field trip will include some good 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, nallured@comcast.net
