DuPage Birding Club

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-10-29 07:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
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, 2024-09-21 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

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-09-22 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsMeet Joe Suchecki at the main parking lot at McDowell Grove off of Raymond Drive in Naperville for a field trip to look for fall migrants at this DuPage County hotspot. 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

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
2024-09-21 08:00 - 10:00
Limit of 20 participantsMontrose Point Bird Sanctuary is one of the premier birding hotspots in the state. Located next to Montrose Beach along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary offers a variety of habitats for a large number of birds. The group will explore the entire sanctuary, including wooded areas, prairie, beachfront and dunes area. Some trails may be muddy, so dress appropriately. Targets will include migrating warblers and shorebirds. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to the field trip leader via email.Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Waterfall Glen Poverty Prairie, Darien
2024-09-18 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration not required.Meet at the Lemont Road parking lot (Waterfall Glen Parking Lot #3 Google Maps) for a slow walk through oak savanna and out to the prairie. No need to RSVP.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-09-17 07:30 - 10:00, 2024-09-03 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.This morning trip will focus on woodland migrants passing through our area. This is a popular migrant hotspot in both spring and fall. If birds are on the move, we will be in a great location to view them. 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: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2024-09-15 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participantsElsen’s Hill is another great site for migrants, especially warblers passing through on their way to their wintering grounds. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. west to the preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Bring boots as needed for muddy trails.Leaders: Diann Bilderback, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2024-09-11 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 fall migrants. 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

Danada East, Wheaton
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:45
Registration is not required, but please email the trip leader if you plan to attend so you can receive any trip updates.A more casual evening trip planned with the after-work/school crowd in mind, but anyone interested is welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. Please note, this trip will last past sunset and will be the last after-work trip of the year due to the shortened days. Danada East is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road, south of Butterfield Road and north of I-88. Those using GPS can set navigation to the Danada House. Plan to meet at the north end of the parking lot near the entry kiosk and area with benches and bike racks. Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2024-09-10 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.This morning trip will focus on woodland migrants passing through our area. This is a popular migrant hotspot in both spring and fall. If birds are on the move, we will be in a great location to view them. Meet at the preserve parking lot off of Garys Mill Road west of Winfield Road.Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2024-09-08 08:00 - 10:00
Limit of 30 participants.DuPage Birding Club will be partnering with the Conservation Foundation (see below) to lead a bird walk as part of the Take a Hike! Challenge, to identify tricky fall migrants. Our targets will include fall warblers and other migrant species. New and experienced birders are always welcome. 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

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 this 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/

Bike and Bird, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-09-07 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration required with the leader, 10 participants.Greene Valley has a lot of great habitats in it, but you can’t really cover more than one in a typical field trip due todistance. We will bike around the preserve to hit all of the good spots in one run. Bring your bike and we will cover the whole of Greene Valley over the course of a few hours. Expect to ride about 10 miles with a few light hills (no overlook). We will be sticking to the limestone/paved trails. Meet at the north end of the Greene Road parking lot .Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, 83rd Street Fluddle, Naperville
2024-09-05 17:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required by email, limit 10 participants.Meet at the north end of the Greene Road parking lot . We’ll make our way east to the 83rd Street Fluddle area, with the primary goal being to look for migrating shorebirds, with birding along the way as time permits. Scopes/tripods are highly recommended, and trip leader will have one. Fall shorebird IDs can be difficult even with experience – trip leader will be happy to help people who may be new to it, but it will help to review field guides, eBird/Merlin, and/or some of the DBC YouTube content ( Yellowlegs and Similar Waders , Peeps ) ahead of time. The trail to the Fluddle is not maintained, so take appropriate measures for ticks and mosquitos. Leader: Matt Crisler, crislermj@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-09-05 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. Targets include resident birds, raptors, waterfowl, fall warblers and other migrant 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

Fermilab, Warrenville
2024-08-25 07:30 - 10:00
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, they will provide a visitors tag for you to wear. Full details on public access to Fermilab can be found HERE

We will cover a variety of habitats while looking for summer residents and early fall migrants with the primary focus on the trip dependent upon the weather leading up to the date of the trip. We will likely walk a loop around the AE Sea Nature Area which will cover about 2 miles on wide, mown grass trails. 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
