Horicon Marsh Field Trip!
2024-05-18 08:00 - 2024-05-19 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The Horicon field trip is full. If you would like to be put on a waiting list in case there are any openings send Natalie an email. Natalie at natcatcher7gmail.com

Join DBC members on a field trip to Horicon Marsh May 18 and 19. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Horicon Marsh covers 32,000 acres and is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. It has been recognized by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations as a Wetland of International Importance. More than 300 species of birds have been sighted at the marsh. We are hoping to see as many of them as we can! Possible birds are: herons, least bittern, marsh wren, white pelicans, yellow-headed blackbird, rails and terns.

There are several planned activities for the weekend. You may pick and choose what you would like to do. You must register for any activities you choose by April 1st so that we have firm numbers to give our hosts.

Saturday, May 18, at 12:30 we will meet at the Horicon Education & Visitor Center (Wisconsin DNR) for a history and introduction to the marsh. This is a great place to get to know Horicon and learn about the trails and birding options. Director Liz Herzman will guide us through the exhibits and answer all our questions.

Saturday afternoon, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. we have made arrangements for a special boat tour for those who want to explore the marsh on the water. Blue Heron Landing will take us on a two-hour birders’ charter boat. The boat trip will include an expert local guide from the Horicon Marsh Birding Club who tends to keep track of where the most interesting sightings are located any given day. This is the only event with a fee. There is a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16 participants for this boat tour. The cost is $38 per person, and we require a firm commitment with payment by April 1.Saturday evening, before sunset, drive through the three-mile paved Autotour road at the northwest corner of Horicon Marsh to the Egret Trail and floating boardwalk. Many of the waterfowl fly over the one-quarter mile long boardwalk en route to the middle of the marsh for the night, so this should be a good opportunity to see them. The Autotour also boasts five miles of hiking/biking trails.

Sunday morning, May 19, we will meet at the Horicon Education & Visitor Center parking lot at 7:00 a.m. for a field trip led by local birder Jeff Bahls from the Wisconsin DNR, who is also President of the Horicon Marsh Birding Club. This will be about a five-hour trip in which we will carpool to different birding hot spots and walk the trails. The trails are level and most are gravel. There will be opportunities for restroom stops as we move from area to area. We will also have transportation back to the Nature Center should anyone want to return early. This is a great opportunity to bird the marsh with someone who knows it intimately.

You may choose to join us on any or all of the above planned activities. There is no fee for the Saturday afternoon visit to the Horicon Education and Visitors center with Liz Herman and there is no fee for the Sunday morning field trip with Jeff Bahls, but you must register for them by April 1. There is a $38 fee for the boat ride on Saturday and, again, you must register by April 1.

There is a scenic three-mile paved Autotour road at the northwest corner of Horicon Marsh which takes you to the Egret Trail and floating boardwalk. Many of the waterfowl fly over the one-quarter mile long boardwalk en route to the middle of the marsh for the night so this would be a good evening or early morning activity if you have the time. The Autotour also boasts five miles of hiking/biking trails.Horicon Marsh is one of the most diverse birding areas in the Midwest. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore it with some very knowledgeable locals as your guides! Please note: If you are planning to spend the night in the area, be aware there are limited lodging options and they fill up fast in May. We strongly suggest you make your lodging reservations now! Natalie has a list of lodging options.This trip has been organized by Natalie McFaul and Sherry Courtney.Contact Natalie McFaul at natcatcher7@gmail.com to register, for details, and to answer any questions.

You may register for any or all of the activities. Hope you can join us!To find out more about Horicon Marsh, check out this video: Horicon Marsh Video

Danada West Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-05-19 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.On this trip we will be meeting in the Forest Preserve HQ parking lot which allows us to explore the most amount of habitat possible on this morning. We will attempt to see and hear the most number of species possible, which could include everything from shorebirds to warblers, sparrows and other migrating passerines. Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Bird Sit at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2024-05-22 08:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration not required.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 comaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group and look for spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. The entrance to Hidden Lake is on the east of side of Route 53 a quarter mile south of Butterfield Road. We will meet in the south parking lot (turn right as you enter the park and drive all the way down to the south parking lot.) Bring a lawn chair, water, bug spray and dress for the weather. Hidden Lake FPLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Danada East, Wheaton
2024-05-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-05-30 18:00 - 19:30
Pre-registration is required for this trip (please email), limit 8 participants. A more casual evening trip primarily for the after-work crowd that can’t get out in the middle of the day during migration, but any and all participants are welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. 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

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-05-24 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 to check out resident species and spring 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.Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Fermilab, Warrenville
2024-05-25 07:30 - 12:00
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, you must remain in public areas at all times, have a visitor’s tag visible, and leave the same way you 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 any and all migrants and summer residents but will mainly focus on birds that favor shrubland and grassland. We will cover about 2 miles – mostly on wide, but occasionally uneven mown grass trails – as we walk a loop around the AE Sea Nature Area. Depending on time and interest, we may drive elsewhere within Fermilab. Wewill meet at the ‘Red Barn Area’ located at the end of Sauk Circle (Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaAdwsv846nb6xvc8 ). Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

Bird Sit at Elsen’s Woods, West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2024-05-26 07:30 - 10:00
No pre-registration required.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 comaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group and look for spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. Elsen’s Woods is part of West DuPage Woods. We will meet at the Gary’s Mill Road parking lot. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go west on Gary’s Mill Rd. to the Preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Bring a lawn chair, water, bug spray and dress for the weather. West DuPage WoodsLeader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2024-05-29 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.Meet at the Model Airplane Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Road about 0.5 miles south of 75thStreet. Field trip to look for marsh, grassland, and migrant birds in the various habitats at Springbrook Prairie. Wear footwear suitable to go off trail and bring insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Email the leader to reserve a spot on this field trip and be sure to receive a confirmation regarding your participation.Leader: Joe Suchecki, dbcsec2020@gmail.com

Midewin National Tallgrass Prarie. Will County
2024-06-02 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration is not required. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is one of the premier grassland birding spots in the area. The area is littered with abandoned munitions bunkers, as well as fantastic grassland species such as Henslow’s Sparrow, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Blue Grosbeak. This walk will primarily take place on old asphalt roads but may venture into tall grass. Dress appropriately and bring bug spray and sun protection. We will meet at the Iron Bridge Trailhead on Route 53 in Elwood, Illinois. The entrance to the trailhead parking lot is about two miles south of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and the intersection of Hoff Road and Route 53. Coordinates: 41°22’44.0″N 88°07’24.8″W Google maps: link Although there is no limit to registration for this walk, please reach out to leader if you want to attend. Leader: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Centennial Trail, Lemont
2024-06-05 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.On this two-mile field trip our main target will be looking for late migrant warblers and returning summer 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 . Feel free to ask questions on how to get there after you RSVP. Please call if you have any problems with directions.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Waterfall Glen/Poverty Prairie, Lemont
2024-06-07 07:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration is not required.We’ll be looking for shrubland/grassland birds on a walk of 2.5-3 miles on limestone trails only, through the prairie and savanna. Optional continuation through the oak woodland-kettle pond area for later migrants. Hat, water bottle and snack highly recommended. Meet at the Lemont Rd parking lot at 101st Street (Google Maps Waterfall Glen Parking Lot #3.) No reservation is needed but please text or call leader with any questions.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski 630-297-9512

Goose Lake Natural Area, McHenry County
2024-06-09 09:00 - 11:00
This unique spot in northern McHenry County is a great spot for sought after marsh birds. The walk will focus on finding the site’s nesting Yellow-headed Blackbird population, as well as species such as Black Tern, King Rail, Marsh Wren, and others. There is roughly a mile walk on a straight gravel path before we hit the marsh area. We may venture off trail into tall grass, so dress appropriately and bring bug spray and sun protection. The parking lot is behind the Hebron Township Building in Hebron, Illinois (10206 Seaman Rd, Hebron, IL 60034). Although there is no limit to registration for this walk, please reach out to leader if you want to attend.Leader Robert Perez at robertperez787@gmail.com

Seager Park, Naperville
2024-06-14 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration not required.New birders welcome on this trip at a modest, but sometimes mighty, preserve! We’ll see who’s decided to take up summer residence in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, ravine, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. Trails are a mix of grass, wood chip, dirt/mud, and pavement. Meet in the parking lot at 1163 Plank Road, Naperville 60563. No reservation is needed but feel free to email the leader with any questions. Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2024-06-15 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration not required.Join us for a longer (4+ mile) hike around a forest preserve that has a wide variety of habitat types and a diverse selection of breeding birds to go along with it. Meet at the secondary parking lot that is off of Herrick Rd. about a quarter mile south of Butterfield Rd. Herrick Lake FP (not the main entrance on Butterfield Rd.) Leader: Kyle Wiktor, cell: 708-506-5186

Seager Park, Naperville
2024-06-16 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. New birders welcome on this trip at a modest, but sometimes mighty, preserve! We’ll see who’s decided to take up summer residence in this 30-acre patch of woods, ephemeral wetland, ravine, and grass, with lots of edge habitat. Trails are a mix of grass, wood chip, dirt/mud, and pavement. Meet in the parking lot at 1163 Plank Road, Naperville 60563Leader: Steve Constantelos, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve
2024-06-17 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration not required.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. We will be looking for passerines, grassland birds and scan the lake for waterfowl. This is an approximately 2 mile walk mostly on limestone paths with some dirt paths.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com 630-640-2450

Fermilab, Warrenville
2024-06-22 07:00 - 10:30
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, you must remain in public areas at all times, have a visitor’s tag visible, and leave the same way you 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 look for summer residents that favor shrubland and grassland, as well as any lingering migrants, as we explore the “Sparrow Hedge” and AE Sea natural area. We will cover about two miles – mostly on wide, but occasionally uneven 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: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaAdwsv846nb6xvc8 ). Fermilab security can provide a site map and directions to this area when you arrive.Leader: William Pixler, pillwixler@gmail.com

McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2024-06-30 07:30 - 22:30
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. We hope to see Red-headed Woodpeckers, Henslow’s Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and some marsh & 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

Wood Dale Reservoir
2024-07-09 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants.On this trip to the Wood Dale Reservoir complex, we will be searching for shorebirds along with birds that breed at this site, including Savannah Sparrows and Dickcissel. The leader will go into depth about the basics of shorebird identification in the field, in hopes that participants will feel confident identifying shorebirds. Meet in the parking lot at the end of School Street at 8am. Leader: Henry Meade, henrymm21@icloud.com

Danada East, Wheaton
2024-07-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-08-08 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, perfect for anyone hoping to beat the summer heat and who cannot get out in the mornings. This trip is planned with the after-work crowd in mind, but anyone interested is welcome! This trip may be cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. 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

Dean Nature Sanctuary, Oak Brook
2024-07-13 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration required, limit 12 participants.We’ll be looking for summer residents (including youngsters!) as we explore the fields and wetlands of this compact preserve along Salt Creek. New birders are welcome as we will take a fairly leisurely pace to see (and listen to) the birds and to answer questions. Meet in the parking lot at 115 Canterberry Lane, Oak Brook.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Bird Sit at McDowell Grove, Naperville
2024-07-14 07:00 - 09:00
No registration required. If you would like an email if the trip should be canceled email me and let me know you are planning to come.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. McDowell Grove has mature woodlands and the West Branch of the DuPage river runs through the park. We will be looking for any birds that come our way! McDowell Grove is on the east side of Raymond Drive, south of Interstate 88. The main entrance is south of Diehl Road, approximately 1 mile north of Ogden Avenue (Route 34). Meet in the parking lot near the Information Kiosk. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray (sitting, we are easy targets for mosquitoes!) and drinking water.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Morton Arboretum, east side
2024-07-17 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants.We will meet at Big Rock parking lot and explore this area. We are looking for summer resident birds including summer tanagers and possibly some grassland birds. If you don’t have an arboretum membership, let us know and if you can follow someone in. It will cost $5.00.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Bolingbrook
2024-07-19 07:00 - 09:30
No pre-registration required.We’ll be looking for summer residents (including youngsters!) as we explore the fields and woods along the Thunderbird Trail. New birders are welcome as we will take a fairly leisurely pace to see (and listen to) the birds and to answer questions. If conditions are good, we’ll do a little bonus walk at the end. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot at the south end of Thunderbird Road. The entrance is located on 79th Street, about 0.5 miles west of Greene Road.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Fermilab, Warrenville
2024-07-20 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 arehere 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 but will focus on birds that favor shrubland and grassland. We will cover about 2 miles – mostly on wide, but occasionally uneven mown grass trails – as we walk a loop around the AE Sea Nature Area. 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

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
2024-07-27 08:00 - 17:00
Robert Perez will be leading a birding trip to Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, in Chicago. Link. More information to come!

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, Wheaton
2024-08-03 07:00 - 10:00
Birding and Breakfast!

Please RSVP!After some morning birding around the forest preserve, DBC will serve breakfast to all attendees. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. If you want to skip the walk and just attend the breakfast, you’re more than welcome to do so! We will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the South Shelter (turn into the west parking lot on Herrick Road and follow the signs to the South Shelter).

If you are interested in attending the breakfast and/or the walk, please send an email to: Robert Perez, robertperez787@gmail.com

Wood Dale Reservoir, Wood Dale
2024-08-11 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants.On this trip we will be exploring one of the premier shorebird spots in DuPage County. We will focus on finding and identifying migratory shorebirds such as Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers and both species of yellowlegs. There’s even the chance for something rarer like a Stilt or Baird’s Sandpiper. The walk will be about a mile. Please meet in the parking lot at the end of School St.

Leader: Henry Meade, kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com
