McKee Marsh, Warrenville
2023-03-24 07:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Join another morning walk to the marsh to check out early migrating birds. We hope to see migrant waterfowl. 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 in Warrenville. Most of our walk will be on limestone and earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and warm clothing.Leaders: Steve and Kathy Mineck, 630-254-4077 (day of), kmineck@yahoo.com

Palos Area-McGinnis Slough: Waterfowl and More
2023-03-25 08:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This location is an Audubon “Important Bird Area.” Loons, grebes, and other waterfowl are targeted on this trip. Meet at McGinnis Slough, on the west side of LaGrange Rd. (US45), approximately 1⁄2 mile south of 131st St. Finding waterfowl is associated with open water conditions. Bob will monitor conditions and may change the starting location in order to see more birds. This trip might extend past the noon hour. Wear appropriate clothing.Leader: Bob Fisher, 630-985-2956, bfisher928@aol.com

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes
2023-03-26 08:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Meet at the Bolingbrook Park & Ride lot, 120 E. Old Chicago Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Behind Ramada Inn) before 6:30 a.m. We can carpool from there or you can meet the group at the observation tower where we will start the trip by scanning for waterfowl. We will also scan from the boat launch lot before hiking the trails. Lunch will be on your own. Pack a sandwich if you plan to stay past noon. Leader will stay until 5:00 p.m. for those who want to “make a day of it.” Bring a scope if you have one. Bring plenty of water and snacks. More information: http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-waterfowl-refuge-hhLeader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Danada East/Rice Lake Forest Preserve
2023-03-29 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. 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 walk the woods looking for passerines and scan the lake for waterfowl.Leaders: Karen and Mike Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com 630-640-2450

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville/Woodridge
2023-03-31 19:00 - 19:45
Greene Valley Forest Preserve is known for its Woodcock displays, which begin shortly after sunset. Join us this spring on one of our walks. Meet at the west entrance parking lot: west on 79th St. from Greene Rd, then Thunderbird Rd. south, approx. 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Danada West Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-04-05 07:30 - 10:00
We will be looking for shorebirds, waterfowl, rails and others on this 2-mile walk through Danada West. Meet in the east side of the parking lot at Forest Preserve Headquarters. We’ll be walking on limestone and dirt trails.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski 630-297-9512

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-04-08 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This trip will focus on early grassland birds, marsh birds and waterfowl. Please park at the Main Parking Lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd Street west of Book Rd in Naperville.Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-842-4921, Please RSVP to issuesman50@yahoo.com

Woodcocks, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-04-10 19:30 - 20:15, 2023-04-20 19:30 - 20:15
Greene Valley Forest Preserve is known for its Woodcock displays, which begin shortly after sunset. Join us this spring on one of our walks. Meet at the west entrance parking lot: west on 79th St. from Greene Rd, then Thunderbird Rd. south, appr. 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Greene Valley, Naperville
2023-04-12 08:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We will search for early migratory birds. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. 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: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net or call or text 630-661-1521

West Branch Forest Preserve
2023-04-15 08:00 - 11:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. This morning trip is designed to focus on waterfowl such as Common Loons and Horned Grebes, but we will also search for songbird migrants alongside the lake. We will most likely go onto smaller trails, which could be muddy depending on recent conditions, so boots are highly recommended. We will meet in the parking lot off Army Trail Road.Leader: Henry Meade. Please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com

Bird Sit at Isle a la Cache, Romeoville
2023-04-24 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10. Join us at this new location to see what birds come to visit us. 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 at the picnic shelter, when entering the park turn right and drive to the end of the far right parking lot to reach the shelter. Isle a la Cache is located on the Des Plaines river about a mile east of Route 53 on Romeo Road/135th St, Romeoville. Isle a la Cache Website Dress for the weather, bring bug spray, drinking water and a folding chair.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Maple Grove Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
2023-04-27 08:00 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We’ll be looking for spring migrants, including warblers, songbirds, and Wood Ducks that nest in the area. Trails are dirt and may be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. Meet in the north parking lot off of Gilbert Ave. next to the train tracks in Downers Grove.Leader: John Hebert, johnhhebert@yahoo.com

Greene Valley, Woodridge
2023-04-28 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required. This morning trip will be more oriented for new birders, but experienced ones are welcome. We will walk at a leisurely pace to allow for all to see any birds. We will search for early migratory birds. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. 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

Lockport Prairie and Prairie Bluff Preserve (Will County)
2023-04-30 08:00 - 17:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. We’ll start at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve for a short walk through the grassland and to check the trees by the river. Park on Division Street east of Route 53/Broadway Street. Then we’ll drive to Prairie Bluff Preserve to search for migrant Smith’s and Lapland Longspurs, and other grassland birds. This trip is on uneven terrain and more primitive trails so sturdy hiking boots are recommended.RSVP to Vicky Sroczynski: VSroczynski@comcast.net

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-05-03 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 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 McDowellRd. where there is a stoplight.Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Waterfall Glen Sawmill Creek Area, Lemont
2023-05-04 07:00 - 11:00
We’ll walk at least 3 miles searching this watershed for all the spring migrants, summer breeding birds, and a couple resident specialties. PLEASE be prepared for rocky, root-filled trails along the creek, and hills throughout. Bring lunch so we can eat together in the picnic shelter afterwards. Park in the large new parking lot just southeast of the intersection of Cass and Bluff (enter from Bluff Rd. and listen for nesting Pine Warbler singing.) No RSVP needed, but text any questions.Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, 630-297-9512

Spring Bird Count, DuPage County
2023-05-06 08:00 - 17:00
A hundred or more birders will fan out across DuPage County to identify all the bird species they can find. A group of birders will be in the field somewhere near your home. Come join us; we need more birders to make it possible to cover as many locations within the county as we can. You don’t have to be an expert birder to participate; all skill levels are welcome. Even if you can only bird for part of the day, we can use you. And if that’s your preference, you’ll probably be able to look for birds close to home, since we divide the county into 17 areas, with teams scouring each area. To volunteer or find out more informationEmail Joe Suchecki at Dupagesbc@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-05-11 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 75th Street. 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

St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Warrenville
2023-05-11 07:30 - 10:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This morning’s walk will take us through some prairie and woods. We’ll be looking for resident birds as well as migratory birds. We’ll be walking approximately 2 miles on mostly easy terrain. We will meet in the parking lot on Winfield Rd, just north of Butterfield Rd.Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com

Lambert Lake Nature Preserve, Glen Ellyn
2023-05-12 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This walk with be geared towards new birders, but any level of birder is invited. Lambert Lake is a hidden gem surrounded by shrubby woodland and a small lake to see an assortment of ducks and waders. Our walk will focus on migratory birds, including warblers, orioles, and vireos. A wood chip trail encircles the lake, but spots can be muddy. A few trails to the south can be a good spot for warblers. Those trails can also be muddy and some have an incline. Please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet in the parking lot off of Lambert Rd., just south of Roosevelt Rd. Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, Coye72112@gmail.com

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
2023-05-13 07:00 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the parking lot for McDowell Grove Forest Preserve on Raymond Road just south of I-88. Field trip to look for migrants, especially warblers. 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

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-05-15 07:30 - 10:30
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is traditionally an excellent spot for warblers. 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. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and boots for muddy trails.Leader: Mike and Karen Warner, mwarner2543@gmail.com

Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton
2023-05-17 07:30 - 09:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, 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. There is a small prairie and an oak forest besides the marsh. The walk should be between one hour fifteen minutes and two hours and cover approximately a mile. 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. If entrance gate is locked, be prepared to park along the street. (People who use their GPS are misdirected to the Lincoln Marsh Office).Leader: John Cebula, 630-640-2721, joceb2005@sbcglobal.net

Bird Sit: Lyman Woods Nature Center & Preserve, Downers Grove
2023-05-21 07:00 - 09:00
Pre-registration with the leader required, limit 10. Join us at this new location to look for spring migrants. This is a field trip foranyone 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 parking lot off 31st Street and sit near the Nature Center. Lyman Woods is located at 901 31st St. Downers Grove, about one block east of Highland Ave. Lyman Woods website Dress for the weather; bring bug spray, drinking water and a folding chair.Leader: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com

Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
2023-05-21 07:30 - 10:30
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is traditionally an excellent spot for warblers. 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. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and boots for muddy trails.Leader: Diann Bilderback, 630-272-5746, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com

Bird/Bike Herrick Lake, Wheaton
2023-05-23 07:30 - 10:00
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 6 participants. Bird the 8 miles of trails by bike. We will cover most of the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve with stops in different habitats along the way. Bring your bike, helmet and binoculars. You must be able to bike a minimum of 8 miles. We will cover grassland, woodland, savannah, and scrub habitats looking for a wide variety of migrants in each. Meet at the parking lot off Herrick Road on the west side of the preserve.Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@comcast.net

Goose Lake Natural Area, McHenry County
2023-05-24 07:30 - 09:30
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. 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).Leader: Robert Perez, 630-724-7534, robertperez787@gmail.com

Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
2023-05-27 07:00 - 10:00
Pre registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the Main Parking Lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd Street just west of Book Road. Field trip primarily to look for grassland birds at Springbrook. 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

Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, Bartlett
2023-05-29 08:00 - 11:30
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. On this trip we will be searching for returning breeding birds, such as Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Yellow-breasted Chat. We will also keep a lookout for some of the warblers that move through our region later in the month, such as Blackpoll Warbler, Canada Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and possibly even Connecticut Warbler. Meet on the southern side of the Pickerel Lake parking lot off of Powis Road, approximately here: (41.9632891, –88.2412360) at 8 am. After birding around here, we will likely head to the nearby model airfield, and James Pate Philip State Park for more birding. Leader: Henry Meade; please register with kathleenreeves22@yahoo.com
