Events

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We’ll explore grassland, edge, and riverside habitat along the east branch of the DuPage River, looking for resident birds and early spring migrants. New birders welcome. Trails are mostly grass with some blacktop. Meet in the parking lot east of Braddock Drive at 808 Royce Road. Map link.Leader: Steve Constantelos, 630-890-8956, steve.constantelos@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. Meet 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. Due to Covid, 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-location-and-visitingLeader: Jeff Smith, 331-481-3362, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Join us for a St. Patrick Day walk. Danada is located in Wheaton 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

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. Actual time to be announced at registration.Waterfowl, cranes, eagles, and pelicans will be sought on this all-day trip exploring spots along the Mississippi, both in Illinois and Iowa. In addition to the river, Lost Mound will be visited to search for Western Meadowlark and Northern Mockingbird. Please contact the leader for meeting time and location. We will caravan from the western suburbs.Leader: Jeff Chapman, jeffchapman948@gmail.com

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, approximately 1⁄2 mile to the campground entrance. The walk will NOT be canceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 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:41.683806, -88.003611. Google Map link. We will be walking Centennial Trail along the Des Plaines River in search of waterfowl, Bald Eagles, early spring migrants, and resident birds.Leader: Mark Freeburg, freebs59@sbcglobal.net, 630-661-1521

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 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

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

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 parking lot off of Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.Leader: John Hebert, johnhhebert@yahoo.com

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 becanceled due to weather.Leader: Jeff Smith, mrqmagoo13@gmail.com

Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. This morning trip 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. Join us to check out this small preserve on the eastern side of DuPage County, right next to Salt Creek. Meet at the parking lot north of Fullerton Avenue (west of Rt. 83, east of Villa Ave.). Link:https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/cricket-creekLeaders: Andrew and Rebecca Steinmann, 708-533-6604, asteinmann@ameritech.net