Field trip coordinators: Jeff Smith, (630) 719-1604, , and Wendolyn Tetlow, (630) 898-3175, . Contact them if you have questions about the trips or if you would like to lead a trip. Leaders do not have to be birding experts, just familiar with the location. There is no need to register unless otherwise indicated. Visitors are always welcome.
Most of the map links (when available) point to the Forest Preserve Districts of Du Page County, Kane County, Cook County, Will County, or Lake County websites. They should open in a separate window of your web browser. If not, press the "Back" button to return to this page.
Thursday, January 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
Morton Arboretum, Lisle.
Our traditional way to start the New Year! Celebrate a new year of birding with
our birding friends. We will be looking for wintering finches, crossbills, and
maybe owls. Meet in the main parking lot by the entrance. The Arboretum is
located on IL-53, just north of I-88 in Lisle. There is a $10 per person Arboretum
charge for nonmembers, paid at the entrance.
Website.
Following the bird walk, join the Spitzers for snacks, hot mulled wine, hot apple
cider, coffee, tea, chocolate, and a football game. The address is 22W 524 Lakeside
Drive, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. From the Arb exit straight onto Park Blvd., go straight
through the light at Butterfield Rd. Following the intersection, the first turn on
the right is Parkview. Turn right and keep turning right. Parkview bends east
becoming Lakeside Drive. The townhouse is on the left: 22 W 524, one long white
garage door (the others are two doors). Park on the street.
Map.
RSVP
Leaders: Jean and Bob Spitzer,
,
(630) 790-4842.
Saturday, January 10, 2009, 7:30 a.m.
Cantigny Park, Wheaton.
Cantigny, the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick, started a birding program
in September and is now hosting monthly walks. The property offers good habitat diversity
and has long been "underbirded." Enter through the main gate on Winfield Road (just south
of Roosevelt Rd.) and tell the attendant that you are with the bird walk. The usual
parking fee will be waived. Meet at the Visitors Center.
Cantigny Park website.
Leader: Jeff Reiter,
,
(630) 545-1838.
Sunday, January 11, 2009, 7:30 a.m.
Des Plaines River (Will Co.).
The Fishers will take us on the traditional January tour of the Des Plaines River between
Romeoville and Joliet. We will be looking for waterfowl and whatever else we can find.
An "indoor birding" break at the Pilcher Park Nature Center will also be included.
Meet at the Park & Ride parking lot on Old Chicago Drive just east of IL-53 (behind
the Ramada) about 1/4 mile south of I-55 in Bolingbrook. Dress warmly and be prepared for
windy conditions.
Map.
Leaders: Bob and Karen Fisher,
,
(630) 985-2956.
Sunday, January 25, 2009, 8:00 a.m.
DeKalb County.
We will drive the back roads looking for wintering field birds such as Lapland Longspurs,
Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, etc. Mid-morning we will take a break at Vicky Wegner's house
in Somonauk for her traditional great brunch. Feeder watching from her warm and cozy
breakfast area is always the highlight of this trip! Meet at the Aurora Airport in Sugar
Grove. Take I-88 to IL-56 west, which becomes US-30 west. The airport is on the west
side of Sugar Grove, on the north side of US-30.
Map.
NOTE: This trip is limited to 20 people. You must call and register with the leaders.
Leaders: Bob and Karen Fisher,
,
(630) 985-2956.
Sunday, February 1, 2009, time TBD.
Superb Owl Sunday.
Don't give a HOOT about the pre-game hype? Then join us in searching for local and maybe
not so local owls. Possible sites could include Morton Arboretum, Fermilab, local forest
preserves, or anywhere within 75 miles of DuPage Co. where we might find a Snowy Owl. A
stop to look for Short-eared Owls could also end the day. Please contact the trip leader by
Jan. 30 for further information (such as the meeting place).
Leader: Jeff Smith,
,
(630) 719-1604.
Saturday, February 14, 2009, 7:30 a.m.
Cantigny Park, Wheaton.
See January 10, above.
Leader: Jeff Reiter,
,
(630) 545-1838.
Sunday, February 22, 20009, 7:00 a.m.
Mississippi River Bald Eagles.
This will be an all-day trip to visit several sites along the Mississippi River to see
Bald Eagles, other raptors, gulls, and waterfowl. On the return trip we may make a few
stops in Lee and DeKalb Counties to look for longspurs, buntings, game birds and raptors.
Meet in the parking lot west of the main building of Yorktown Mall (facing Highland, near
the Carson Pirie Scott store) in Lombard. Bring walkie-talkies if available, scopes,
and dress for the cold.
Map.
NOTE: This trip is limited to 20 people (8 cars). Please
register with the leader after February 1.
Leader: Urs Geiser,
,
(630) 515-1712.
Saturday, February 28, 2009, 8:00 a.m.
Fermilab, Batavia.
We will be looking for waterfowl and other very early migrants. Meet at the red barn,
the birding area in Fermilab. The red barn is located at the first stop sign (Sauk Circle)
after entering from IL-59. Tell Security at the guard booth that you are there for bird
watching. Be sure to have a photo I.D. (driver's license) with you. Bring scopes and
dress for wind.
Map.
Leaders: Diann Bilderback,
,
(630) 665-0157; and
Denis Kania,
,
(630) 961-5364.
Both the Chicago Ornithological Society and the Illinois Ornithological Society welcome non-members on their field trips. Some trips may require a fee. Visit their respective web sites for more information. Trips offered by other clubs may be found on the IOS Calendar of Events.