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.
Summer is here, so we can slow down our birding pace! Many trips are more social in nature: we have several evening, picnic supper trips planned, Bike & Bird, a camping trip, and also some Dragonfly/Butterfly trips. Our main focus during these months is for shorebirds, resident breeding birds, and in late August, early passerines. Since shorebird habitat is so dependent on water levels, we may schedule additional trips at the last moment. Be sure and check the website often for additional trips. And don't forget sunscreen, a hat, bug spray and water, as these are usually the hottest months. Note: In an attempt to encourage carpooling, many of our long distance trips will ask you to pre-register for directions rather than post them here.
Sunday, July 6, 2008, 9:00 a.m;
Swainson's Hawks (Huntley, Kane Co.).
This trip will be to look for the Swainson's Hawks that have traditionally nested
in this area. Also, we will look for grassland birds such as Western Meadowlark
and Dickcissel. Please pre-register with leaders for directions to the meeting
spot and/or car-pooling opportunities.
Map.
Leaders: Karen and Bob Fisher,
,
(630) 985-2956.
Monday evening, July 7, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Danada F.P. (Wheaton).
We will be looking for grassland birds and early shorebirds. Meet at the main
parking lot on the east side of Naperville Rd. (across street from the DuPage
F.P. Headquarters), south of Butterfield Rd.
Map.
Leaders: Jerry and Jody Zamirowski,
,
(630) 858-2874.
Saturday afternoon, July 12, time T.B.A.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Will Co.).
This is a two-part field trip. You are welcome to do either or both parts. We will
begin with a walk looking for Blue Grosbeak and Loggerhead Shrike among other things.
After a light dinner we will join the Twilight Bike Ride (7:00 - 9:30 p.m.) offered
by the Park. There is a $3 fee for the bike ride. More info at
http://www.fs.fed.us/mntp/.
Please pre-register with the leader for directions to the meeting spot and/or
car-pooling opportunities.
Leader: Jeff Smith,
,
(630) 719-1604.
Sunday, July 13, 2008, 10:30 a.m.
St. James Farm (Warrenville).
DuPage County's newest preserve is only open on limited weekends. This is a chance
to see the farm and its wooded acres. Haven't seen Wild Turkey in DuPage? You may
just see them here! Since the Forest Preserve District hasn't officially posted
this date as being open, please check the website or call the leader for directions
and further information.
Map.
Leader: Jeff Smith,
,
(630) 719-1604.
Thursday evening, July 17, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Fermilab (Batavia).
Meet at the Red Barn for a bring-your-own picnic supper while we watch for shorebirds.
The Red Barn is located at the first stop sign (Sauk Circle) after entering from IL-59.
At this time, you may enter either at the Pine St. entrance off Kirk Rd. or on Batavia Rd.
off IL-59, and state that you are there for bird-watching. Be sure to have a photo I.D.
(driver's license, etc.), as security may ask to see it. Scopes? Bring them if you have them.
Map.
Leader: Vicky Sroczynski,
,
(630) 964-8277.
Saturday/Sunday, July 19/20, 2008.
Camping Trip to Winnebego County.
This trip is still in the planning stage. Sugar River and Pecatonica River Preserves are
two of the sites that we will explore. See the following website for informatiom on these
preserves:
http://www.wcfpd.org/.
Contact Jeff Smith for furthur information:
,
(630) 719-1604.
Thursday evening, July 24, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Whalon Lake F.P. (Naperville, Will Co.).
Whalon Lake is on the south side of Royce Road, west of IL-53 (past the quarries) and
east of Naper Blvd. (Royce Rd. is south of 75th St. and north of Boughton).
Meet at the picnic pavilion. Bring your own supper, and we will look for shorebirds
and picnic at the pavilion. Good location to use scopes.
Website.
Leader: Vicky Sroczynski,
,
(630) 964-8277.
Sunday, July 27, 2008, 9:00 a.m.
Dragonfly/Butterfly Trip.
This first of the 'other flying critters' trips will go to either Bluff Spring Fen
(Kane Co.) or Nachusa Grasslands (Lee Co.). Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies and
Elfin Skimmer Dragonflies are possble rarities that can be seen. Water proof footwear
is suggested. Please pre-register with the leader for directions to the meeting spot
and/or car-pooling opportunities.
Leader: Gary Moore, (630) 393-4279, or (630) 699-9977 cell on the day of the trip.
Tuesday evening, July 29, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Greene Valley F.P. Bike & Bird.
A good way to get around to a number of birding spots in a short time is by bicycle.
We will meet at the dog park parking lot on Greene Rd. between Hobson Rd. and 75th Street.
If the birding is slow or it's too hot we can pedal over for ice cream in Seven Bridges.
Map.
Leader: Jeff Smith,
,
(630) 719-1604.
Saturday & Sunday, August 9-10, 2008. Illinois River Valley Shorebird Spectacular. IOS will once again host a workshop in the Illinois River Valley to enrich your skills in shorebird identification. Past trips have offered views of thousands of shorebirds composed of up to 20 different species. Side-by-side comparisons of those hard-to-ID species will be accompanied by tips from skilled shorebird enthusiasts to help you in your quest for shorebird enlightenment. For more information, please contact Bob Montgomery at . Hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society. Pre-registration is required. Additional details can be viewed on the IOS webpage at http://www.illinoisbirds.org/.
Sunday, August 10, 2008, 9:00 a.m.
Dragonfly/Butterfly Trip.
This second installment of the 'other flying critters' trips will travel to either
Lockport Prairie (Will Co.) or Waterfall Glen F.P. Water proof footwear is suggested.
Please pre-register with the leader for directions to the meeting spot and/or car-pooling
opportunities.
Leader: Gary Moore, (630) 393-4279, or (630) 699-9977 cell on the day of the trip.
Sunday afternoon, August 17, 2008, 3:00 p.m.
Lake Calumet Area (southeast Chicago).
The Lake Calumet region is a prime area for shorebirds (if the conditions are right!)
and for seeing unusual wading birds, such as Little Blue Heron, and Snowy Egret.
We will check several spots. If the Harborside Golf Course is open to the public on
this date (i.e., not booked for an event), those interested can join and eat dinner
and view the shorebirds from the veranda of the club. Bring along your scope for best
viewing. Please pre-register with the leaders for directions to the meeting spot and/or
car-pooling opportunities.
Map.
Leaders: Bob and Karen,
,
(630) 985-2956.
Saturday, August 23, 2008, 7:00 a.m.
Momence Sod Farms and nearby sites T.B.A. (Kankakee Co.).
We will meet at the Bolingbrook Park&Ride on Old Chicago Drive east of IL-53 about
1/4 mile south of I-55. The sod farms outside of Momence are a stopping point for
many shorebird species during migration. We will check these fields and other
surrounding agricultural fields (Western Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, etc.), then explore
the nearby Pembroke area or Iroquois Co. Conservation Area. Bring food and drink as
there is little in the way of restaurants in the area. Please register with the leader
by Aug 21.
Map
to meeting place.
Leader: Jeff Smith,
,
(630) 719-1604.
Sunday, August 24, 2008, 9:00 a.m.
Dragonfly/Butterfly Trip.
This third installment of the 'other flying critters' trips will travel to either
Palos Area (Little Red Schoolhouse) or Fullersburg Woods F.P. Water proof footwear
is suggested. Please pre-register with leader for directions to meeting spot and/or
car-pooling opportunities.
Leader: Gary Moore, (630) 393-4279, or (630) 699-9977 cell on the day of the trip.
Sunday, August 31, 2008, 7:30 a.m.
Montrose (Chicago Lakefront).
Exit Lakeshore Drive at Montrose going east towards the lake, turn right at the bait
shop and after a block or so park along the side of the road. We will meet at the
entrance of the "magic hedge" path at the sidewalk, which is across from the boat
harbor. Land bird migration should have started along with shorebirds.
Map.
Leader: Jeff Smith,
,
(630) 719-1604.
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.