Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Go to June 2009

Go to July 2009

Go to August 2009

Go to September 2009

Go to October 2009

Go to November 2009

Go to December 2009

 

Back to top

June 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Saturday, Early June

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

LIMITED TRIP, OPEN ONLY to the first 15 to sign up. Bird one of the best places in the Chicago area to see upland sandpipers! Meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Midewin Welcome Center located at 30239 South State Rt. 53 in Wilmington, IL to organize a car pool into Midewin at 8:00 a.m. with a guide. There is a $3 per person fee. Trip will last 2-3 hours. Dress appropriately for ticks. After the guided tour members can continue to bird Midewin or take a trip to nearby Goose Lake Prairie. RSVP to Jeanette Jaskula, 847-869-4671 or jmjaskula@yahoo.com. Look for more details and the exact date in Bird Calls or ensbc.org. Hosted by: Evanston North Shore Bird Club

 

Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 PM

Lake/Cook IAS Program - Annual Spring Potluck Dinner & Meeting

Bring a dish to share and your own place setting. After dinner, weÕll hold our annual meeting and election of officers for the coming year. This is a chance to socialize, help set chapter policy and get in on future planning. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park (directions on website). Hosted by Lake/Cook Chapter IAS, www.lakecookaudubon.org

 

Friday, June 5, 10 AM

Birding at BakerÕs Lake, Barrington

Because an island in the middle of Baker's Lake supports one of the most significant heron rookeries in the Midwest, it was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 1984. Meet the Crabtree Nature Center naturalist at the BakerÕs Lake parking lot near Route 14 (Northwest Highway) and Hillside Ave in Barrington, Lake County, to learn what the rookery is all about. Sponsored by the Crabtree Nature Center. For further information call: 847- 381-6592.

 

Friday, June 5 (5:00 p.m.) through Sunday, June 7 (1:00 p.m.)

Annual Illinois Audubon Trip to Northwestern Illinois

To observe 100+ species including many of the northwestern Illinois specialties. The trip will include visits to Mississippi Palisades State Park, Lost Mound National Wildlilfe Refuge, portions of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, Green River Conservation Area, Lowden Miller State Forest and Nachusa Grasslands. Leader:Vernon Kleen 217-787-3515  vkleen@comcast.net. Hosted by the Illinois Audubon Society www.illinoisaudubon.org.

 

Saturday, June 6, 7AM

Bird Blitz at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve in northwest Cook County

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in this large preserve. Contact Duane Heaton 847-358-5856 for details.

 

Saturday, June 6, 7AM

Iroquois and Kankakee Counties

We will visit several habitat types in southeast Kankakee County and northeast Iroquois County that support a diverse set of species that are found more easily here than in most other places in northeast Illinois. We'll visit sandy-soiled black oak savannas, prairie marsh, and riparian woodlands, and we'll travel through the mix of oak savanna and agricultural fields of Pembroke Township. Target birds include Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo, Lark Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, and Summer Tanager. Red-headed Woodpeckers are plentiful, and we should see several Northern Mockingbirds. Northern Bobwhite occurs throughout the area and can be heard early in the day and sometimes seen. In addition to the Lark Sparrow, we'll look for Grasshopper, Henslow's, and Vesper Sparrows. In the woods along the Kankakee River, we'll find Prothonotary Warblers, American Redstarts, and possibly Acadian Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, and Pileated Woodpecker. Yellow-throated Warblers have also summered in this area. Other species of interest that we'll see along the way are Orchard Oriole, Yellow-breasted Chat, Dickcissel, and Sedge Wren.

For those who are interested, we will linger until dusk to find night birds, including Whip-poor-will and Barred Owl.

We will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Iroquois Conservation Area. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen, and pack a lunch and snacks. Bring rubber boots if you have them, as they can be helpful in some areas depending on conditions. We will sit down at a restaurant for dinner prior to the night birding.

Note: This field trip includes a $5 charge for IOS members and a $25 charge for non-members. These contributions will be used to fund the IOS Grant Program, which provides up to $500 to awarded applicants working on a project relating to birds and/or birding in Illinois. IOS proudly supports ornithological projects that advance the knowledge of birds and how they are impacted by environmental changes. Please visit the IOS Grant page for more information. For details and registration, please contact Geoff Williamson, phone: 773-485-5217 or e-mail. This field trip will be limited to 15 participants to ensure a quality experience for all.

Hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society and the DuPage Birding Club.

 

Saturday, June 6, 7:00AM

McHenry Dam Bird Walk

Enjoy migrating ducks, raptors, warblers and other songbirds of spring!  Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or borrow ours. Walk length and time varies from 1 - 3+ hours with weather & luck in birding!  Meet at south end of McHenry Dam Parking. Walks are co-sponsored by McHenry County Audubon www.McHenryAudubon.org and led by its members. Geared to adults (& attentive kids 7 yrs. & up). Reservations are requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov - Limited drop-ins welcome but program may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior.

 

Saturday June 6, 7:30 AM

Rollins Savanna, Grayslake

Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, Sedge Wrens, Bobolinks: this is one of Lake CountyÕs best spots for grassland and marsh birds. From the northern suburbs, take I-94 north toward Wisconsin, merge onto I-120/Belvidere Rd., turn right (north) on Rt. 45, then left (west) on Washington. Entrance on Atkinson Rd. on right at traffic light. Leader: Donnie Dann 847-266-2222. Sponsored by Lake/Cook Chapter IAS, www.lakecookaudubon.org

 

Saturday, June 6. 7:30 a.m.

Pratt's Wayne Woods, Wayne

We'll be looking for late spring migrants. Meet at the farthest parking lot on the west side of Powis Road, north of Army Trail Road in Wayne. Leaders: Kate and Jim Frazier, 630 406-1535, jim@jimfrazier.com. Hosted by DuPage Birding Club www.dupagebirding.org.

 

Sunday, June 7, 7:30 a.m.

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville

Target birds are prairie species such as Bobolinks and Sedge Wrens. Park and meet in the main parking lot on the north side of 83rd Street, just west of Book Road. Take 75th Street to Book Road, which is between Route 59 and Naperville-Plainfield Road, Naperville. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630 369-5570, issuesman50@yahoo.com. Hosted by DuPage Birding Club www.dupagebirding.org.

 

Monday, June 8, 9:00AM to Noon

Branchers Camp at the Illinois Raptor Center-Diurnal Birds of Prey Program

Includes activities with live birds of prey. Ages 5 to 10. $25.00 for each camp includes materials and snacks. Send an E-mail to illinois.raptors@gmail.com for a registration form. Must be registered 2 weeks prior to camp. On-site at the Illinois Raptor Center. 5695 West Hill Rd., Decatur, IL (217) 963-6909. www.illinoisraptorcenter.org.

 

Saturday, June 11

Bird Blitz of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Will County

Help us scour Midewin for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers. Contact Allison Hedden 815-423-2149 for details.

 

Saturday, June 13

Grassland Birds

By early June most of the prairie birds are starting to nest and can be found in the prairie remnants in the area. WeÕll search Deer Run Forest Preserve or Nachusa Grasslands looking for Dickcissels, various Sparrows, Bobolinks and both Meadowlarks. Kevin Kaltenbach leads. Call him at 815-229-1160. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society. Check http://www.ncios.org/ for more information and updates.

 

Saturday, June 13

Bird Blitz at PrattÕs Wayne in DuPage County

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in this large preserve. Contact Jim Green green9698@sbcglobal.net; or Jeff Smith mrqmagoo@comcast.net for details.

 

Saturday, June 13, 7AM

Bird Blitz at Plum Creek Nature Cntr., Plum Creek Greenway & Goodenow Grove in Will County

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in these large preserves. Contact Al Thomas 708-957-9847; wooduck_1999@yahoo.com for details.

 

Saturday, June 13

Bird Blitz at Lakewood in Lake County

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in this large preserve. Contact Jim Dudas 847-540-0484 jdudas14606@hotmail.com for details.

 

Saturday, June 13, 7:30 a.m.

Cantigny Park, Wheaton

Enter the park through the main gate on Winfield Road (just south of Roosevelt), Tell the attendant you are with the bird walk. You will not be charged for parking. We'll start our walk from the Visitors Center. Leader: Jeff Reiter: 630 545-1838, jreiter@wordsonbirds.com. Hosted by DuPage Birding Club www.dupagebirding.org.

 

Saturday, June 13, 2009, 8:00-10:30 a.m.

Family-oriented Beginners bird walk at McDowell Grove F.P., Naperville

This field trip is for beginners and families who want to learn about woodland and grassland birds. We will have binoculars and field guides to share. Meet in the parking lot off Raymond Drive, between Diehl Rd. and US-34, drive till the end of the parking lot, and park near the washrooms. Look for the DuPage Birding Club sign. We will have scopes set up in the parking lot to focus on birds until 8:30am and then walk through the woodlands. If time permits, we will head to the grasslands too. Leader: Vicky Sroczynski, vsroczynski@comcast.net, (630) 964-8277.Hosted by DuPage Birding Club www.dupagebirding.org.

 

Saturday, June 20, 7AM

Bird Blitz at Poplar Creek Forest Preserve in northwest Cook County

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in this large preserve. Contact Jenny Vogt 847-408-0444, jmvogt2003@yahoo.com for details.

 

Saturday, June 20

Bird Blitz at Rush Creek in McHenry County  

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in this large preserve. Contact Doug Crane 815-338-0046; mdcrane1024@sbcglobal.net for details.

 

Saturday, June 20, 7:00AM

McHenry Dam Bird Walk

Enjoy migrating ducks, raptors, warblers and other songbirds of spring!  Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or borrow ours. Walk length and time varies from 1 - 3+ hours with weather & luck in birding!  Meet at south end of McHenry Dam Parking. Walks are co-sponsored by McHenry County Audubon www.McHenryAudubon.org and led by its members. Geared to adults (& attentive kids 7 yrs. & up). Reservations are requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov - Limited drop-ins welcome but program may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior.

 

Saturday, June 20, 7:30 a.m.

Lowden-Miller State Forest in Ogle County

time. Expected birds include Kentucky, Cerulean, Yellow -throated and Hooded Warblers, along with other woodland breeding birds otherwise difficult to find in Northern Illinois. Time permitting, we may also visit Castle Rock State Park and/or Nachusa Grasslands. Limited to 20 participants; advance reservations required. Meeting place not yet determined but will be set based on where participants will be coming from, carpooling possibilities, etc. Contact Karen and Bob Fisher by email: kfisher928@aol.com or phone 630 985-2956 to register. This will be an all -day trip, and is subject to cancellation if the weather is bad. Hosted by DuPage Birding Club www.dupagebirding.org.

 

Monday, June 22, 9:00AM to Noon

Branchers Camp at the Illinois Raptor Center - Nocturnal Birds of Prey Program

Includes activities with live birds of prey. Ages 5 to 10. $25.00 for each camp includes materials and snacks. Send an E-mail to illinois.raptors@gmail.com for a registration form. Must be registered 2 weeks prior to camp. On-site at the Illinois Raptor Center. 5695 West Hill Rd., Decatur, IL (217) 963-6909. www.illinoisraptorcenter.org

 

Saturday June 27  

Bird Blitz at Prairie Kame in Kane County

Help us scour some less-visited areas of the Chicago Wilderness Region for birds of all habitats so that we may learn which birds are present and which parts of the site they are using.  The information we gather will address important conservation issues for our stewards and restoration volunteers.  The goal is to count every bird in this large preserve. Contact Ann Haverstock (630) 232-9398 for details.

 

Back to top

July 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

 

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Saturday, July 11

Lowden-Miller State Forest and Nachusa Grasslands – Birds and Butterflies

With such a wide range of habitats in very close proximity, it's not surprising that this area has become one of the premier birding locations in Illinois.  Perhaps best known for its populations of breeding species, Lowden-Miller State Forest has provided nesting habitat for a long list of migratory songbirds, including a staggering number of warblers.  Blue-winged, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Yellow-throated, Pine, Cerulean, Worm-eating, Kentucky, Mourning, and Hooded Warblers are among an impressive list of warblers encountered here during the breeding season.  In recent years, Blackburnian Warblers have been suspected of nesting here, but solid evidence has yet to be found.  Could this trip yield confirmation of the first nesting of this species in Illinois?  Many other interesting breeders can also be encountered at Lowden-Miller, such as Broad-winged Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Brown Creeper, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, to name just a few.  In addition to the birds, butterflies will also be sought.  Large numbers of Hackberry Emperors should be seen, and weÕll sort through them for American Snouts.  Giant Swallowtail is possible, and weÕll check out at Eastern Commas and Question Marks for the occasional Gray Comma.  While American Coppers are likely, our last field trip yielded the much sought-after Harvester butterfly, the only North American carnivorous butterfly!

Nachusa Grasslands provides an insight into what pioneers must have encountered prior to settlement in Illinois.  Thanks in large part to great conservation efforts by the Nature Conservancy and others, this area offers one of the largest areas of remnant prairie in Illinois.  Consisting of nearly 2,500 acres, Nachusa supports many native prairie plants, some of which are candidates for federal listing.  We will search this prairie and surrounding areas for grassland birds, such as BellÕs Vireo, Sedge Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lark, Grasshopper, and Henslow's Sparrows, Blue Grosbeak, Bobolink, and Dickcissel.  For butterfly enthusiasts, Nachusa means the presence of the Regal Fritillary.  This endangered butterfly will be active during this time of year, and we will have an excellent chance at seeing it.  Other butterflies to look for include: Aphrodite, Variegated and Meadow Fritillaries, various swallowtails, and Gorgone Checkerspot.

Directions to Lowden-Miller State Forest can be found here.  The meeting time and location for this field trip will be at 6:30 am at Parking Area # 1 within Lowden-Miller State Forest, which can be found on this map of the park.  Due to the large area to be covered, this trip will require extensive walking of at least 1.5 miles.  Please plan to bring plenty of water and snacks.  The nearby towns of Dixon and Oregon offer a nice array of restaurants for lunch options, as well as lodging for a potential weekend stay. Hosted by the DuPage Birding Club and Illinois Ornithological Society.

Note: This field trip includes a $5 charge for IOS members and a $25 charge for non-members. These contributions will be used to fund the IOS Grant Program, which provides up to $500 to awarded applicants working on a project relating to birds and/or birding in Illinois. IOS proudly supports ornithological projects that advance the knowledge of birds and how they are impacted by environmental changes. Please visit the IOS Grant page for more information. Hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society and the DuPage Birding Club.

For details and registration, please contact Jeff Chapman at, jeffchapman1@sbcglobal.net, or Bob Fisher at, bfisher928@aol.com.

 

Saturday, July 18, 6:45 AM

Lake Calumet Sewage Ponds

DonÕt miss these special opportunities to visit the regionÕs premier shorebird site. Meet at Sewage Ponds at 6:45 a.m. Trip ends around 11 a.m. Limit: 20. Sign-up for these field trips is required. Registration forms will be available through Libby Hill, 847-475-2096 or libbyhill@comcast.net Completed forms must be turned in by June 15 for the July 18 trip. Forms must be sent by snail mail to 2715 Woodland Rd, Evanston, IL 60201 and must include a copy of a government-issued photo ID. Hosted by: Evanston North Shore Bird Club . This trip will be repeated 8/8.

 

Monday through Friday, July 20- July 24

Illinois Raptor Center Program-Youth Raptor Camp

Study and activities with live birds of prey. A different family of raptors each day Mon-Thur., 9:00AM to Noon. Friday, 9:00AM to 1:00PM, attendees prepare for program for family and friends at noon. Ages 11 through 15. $100.00 per child includes materials and snacks. Send an E-mail to illinois.raptors@gmail.com for a registration form. Must be registered 2 weeks prior to camp. On-site at the Illinois Raptor Center. 5695 West Hill Rd., Decatur, IL (217) 963-6909.   www.illinoisraptorcenter.org.

 

Back to top

August 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

 

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Saturday, August 8, 2009, 6:45 AM

Lake Calumet Sewage Ponds

DonÕt miss these special opportunities to visit the regionÕs premier shorebird site. Meet at Sewage Ponds at 6:45 a.m. Trip ends around 11 a.m. Limit: 20. Sign-up for these field trips is required. Registration forms will be available through Libby Hill, 847-475-2096 or libbyhill@comcast.net . Completed forms must be turned in by July 1 for the August 8 trip. Forms must be sent by snail mail to 2715 Woodland Rd, Evanston, IL 60201 and must include a copy of a government-issued photo ID. Hosted by: Evanston North Shore Bird Club

 

Weekend of August 15-16

Chautauqua Shorebird Spectacular, Shorebirding Workshop - Havana, IL

IOS is holding its 3rd two-day workshop on shorebirds identification.  The weekend begins at 8:30pm Friday evening with a get-together to go over logistics, hand out maps and arrange car pools for the next morning. Saturday morning weÕll be shorebirding at one of the ValleyÕs sites led by local shorebird experts, followed by an afternoon workshop on shorebird identification lead by Geoff Williamson.  On Saturday evening and Sunday morning there will additional field trips to put the new identification information and techniques to the test. Experts will be available to help you with identification and apply the techniques learned in the workshop. This workshop is limited to 40 participants so get your reservations in. Deadline is August 1.

We plan on getting together at Town House Restaurant & Lounge (north side of square) in downtown Havana at 8:30 PM Friday to discuss final plans, meeting times, pass out maps and car pooling.  The workshop will be held at the Dixon Mounds Museum near Lewistown.

Lake Chautauqua has 35 species of shorebirds on its official checklist, including Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Ruff, Black-necked Stilt, three species of phalaropes, Avocet, two godwits species and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper – in 2007, Marbled Godwit and WilsonÕs and Red-necked Phalaropes were found. Wetlands of the Illinois River are critical staging areas for shorebirds of the central U.S.  Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge and the other sites are part of the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex.  Chautauqua along with other sites has been designated as part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.  Sites attracting large numbers of shorebirds are rare in Illinois but Chautauqua is the best place to find them.

As happened in 2008, high water level prevented the development of shorebird habitat.  In the event similar problems develop we may need to shift our meeting site or switch emphasis of the field trips.  All individuals will be contacted of any change in plans prior to the event.

Registration fee: $30 for IOS members, $40 for non-IOS members.

For details and a registration form, visit Illinois Ornithological Society.

Questions? Call Bob Montgomery at (847-428-8219; cell: 847-751-0069) or Email - Rmontey@aol.com.  Deadline for registration is August 1.

 

Back to top

September 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

 

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Saturday, September 5, 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Illinois Raptor Center Program-Adult Raptor Camp

One intense day with birds of prey! Learn identification, natural history, handling and falconry techniques - hands-on with hawks, falcons, owls and eagles. $110.00 per adult includes materials snacks and lunch. Send an E-mail to illinois.raptors@gmail.com for a registration form. Must be registered 2 weeks prior to camp. On-site at the Illinois Raptor Center. 5695 West Hill Rd., Decatur, IL (217) 963-6909.   www.illinoisraptorcenter.org

 

Saturday, September 19, 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Illinois Raptor Center Program-Adult Raptor Camp

One intense day with birds of prey! Learn identification, natural history, handling and falconry techniques - hands-on with hawks, falcons, owls and eagles. $110.00 per adult includes materials snacks and lunch. Send an E-mail to illinois.raptors@gmail.com for a registration form. Must be registered 2 weeks prior to camp. On-site at the Illinois Raptor Center. 5695 West Hill Rd., Decatur, IL (217) 963-6909.   www.illinoisraptorcenter.org

 

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13

Illinois Audubon Society Fall 2009 Meeting

Eighteen Lake County field trips, two great programs, a wine and cheese reception on nearby private property, and more: it's all happening at the IAS Fall 2009 Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mettawa (Route 60 and I-294 between Lake Forest and Vernon Hills), sponsored by the Lake/Cook Chapter. The programs will include 'Roger Tory Peterson: No Person Left Inside" (Joe Lill, VP, Chicago Audubon Society) and "Bird Migration: Facts, Fiction and the Future" (Noel Cutright, former Wisconsin Society for Ornithology president). Details will be posted at www.lakecookaudubon.org. Call Rena Cohen at 847-831-0331 for more information.

 

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Carlyle Pelagic Weekend

Details to come. Hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society.

 

Back to top

October 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

 

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Friday & Saturday, October 30 & 31, 7:00PM to 9:00PM

Illinois Raptor Center - OWL PROWLS

Owl Prowl Fund Raiser at the Illinois Raptor Center. Wear weather appropriate clothing and bring a flashlight. GUARANTEED YOU WILL SEE OWLS! $15.00 per adult $7:50 for students - pre-schoolers free. Includes refreshments. On-site at the Illinois Raptor Center. 5695 West Hill Rd., Decatur, IL. Please register at  (217) 963-6909 or email to illinoisraptorcenter@ comcast.net.   www.illinoisraptorcenter.org.

 

Back to top

November 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

 

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Saturday, November 14

Sprague's Pipit Walk at Pyramid State Park

Dan Kassebaum will again lead eager birders through the grasslands of Pyramid State Park in search of the elusive Sprague's Pipit.  We hope that this year will be a victory, but the chance of success is unknown.  Illinois falls on this speciesÕ eastern range-limit for migratory movements; consequently, small numbers probably pass through the state each year.  Its choice of habitat makes it very difficult to locate.  One must walk large expanses of fields at the right time of year for the remote chance that one will flush – a daunting task for one or two individuals.  Another problem is that access to proper habitat is typically an issue.  A key focus of this trip is to get a large group of birders together in optimal habitat to try finding a Sprague's Pipit.  Getting people together in the right habitat and at the right time of year will offer the best opportunities for locating this species in Illinois.

Our target area is within the Arklands complex, an area of reclaimed strip mines known as Pyramid State Park.  The timing of this trip coincides with the date range expected for the fall movements of this species.  The fields to be walked are ideal for the species – fields of short grass resultant from periodic grazing.  This aspect of the field trip will be similar to a Yellow Rail walk in that participants will be required to walk in an organized fashion to cover a large area in hopes that the group will flush a Sprague's Pipit from the vast expanse of available habitat.  Participants should come prepared to walk at a steady pace for long distances through rough terrain.  It will also be highly advantageous to become familiar with the SpragueÕs Pipit flight call so that you will be prepared in the field when, and if, a pipit is flushed.  Fleeting glimpses of flying birds are the most likely encounter, so vocalizations will be very important for identification.  Recordings of the flight calls will be played on sight prior to entering the field so that all participants will be prepared.

Frost and/or dew may make for wet walking in the morning, so bring knee-high boots and dress accordingly.  Don't forget to bring plenty of water and snacks.

Besides the possibility of finding a Sprague's Pipit, there will be plenty of bird activity to keep us occupied.  The area maintains excellent populations of grassland species such as Northern Harrier, Loggerhead Shrike, Horned Lark, and Eastern Meadowlark.  The area also hosts impressive numbers of waterfowl.

After the morning birding, we will head east to Pinckneyville for lunch where a variety of restaurants are available.  From Pinckneyville, we will travel north to Carlyle Lake for some additional birding opportunities.

Once we arrive at Carlyle Lake, most of our time will be spent scanning the lake for loons, grebes, and gulls.  Scoters, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Little Gull, and jaegers are among the long list of potential species to be found at Carlyle Lake.

Please meet Dan Kassebaum at the parking area at the Denmark Unit entrance of Pyramid State Park at 7:30am.  The entrance is on the south side of Pyatt-Cutler Rd. just west of Panda Bear Rd.  Nearby lodging is available in both Pinckneyville and Du Quoin.

Note: This field trip includes a $5 charge for IOS members and a $25 charge for non-members. These contributions will be used to fund the IOS Grant Program, which provides up to $500 to awarded applicants working on a project relating to birds and/or birding in Illinois. IOS proudly supports ornithological projects that advance the knowledge of birds and how they are impacted by environmental changes. Please visit the IOS Grant page for more information. Hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society.

For more details and to register, please contact Travis Mahan by e-mail or by phone:  (217)-454-3408.

 

Back to top

December 2009
Chicago Region Birding Calendar

Back to top

 

Every Wednesday at 7:00 am and every Saturday at 8:00 am. Year Ôround

Wooded Island Bird Walks, Jackson Park

Bring binoculars and field guides. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry Contact Doug Anderson with questions: (773) 493-7058. Free. All levels of birders are welcome! Hosted by Chicago Audubon Society www.chicagoaudubon.org.

 

Christmas Bird Count

Check with your local bird club or find a list of Christmas Bird Count Circles at:

http://home.xnet.com/~ugeiser/Birds/BirdCounts.html

 

Back to top