EVENTS & OUTINGS
American Avocet by Michelle Mackenzie, Audubon Photography Awards
Program Meetings:
Current plans are for all LCAS program meetings to use the hybrid format, with Zoom and in-person attendance as options.
The in-person portion of meetings is held at Cook Memorial Library, 413 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, OR at Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Dr, Vernon Hills. Please check individual event details for the library location. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome.
View recordings of past presentations on our YouTube page.
Bird & Nature Outings:
Unless noted otherwise, registration is mandatory for all outings (see included registration links). It helps us know how many participants to expect and allows for easier communication with you in case of potential changes. Be sure to check your email before heading out!
Program Meetings
Bird and Nature Outings
Community Events
April Meeting: Marsh Birds and Muskrats
Stephanie Beilke and Leo Gaskins
Marsh Birds and Muskrats
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom using the link below:
Meeting ZOOM
Evening Bird Walk: Woodcock Walk at Middlefork Savanna
Trip leader:
Matt Tobin (847) 951-1483
Enjoy an evening walk as we listen for American Woodcocks and look for their aerial displays against the dimming evening light. We'll also keep a lookout for Wilson's Snipes, which are often found at Middlefork in April. We'll start the trip with a quick visit over to the nearby wetland and then set up to await the woodcock activity after sunset.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This walk is limited to 20 participants. Please dress accordingly for cooler evening temperatures.
The parking lot meeting location is pinned on the registration page linked below.
Bird Walk: Greene Nature Preserve
EVENT REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED - EVENT FULL
Trip Leaders:
Matt Hayner (608-213-2382)
Matt Tobin (847-951-1483)
Come out for a joint walk with Lake Forest Open Lands as we explore Greene Nature Preserve, a hidden gem tucked away just north of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. With its spectacular ravine, bluff, and lakeshore habitats, many resident and migratory species are found at Greene, including a nice variety of woodpeckers and sparrows.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This walk will be limited to 12 participants.
Directions to the preserve are included on the registration page linked below.
Bird Walk: Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve
Trip Leader: Beau Schaefer
Trip Coordinator: Matt Tobin, 847-951-1483
Join expert birder Beau Schaefer for a walk around one of the largest forest preserves in Lake County. The expansive wetland and grassland habitats offer a home for many species, while providing countless more with the resources needed for a recharge on their migratory journeys. A number of waterfowl species are present in mid-April, including Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, and Northern Shovelers, while breeding grassland birds like Eastern Meadowlarks and Field Sparrows may be observed from the trail.
The trip will start from the Drury Lane parking lot in the northern part of the preserve.
Directions to the Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve parking lot are included in the registration link below.
Bird Walk for Beginners: Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Trip Leader:
Donna Kenski, 847-347-3474
Calling all beginning birders! Join experienced Lake County Audubon Society bird walk leaders for a trip around Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. This is a perfect preserve for both new and seasoned birders, with a large lake offering expansive views, and a stretch along the Des Plaines River that attracts many land species to the adjacent vegetation, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows, and finches.
Trip leaders will be happy to help with identification questions during the trip. Please bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but we will have some loaners available at the walk.
The trip will begin in the North Bay parking lot, pinned on the registration page linked below.
Bird Walk: Ryerson Conservation Area
Trip leaders:
Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Matt Tobin (847) 951-1483
Join Charlotte and Doug for a late-April walk around Ryerson Conservation Area, one of the most popular sites in Lake County for spring migrating birds. Year-round woodland residents like Red-bellied Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches will be joined by a slew of species arriving throughout April, which may include Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Northern House Wrens, White-crowned Sparrows, and Palm Warblers. Many species will be actively singing during this time as they try to attract a mate.
The trip will begin in the Brushwood Center parking lot, which is pinned on the registration page linked below.
Celebrate Migratory Birds!
Enjoy nature fueled family fun, including walks, nature based games, scavenger games and nature crafts.
A film about Piping Plovers will be playing indoors throughout the day!
FREE EVENT - ALL ARE WELCOME!
Adler Earth Day Celebration
Join Lake County Audubon Society at the 6th Annual Earth Day Celebration at the Adler! Sign up HERE.
The Adler Center’s annual Earth Day event is dedicated to honoring our planet and inspiring positive environmental change in our community. This family-friendly FREE event brings together individuals, local communities, and organizations to celebrate nature, sustainability, and conservation. Through hands-on activities, educational workshops, outdoor adventures, and local clean-up, the celebration fosters a deeper understanding of environmental issues and encourages action towards a greener future.
The entire event is outdoors. Please bring work gloves if you plan to help with litter cleanup and invasive species removal.
World Migratory Bird Day Event at Volo Bog
Join Lake County Audubon Society at the World Migratory Bird Day Celebration at Volo Bog! We’ll have information about our Sharing Our Shore-Waukegan initiative, including lots of iupdate about the Lake County Piping Plover pair, Blaze and Pepper, and their chicks!!!
May Meeting: Vanishing Edens
Dr. Michael Jeffords is a retired Professional Scientist/Entomologist from the Prairie Research Institute, U. Of Illinois. Dr. Jeffords is the author/coauthor of six books on biodiversity and he and his wife, Susan Post, have spent the last two decades travelling the earth to study and photograph the Earth's biodiversity. Susan is also a professional entomologist from the same institution and the coauthor of six books. She was also the staff writer for the Illinois Steward Magazine.
Their presentation, Vanishing Edens, will look at current management strategies and how they impact the invertebrate fauna on our landscapes. Their broad perspective on biodiversity includes both aesthetic and scientific components that will be accessible and of interest to all.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom using the link below:
Meeting ZOOM
Mundelein Spring Into Summer
Join Lake County Audubon Society at the Mundelein Spring Into Summer event! Our volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about native plants, Plants for Birds, birds and more!
Libertyville Hidden Gems Garden Walk
JOIN LAKE COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY at the Libertyville Hidden Gems Garden Walk sponsored by the Town & County Garden Club.
Tour Five Exceptional Gardens in the Libertyville Area
Meet the gardeners and be inspired to create your own home oasis.
Master Gardener table at one home site - bring your questions!
Lake County Audubon and Lake County Forest Preserves provide info on native plants, buckthorn removal, and supporting local wildlife.
*** Please note: there is a fee for this event. For more details click here:
Film Screen & Panel Discussion
JOIN US for a screening of the Lake County Audubon film ‘Sharing Our Shore and the Return of the Piping Plover to Waukegan Shores.’
Following the film, members from our monitoring team will answer questions and share their experiences and favorite memories of the memorable 2024 season.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn about the Endangered Great Lakes Piping Plovers and our Sharing Our Shore-Waukegan partnership!
We’ll be at the Lakeshore Campus of the College of Lake County.
Eleanor Murkey Community Center - 5th Floor
34 N. Sheridan Rd
Waukegan, IL
6:00-7:30
THERE WILL BE PIZZA AND SALAD SERVED
PLEASE RSVP HERE
Bird Walk: Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
Situated in southwest Lake County, Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve is a wonderful yet under-birded site containing a nice mix of wetland, woodland, and prairie habitats that attract many bird species.
Directions to the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve parking lot are included in the registration link below.
Bird Walk: Chain O’Lakes
Trip Leader: Charlotte Pavelka, 847-347-8416
With its large area and wide-ranging habitats, Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a wonderful place to visit year-round for a diversity of birds and scenic views. Countless birds stop here for a rest during the spring migration including common loons, American white pelicans, and all manner of waterfowl.
(Sunday, March 23 will be used as a backup date for this walk in case of inclement weather on March 22.)
Directions about where to meet the trip leader for the start of the walk are included in the registration link below.
Bird Walk: Fox River Forest Preserve
Trip Leader: Matt Tobin, 847-951-1483
Come out to western Lake County for a trip along the Fox River and see the important role it plays during spring migration for a wide variety of species. Visitors are treated to expansive vistas of the river, where bald eagles are often observed flying overhead and American white pelicans have been known to consistently stop for a rest during their northward migration.
Directions to the specific parking lot where we’ll meet at Fox River Forest Preserve are included in the registration link below.
Bird Walk: Redwing Slough
Trip Leader: Beau Schaefer
Trip Coordinator: Matt Tobin, 847-951-1483
Join us as we look for a variety of waterfowl at this Lake County hidden gem that serves as an essential spring migratory stopover for many species. Massive gatherings of 1000+ ring-necked ducks have been seen here in previous seasons. The trip will be led by long-time Lake County expert birder Beau Schaefer. Space for this trip will be limited to 10 participants. Directions to the parking lot are included in the registration link below.
Register for Redwing Slough Bird Walk
March Meeting: Advocating for Migratory Birds
It is estimated that more than a billion migratory birds die in North America each year from collisions with buildings. From residential structures to high-rise buildings, collision deaths are ranked as one of the greatest threats to bird populations after habitat loss.
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) is a conservation project working since 2003 to address the problems that lights and building designs pose to birds that pass through urban areas. Volunteers recover thousands of dead and injured birds from more than 200 different species each spring and fall. The project raises awareness, educates and advocates for bird safety measures. Learn about efforts and methods to protect migratory species from the hazards of lights and glass at our homes and in our communities.
Annette Prince has worked on local and national conservation projects as well as wildlife education and rehabilitation programs over the last thirty-six years. She joined the non-profit conservation project – Chicago Bird Collision Monitors twenty years ago and became its director in 2005 helping to advance its mission to rescue, educate and advocate for the protection of birds impacted by urban hazards. Annette is on the board of the Chicago Bird Alliance and chairs the Bird Friendly Chicago collaboration of bird conservation groups working to promote bird-friendly building design requirements in Chicago.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom using the link below:
Meeting ZOOM
February Program Meeting: Spring Migration in Chicago
Spring is nearly here, and our minds shift away from Snowy Owl and Northern Shrikes and towards warblers, vireos, shorebirds and more. This talk seeks to help the novice birder best understand the dynamics of spring migration in Chicago and help them make the most important decision in spring - "Where should I go birding today?" This talk will cover the basics of migration timing and expected species, weather and its effects on birds/birding, and how to make the most of birding in spring.
Adam doesn't remember a time when a pair of binoculars wasn't around his neck. He was mentored by his father and other local birders in north Texas and later by the incredible birding community of the Chicagoland area. He is deeply involved in his local birding community, including time spent on the board of the Illinois Ornithological Society and as a member of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee.
A former middle school teacher, Adam is a natural teacher and has found guiding clients to be his preferred classroom. He joined Red Hill Birding full-time in 2022 after spending summers guiding across Central and North America. He now both organizes and guides tours around the globe, and works alongside Josh on the day-to-day operations of Red Hill Birding. Adam sets out to ensure that both the novice birder and world lister have an incredible experience in the field. When not birding, you can find Adam enjoying all other aspects of nature and relaxing outdoors with his wife Tiffany, and son Ian.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom using the link below:
Meeting ZOOM
January Program Meeting: Wintering Raptors of Illinois
Vic Berardi, founder of the all-volunteer Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch and well known raptor photographer, will discuss wintering raptors of Illinois and neighboring Indiana and Wisconsin. His emphasis will be on raptor descriptions and possible locations to find these birds in the winter months. Vic spends a great deal of time in the winter searching for raptors and photographing them. His photographs have been used by several conservation organizations and in raptor field guides. He is also the Chair of the Winter Raptor Survey program for the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) and has been conducting a survey the past few winters in southeastern Wisconsin.
Waukegan Harbor- Bird Walk
Waukegan Harbor draws a surprising number of ducks and other waterfowl throughout the winter, due to its protective breakwaters and sheltering docks. Interesting sparrows often lurk in the trees and shrubs bordering the harbor parking lots.
December Program Meeting: Owl Be Seeing You
At present Lake County is home to three owl species that are year-round residents—the great horned, barred and screech—as well as several others that visit during the cold weather months. We’ll take a look these birds’ adaptations, as well as their life histories and the roles they play in local ecosystems. Spoiler alert: Species profiles will include an Illinois owl success story!
Presenter: Pam Otto is the outreach ambassador for the naturalist department at the St. Charles Park District. She received a master’s degree in outdoor education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb in 2001, and a bachelor’s degree in Foods in Business from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985. Although she has been chasing snakes since the age of three, she worked in the field of trade publishing for 15 years before starting work as a naturalist in 1999. Since that time she has worked at the Kane County Forest Preserve District’s Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center and at the Fox Valley Park District’s Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora. She joined the naturalist staff at St. Charles in September 2007.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom using the link below: (TBD)
Bird Walk: Independence Grove
Trip leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka, 847-347-8416
Independence Grove is one of the largest and deepest of the inland lakes in Lake County and usually attracts a large number of waterfowl migrating in the fall. Hundreds of geese are joined by Pied-Billed and Horned Grebes, Trumpeter Swans, Coots, Northern Shovelers, Gadwall, Ruddy Ducks, and Wigeons. The peninsula trail often allows close views but we will have a scope available if needed. We will also be on the lookout for Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles which are often seen here in the fall.
After viewing the waterfowl, we will cross over the bridge to the west side of the Des Plaines river and look for fall migrants in the prairie and savanna area. Possible winter-arriving migrants may include Brown Creepers, Purple Finches, Winter Wrens, and Pine Siskins.
Make sure to register as location may change based upon waterfowl migration progress and/or event may be cancelled for inclement weather.
November Program Meeting: Plants for Butterflies
Did you know an oak tree is the larval host for more than 500 species of butterflies and moths? Discover the many trees, evergreens, shrubs, and vines that are home to a wide array of Lepidoptera. We’ll explore the host plants and life cycles of common favorites and rare beauties in this information-packed presentation.
Heather Prince is a trained horticulturist and landscape consultant specializing in trees, shrubs, and natives with a passion for connecting people with plants. Heather relishes sharing her knowledge and experience by teaching at The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Edith Farnsworth House as well as garden clubs, groups, and industry gatherings.
Please note that our LCAS meeting will be moving to Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills this month. We will be back at Cook Library for the December meeting, then at Aspen Drive for several months in 2025, due to planned construction at Cook Library. Watch for info here or on our website for current meeting locations.
To attend via Zoom, use this link
Bird Lake County: Pine Dunes
Pine Dunes is one of the newest forest preserves in the north central part of Lake County. Nestled in the rolling hills and savannas are several small ponds/wetland areas. Depending upon water levels, a good mix of swans, geese and ducks are often present in fall. Ducks may include shovelers, gadwall, wigeons, buffleheads, hooded merganser and ruddy ducks. Lingering sparrows should also be seen in the grasslands.
Walk Leader: Donna Kenski 847-347-3474
History & Restoration Discussion: Don Wilson (224) 639-3158
Directions and parking instructions are included in the registration link below.
October Program Meeting: Frogs of Chicago
We will learn about the frogs of the Chicago region - their habitats, the issues that threaten their existence, and measures in place to ensure that they will remain key components of our native ecosystems.”
Presenter: Joe Cavataio is an independent researcher, fascinated by the natural world but in particular how amphibians and reptiles persist in a human-dominated landscape. He is a Chicago native who now lives with his family in West Chicago (DuPage Co.).
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom using the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81156607139?pwd=rTnM28WsnoNJ83rHfw8khb0GmF6lYt.1
Big Sit - Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve
Never birded before? We’ll loan you a pair of binoculars. Not up for a 3-mile bird walk? Grab a chair and see what you can see while hanging around a small pond at Lake Forest Open Lands’ Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve.
Co-sponsored by Lake/Cook Audubon and Lake Forest Open Lands and designed for novice and experienced birders alike, this Big Sit is an opportunity to share the camaraderie of birding, begin or advance your birding knowledge, and help the group find as many species as possible while staying in one place. Last year we spotted 52 species from warblers to finches and hawks to herons.
While viewing takes place from 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., please feel free to join us for a short window or all day. No registration required!
Snacks and beverages will be provided. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather. Keep in mind that you won’t be moving around very much. By attending this LFOLA event or program, you are hereby agreeing to all terms and conditions listed on our policy webpage.
No registration required.
Park at Elawa Farms/Middlefork Savanna parking lot. Cross the field/playground to the north and look for green sign to Middlefork Farm. Look for the signs directing you to the sit location.
Pop Up Bird Walk: McDonald Woods
Join Lake County Audubon for a pop-up bird walk on Friday at McDonald Woods Forest Preserve. This under-birded site offers an array of woodland, wetland, and grassland habitat, providing options for many bird species. We will look for a variety of warblers, sparrows, nuthatches and finches, among others, and keep our fingers crossed for some fall surprises.
Meet in the main parking lot. Directions are included in the registration link below.
Bird Lake County: Independence Grove, evening event
Walk Leader: Donna Kenski, 847-347-3474
Event Coordinator: Carolyn Lueck, (773) 984-2403
Birds, Brews, and Bonfire
Try evening birding with a short hike followed with a bonfire and optional adult beverages at Independence Grove. All participants must register.
Directions and parking instructions are included in registration link
Bird Walk: Daniel Wright Forest Preserve
Trip Leader: Jerry Hampton
Trip Coordinator: Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Migration should be in full swing for this walk. Daniel Wright Woods is an easy gravel trail along the Des Plaines River and through oak-hickory forest, attracting plenty of migrants passing through. We will have some fun with the confusing fall warblers and some that are not so confusing as well. Red-headed woodpeckers are common here.
Bird Walk: Glacial Park Conservation Area – McHenry County
Travel to McHenry County for a great mix of both early migratory and resident birds in woodland, prairie and wetland habitats with over 100 species on eBird for September.
Bird Lake County: Illinois Beach State Park—South Unit
Trip Leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Shorebird migration should be at its peak in mid August! It is fun as you never quite know what will turn up on any given day. Greater and lesser yellowlegs, least, semipalmated, spotted, solitary and pectoral sandpipers and perhaps some plovers or dowitchers are possibilities. Optional: Join us after the walk for a coffee and snack break. And then take some time to enjoy swimming at the beach, a bike ride or some paddling.
Directions and parking instructions are included in registration link
Birdability: Ethel’s Woods
Trip leader: Carla Schmakel and Don Wilson (224) 639-3158
This is a special event designed especially for individuals with low mobility and/or other disabilities to enjoy birds and nature with others. This location has a walk that is manageable with wheelchairs or walkers and includes an overlook close to the parking lot if you choose to just sit. The leaders will discuss using Merlin sound ID to augment the birdwatching experience and also the native plant habitat. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Butterfly Walk: Grant Woods North
Trip Leader: Carla Schmakel
Trip Coordinator: Lisa Draper, (224) 305-3735
Join local butterfly monitor, Carla Schmakel, as we walk the prairie paths to learn more about butterfly ID, habitats and status. We will also keep our eyes out for breeding birds as well.
Bird Walk: Ray Lake
Trip Leader: Donna Kenski 847-347-3474
This newer preserve, in the central part of the county, is great prairie habitat for grassland birds. Join LCAS board member, Donna Kenski, to explore for resident breeding birds. Highlights are bobolinks, bluebirds, meadowlarks and sparrows. The path winds through several smaller woodlands and past ponds to check for waterfowl, flycatchers, and vireos
Parking directions are given the registration link below.
Bird Walk: Lakewood Forest Preserve
Trip Leader: Stephen Hurst
Trip Coordinator: Charlotte Pavelka, 847-347-8416
Stephen Hurst is an outstanding younger birder and photographer, who will lead a walk for us at his home patch. Last year, as he conducted the breeding bird survey for the forest preserve and BCN, he was able to observe 90 species! (Of course, that was up before dawn and lots of bushwhacking! And a pace that most people aren’t willing to do.)
Join Stephen as he shows you a portion of this huge, under birded preserve and the birds that raise their families there.
Parking directions are in the registration document.
Bird by Canoe: Chain O’Lakes State Park
Trip Leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Join us as we boat the Fox River Waterway and bird from a different angle. Egrets, Green & Great Blue Herons, Black Terns, Kingbirds and Flycatchers, Marsh wrens and Common Yellowthroats are all possible in this area of cattails and lily pads. Bring your own canoe/Kayak (Fox Waterway sticker required) or rent one at Gills ($30 for canoe or solo kayak for two-three hours). Don’t worry if you don’t have a canoe partner – we should have enough people to share canoes or rent a single kayak.
Registration is mandatory for this event!
Bird Walk: Middlefork Savanna
Trip Leader: Donna Kenski (847) 347-3474
It’s time for raising bird families! This preserve has a great mix of small ponds, wetlands, savanna and woodlands so lots of different species call it home. At 687 acres, it is one of Lake County’s larger preserves. Several biomes including oak savannas, dry-mesic prairies, wet-mesic prairies, marshes, deciduous woodlands, and sedge meadows, as well as a portion of the North Branch of the Chicago River are all found here. A 25-acre parcel here is considered the highest quality tallgrass savanna of its kind in the nation and recognized as a globally threatened ecosystem. Middlefork provides valuable protection for many state and federally listed species. Breeding birds that nest here include cuckoos, rails, soras, sandhill cranes, and many songbirds. Even the nonnative but beautiful European goldfinches nest here.
Birds & Breakfast
Birds and Breakfast
Come start summer with a bird walk and breakfast provided by Lake County Audubon Society. All participants must register for this event! Note the varying start times and meeting locations; we will all come together after the walks for breakfast at the Sand Prairie Day Use Area.
Early Walk-Distance 3 miles:
Time: 7:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Trip Leaders Early Walk: Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416 & Doug Reitz (847)549-8814
Location:Sand Pond Parking Lot
Short Walk-Distance 1 mile: Time: 8:00-9:30 a.m. (Gates open a little before 8)
Trip Leader-Short Walk: Don Wilson (224)639 -3158& Carolyn Lueck (773) 984-2403
Location: Beach Parking Lot-IBSP North
Breakfast–Come just for breakfast or join us before for a walk!
Time: 9:00 –10:00 a.m.
Location: IBSP North–Sand Prairie Day Use Area
BRING YOUR OWN MUG AND CHAIR!
Coffee/tea/muffins/donuts will be provided by LCAS.
Breakfast Hosts: Sandy Hauri (847) 902-9719 and Kathryn Appelbaum (312) 286 -4659
Sale Table – We will have used nature books, nature-related trifold field ID guides and Bird Collision prevention window stickers. Bring your checkbook or credit card for purchases. In case of poor weather, the organizers will notify all participants via email. Rain date is June 2. PLEASE REGISTER TO HELP US PLAN!
Spotlight Link: Planning on visiting on your own? Here’s the link: Spotlight Guide-IBSP North Unit
Bird Walk: Reed-Turner Woodland
Leader: Donna Kenski, 847-347-3474
Reed-Turner Woodland is a remnant of a presettlement prairie grove which once occupied land along Indian and Killdeer Creeks from the current village of Long Grove to Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Cook County. All that remains today are small portions of floodplain and upland forest, and sparse remnants of savanna and prairie vegetation. The site contains an interesting wet meadow which is dominated by sedges, rushes and a few wetland forbs such as meadow rue, marsh aster, and curly dock. Over 174 species of birds have been observed in the preserve including resident populations of waterfowl and herons.
Directions and parking instructions for the walk are included in the registration link below.
Bird Walk: North Point Marina
Trip leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Don Wilson (224) 639-3158
Birds and Brews - Evening Walk
Can’t make an early morning walk on weekdays? Join us for this evening walk from the North Point Marina south lot to one of the birdiest areas of Illinois Beach State Park just a few blocks away. Although not quite as productive as the morning, most birds tend to be fairly active in the spring in the last couple of hours before sunset. Migrating warblers, vireos, and flycatchers plus possible rails and grassland species will keep us busy. If you like, join us after the walk at the Harbor Brewing seasonal Biergarten across the street from our parking lot for beer or wine or a non-alcoholic drink and talk about the birds you have seen this spring and suggestions for birding locations.