Events & Outings
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 in downtown Libertyville. 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/Nature Outings
Volunteer Events
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.
Year End Celebration
Join us for a Sunday afternoon celebration for our volunteers, supporters, and all who share our love of birds and birding! Mark your calendar for the 10th and be ready to have fun! Details for this event are forthcoming.
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.
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)
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.
Bird Lake County: Ryerson Conservation Area
Location: Ryerson Conservation Area
Time: 7:00, 7:15 or 7:30 am. Please choose available time slot at registration.
Walk will last around 2.5 - 3 hours
Each group will be capped at 12 participants.
A waitlist will be added if needed
Trip leaders:
Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Donna Kenski (847) 347–3474
Matt Tobin (847) 951-1483
Ryerson is a very special place with exceptional natural areas leading to its dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve. The combination of savannas, wetlands and deep mature woodlands along the Des Plaines River attracts a high number of migratory birds (and birders) in the spring. Did you know that 34 species of warblers, 6 vireos, 5 thrushes and many more migrants have been historically recorded at this preserve? This is the place in Lake County to be in the spring to see both tropical migrants plus our resident species including red-headed and pileated woodpeckers.
Directions and parking instructions are given in the registration link.
Spotlight Link: Planning on visiting on your own? Here’s the link: Ryerson Area Description & Map
Bird Walk: Greenbelt Forest Preserve West
Birding by Ear in Spring
Trip Leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
An under-birded preserve with easy access for most Lake County residents. Our easy two mile loop will take us past several small ponds, through savanna and then through a more wooded area.
The area has wide trails and is more open which makes viewing somewhat easier. A special focus of this walk will be Birding by Ear. We will practice using Merlin to help us recognize some of the singing species as well as discuss mnemonics and tips to make remembering these songs easier. This is particularly good habitat for vireo species. We will practice listening to the difference in their calls and then observing them high in the treetops.
Bird Walk: Illinois Beach State Park, North Unit
Trip Leader: Nancy Tikalsky
Trip Coordinator: Donna Kenski (847) 347-3474
Join us at one of the best places in Lake County for the variety of warblers and other spring migrants. A lakeshore, wetlands, savanna and forest is inviting for both the birds and birders! The sandy soil supports clumps of wild lupines and many other wildflowers less common in Lake County.
This is World Migratory Bird Day and this will be sure to be the case at this premiere birding location. Parking information given in the registration form.
Bird Walk: Beulah Park, Zion
Hidden Gem
Trip Leader: Donna Kenski (847) 347-3474
Have you ever visited this under-birded park? Think rolling hills used by mountain bikers on the weekend and lots of scrubby undergrowth. And that is great for birds! Our birding at this location last spring yielded multiple warbler species, especially ovenbirds and mourning warbler. Wild turkey are uncommon in Lake County but this section of the county seems to attract them. Acadian, yellow-bellied, olive-sided, least and great crested flycatchers were present along with veery, gray-cheeked, least, and Swainson’s thrushes.
On weekdays we will have most of the park to ourselves. This park only has 30 checklists for all time – Ryerson and Dan Wright can have that many on a single day in spring. Come enjoy a new location right in Lake County.
May Program Meeting: Birds & Buckthorn
Speaker: Ken Klick, Lake County Forest Preserve
Birds of a feather should NOT flock together in buckthorn.
Buckthorn covers more ground in northeastern Illinois than any other woody plant-- oak trees don’t come close! Buckthorn’s presence reduces plant and animal diversity by out-competing native species, causing long-lasting damage to the soil, and degrading the habitat quality for nearly all native species. Buckthorn’s dense thickets shade the ground from sunlight, making regeneration of oak trees, flowers, and grasses practically impossible. Ken’s program will focus on the impacts of invasive buckthorn on Lake County’s migratory and breeding bird populations and the forest preserve’s efforts to control this invasive plant while improving bird habitat.
Ken is a consummate naturalist, whose life-long interest (and career) touches upon all aspects of natural area management and the protection of its interconnecting web of plants, animals, geology, climate, and people. For 30 years Ken has been the project lead on thousands of acres of prairie, woodland, and wetland restoration projects throughout Lake County Forest Preserves’ 31,000 wonderful acres.
Join us in person at Cook Library. If you are unable to attend in person, join via Zoom at the link below:
Bird Walk: Illinois Beach State Park South Unit
Warblers! Vireos! Sparrows!
Trip Leader: Donna Kenski (847) 347-3474
The Illinois Beach State Park is home to the first Illinois state nature preserve and is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation. Our walk will first take us through low-growing oaks along the Dead River, so named as its outlet to Lake Michigan is often closed due to forming sand dunes, and then will continue along the beach and savanna areas. Early spring migrants such as palm warblers, black-throated greens and yellow-bellied sapsuckers should be seen but this lakefront location is often a site for unexpected rarities.
Bird Walk: Daniel Wright Forest Preserve
Improve your bird ID skills using your smartphone! Birding apps can boost your learning curve from beginner to expert quickly and save you the expense and weight of heavy field guide books not tailored to your specific location. Please set up your smartphone with the FREE Merlin Bird ID app and eBird app before our walk. Bring your phone and your binoculars, and we’ll learn and practice using the app to help you identify birds by sight and by sound. Beginners (and oldies) are welcome; no prior experience with birding or with Merlin or eBird are necessary. Even if you have used Merlin and eBird before, it’s a good opportunity to learn and practice their latest features.
Apps are especially helpful if you are traveling to new regions of the U.S. or the world as they focus on that location at that specific time of year. Your trip leaders will also discuss five or six other birding and nature apps that are great companions for your outdoor adventures that you may want to try.
The migrants will just be starting to arrive at Daniel Wright and you will be prepared for the big push in May. Early warblers, thrushes and flycatchers plus year-round residents will be present. Let’s go Birding!
Bird Lake County: Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve
Trip leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Before this area became a forest preserve, it was farmed and mined for sand and gravel. Later it became a wetlands research project with the intent of providing flood control, improving water quality in the Des Plaines River, and improving wildlife habitat. The walk will begin and end at the parking area. It will be about a 3-mile walk. We will walk south on a gravel trail passing by four ponds, along the Des Plaines River, through wetlands, prairies and through an oak-hickory savanna. At Mill Creek will head east on the gravel trail along Mill Creek and cross the Des Plaines River where Mill Creek joins the river. Then we walk north through a wooded area that is often a warbler hotspot and then loop back to our vehicles.
Because of the diversity of the habitat, we may see migrating songbirds, ducks, shorebirds, and wading birds. In addition, we may see other animals such as turtles, muskrats, and beavers.
Planning on visiting on your own? Here’s the link to an area description and map.
Registration Link
Bird Walk: Independence Grove
CALLING ALL NEW BIRDERS! Have you been thinking that bird-watching might be a fun activity to try? This is your chance! Join us for a beginner bird walk at Independence Grove. This is a great opportunity to learn about the birds that live in our area and meet other birders who enjoy this wonderful hobby. No experience is necessary and binoculars will be available for loan to those who need them. All birders and bird lovers are welcome. Independence Grove is a picturesque preserve with a large lake, areas of reclaimed prairie and mature woodlands. It attracts a variety of waterfowl and songbirds during migration, which is just getting started.
Bird Walk: Rollins Savanna
Date: Saturday, April 6
Time: 7:00 am - 9:30
Trip Leader: Beau Schaefer (847) 337-3602
Join Beau as we look for likely plentiful waterfowl combined with some early sparrows, blackbirds, and lingering winter birds. Beau is the top birder in Lake County and can help you with some tricky ID tips, whether you are a newbie or an experienced birder.
Bird Lake County: Fox River Forest Preserve
Leaders: Doug Reitz and Charlotte Pavelka, (847) 347-8416.
Winter thaw is on (we hope!) and the waterfowl and eagles will be the first to return! Before the boats are in the water, this is a great location for birders and birders. Ducks, American pelicans and (possible) loon are likely and as a bonus, sometimes the birds are quite close and can be seen fairly easily just with binoculars. (We will have scopes available as needed.) Beginners are always welcome at our events ... an additional LCAS representative will be on hand to help especially for those new to birding.
In the harbor, we may see ducks such as Common Goldeneye, all three of the mergansers, buffleheads and scaup. Rarities such as long-tailed Duck, harlequin duck, snow goose and red-throated loons have all been seen this winter...perhaps we will see an uncommon species as well. We will begin at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club parking lot and then drive to Stateline Beach and the south end parking. We will also walk to see some land birds such as woodpeckers, blue birds and sparrows.
Join us after the walk (Optional) for coffee at Honey Hill Coffee in Wauconda. All can share news about birds coming to your feeders and other locations and ask your birding questions. We will share more about upcoming Lake County Audubon events.
Bird Walk: Chain O'Lakes State Park
Come join us for a walk along the Goldfinch Trail on the Fox River as the snow moves out of the county. We hope to see Bald Eagles, American White Pelicans and Trumpeter Swans as they move through Lake County from their wintering grounds. Teals, shovelers, wigeons, scaups and ring-necked ducks and coots should also be in abundance. Red-wing blackbirds and perhaps even a rusty will also be possibilities.
March Program Meeting: Badgerland Birding
Derek and Ryan Sallman from Badgerland Birding will highlight what the Wisconsin birding scene is like, which spots you should go to if you come visit, and the top species to find in the state. Additionally, they will talk a little bit about how they got into birding, why they started their company "Badgerland Birding", and what trends we might see in birds/birding in the future. You can check out their YouTube channel to see more about what they do:
Derek (28) and Ryan (32) Sallmann started birding after watching the movie "The Big Year", but were always interested in nature growing up. Their parents and grandparents helped foster this interest, and after learning more about the hobby of birding, they decided that they wanted to showcase birding for what it really is: A great adventure. They started their YouTube Channel "Badgerland Birding" in 2016 and it has grown over time, currently with around 30,000 subscribers, with videos from all over the United States and in other countries. In addition to making content on YouTube, they also do birding tours, talks, and presentations, including a yearly series of presentations and walks at the Conservancy For Healing and Heritage in Franklin, Wisconsin. Derek and Ryan want to keep expanding "Badgerland Birding" in order to reach more people and teach them about birds, birding, and conservation.
If you are unable to attend in person, join by Zoom using the link below: