Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Updated February 19, 2010

February 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Carpooling to the I.O.S. Gull Frolic

Please check with www.ncios.org for car-pooling departure time and location.

CAR POOLING IS ENCOURAGED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS. RIDERS ARE EXPECTED TO REIMBURSE DRIVERS FOR EXPENSES.

Saturday, February 20, 8:00 AM

9th Annual IOS Gull Frolic, Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club

Bring binoculars, scope and cold weather gear. Experts will help ID and answer questions. The $10 registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch (including Sea Gull Stew, vegetarian chili, drinks and more) as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate all day. The fee helps defray facility expenses, with any surplus going to the IOS Grant Program to benefit Illinois birds and birding.

The featured speaker, sponsored by the Chicago Ornithological Society at 9:30am and 11:30am, is Alvaro Jaramillo, a Field Guides Chile specialist guide from Half Moon Bay, Calif. He’ll speak about the Slaty-backed Gull, a bird that regularly occurs in Illinois.

Lunch will be served at 12:30pm.

To reach the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club take the I-94 toll road north toward Milwaukee. Exit at Route 173. Turn right (east) and go to Sheridan Road (Rt. 137). Turn left and proceed to 7th Street. Turn right on 7th Street and follow the North Point Marina signs to the yacht club. DO NOT SPEED on 7th Street! It is actively patrolled by the Winthrop Harbor police.

Sheryl DeVore’s article on the IOS Gull Frolic is published in the December issue of Outdoor Illinois. Vic Berardi and Bob Hughes supplied the photos. Here’s a link to Outdoor Illinois’ web site: http://dnr.state.il.us/OI/.

More information will be posted at http://www.illinoisbirds.org. Sponsored by many local bird clubs, organizations and individuals. Hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society.

Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 10 a.m.

Aerial Waterfowl Count Presentation at Dickson Mounds Museum

Lewistown, IL – Aaron Yetter, waterfowl ecologist at the prestigious Illinois Natural History Survey’s Forbes Biological Station near Havana, will discuss aerial inventories of waterfowl on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Dickson Mounds Museum. According to information provided by the Forbes Station: “Aerial inventories of waterfowl abundance, species composition, and distribution have been conducted throughout Illinois during fall, winter, and spring migrations since 1948. The massive amount of data provided has vastly improved our understanding of the chronology of migration, the effects of refuges, the value of wetlands, and the distribution of waterfowl in Illinois.” The presentation is sponsored by the Emiquon Corps of Discovery.

The late Dr. Frank C. Bellrose, a renowned expert on North American waterfowl, initiated aerial inventories in the fall of 1946; he noted that the time required to inventory the Illinois Valley was reduced from a week to a day and that a large part of the Mississippi Valley could be included in the one-day flight. Since 1948, waterfowl aerial inventories have been conducted by the Illinois Natural History Survey.

The Emiquon Corps of Discovery was formed to document the restoration of the Thompson and Flag lakes and surrounding landscape and to promote environmental awareness. Inspired by the Lewis and Clark expedition and created by the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Emiquon Corps is comprised of volunteers who record the on-going transformation of the landscape through a variety of artistic expression and science. For more information about the Corps of Discovery please contact Bill Whitehouse at bill_w_2@hotmail.com

Sunday, February 21, 8:00 AM

Day After the Frolic Bird Walk
Chicago & Indiana Lakefront Gulls n' Ducks Field Trip (Montrose Harbor to Hammond Marina)

Dress for the weather and bring a scope and binoculars. We’ll eat lunch in Indiana, but it’s best to bring snacks, water and a Thermos of a hot drink to keep your body temperature up (think lots of calories!).

Directions: Meet at Montrose Harbor near the Magic Hedge. Leader: Geoff Williamson & Alvaro Jaramillo. Hosted by Chicago Ornithological Society: http://www.chicagobirder.org

This website is maintained by volunteers to benefit non-profit birding organizations.
Have your non-profit organization’s events listed here.
Send your information on bird walks, talks and events to IllinoisBirdCalendar@yahoo.com.

We attempt to get all information correct in this listing. Check with the trip leader or the host club’s website for last minute changes or cancellations. Please send updates to IllinoisBirdCalendar@yahoo.com.

March 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Saturday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Birding America VIII, presented by the Chicago Audubon Society

North Park University, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago – Free Parking

Get inside information on rewarding places to bird locally, nationally and internationally at this all-day symposium. Experts will help you plan birding trips and vacations around hotspots ranging from Chicago’s North Pond to Kenya. Additional sessions cover such topics as shorebird identification and nesting birds of Illinois plus a special presentation on migration by noted wildlife photographer, Kevin Karlson, of Cape May, New Jersey. Exhibitors include Eagle Optics and Art and Linda’s Wildflowers. Registration: $40 for CAS members; $50, non-members; $20, student rate. Lunch, $12. For details and directions, call 773-539-6793 or visit www.chicagoaudubon.org.

Thursday, March 11, 2010 — 7:00 p.m.

NCIOS Members Meeting

Keith Blackmore will present a program about Big Bend National Park, a spectacular stretch of desert and mountains in southwestern Texas.

Location: Winnebago County Forest Preserve District Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Starved Rock State Park

If it’s cold and the river is icy we’ll go to the Corps of Engineers observation deck to watch lots of Bald Eagles and search the flocks of gulls for unusual species. If the conditions aren’t good for concentrations of eagles and gulls then we’ll hike some of the trails in the park checking out the waterfalls and looking for winter woodland birds in the gullies and ravines. Leaders are Barbara and Daniel Williams at 815-968-4732. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society.

NOTE: PLEASE CALL THE LEADER IN ADVANCE FOR THE TIME AND PLACE TO MEET FOR THE TRIP. CAR POOLING IS ENCOURAGED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS. RIDERS ARE EXPECTED TO REIMBURSE DRIVERS FOR EXPENSES.

Sunday, March 28, 8:00AM

Nelson Lake Pelicans and Ducks, Kane County

This will be a family friendly trip led by Scott Cohrs. For the past 10 years, American White Pelicans have been stopping at Nelson Lake in Kane County during their migration north. Over 200 of these birds have been seen at one time at this 150 acre marsh. Please join us as we enjoy one of the great sights of spring. Other target species for this outing are waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and early passerines. Over 10 species of ducks should be seen. This would also be a wonderful outing for younger participants. There is a large viewing platform, spotting scopes will be present, and most of our target birds are large and readily visible. It should be a great introduction for any newcomer to birding.

Meet at 8:00 in the parking lot by the silo. The entrance to the preserve is on Nelson Lake Road about ¾ mile south of Main Street and 1½ miles west of Randall Road in Batavia. Questions or to sign up for this walk, please call Scott at 847.651.9891.

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 $1,000 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.

April 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Thursday, April 8, 2010 — 7:00 p.m.

NCIOS Members Meeting

Tools for birding and identification tips. Eddie Callaway will share some of his knowledge about a variety of recording and playback equipment for birding as well as some of the pros and cons of different field guides. Identification tips will be sprinkled throughout the program.

Location: Winnebago County Forest Preserve District Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society.

Saturday, April (date to be announced) 2010 (two hours from 5:15 to 7:30 in the morning)

Midwest Sandhill Crane Count

This survey helps the International Crane Foundation monitor the abundance and distribution of Sandhill Cranes. In the 1930’s there were only 25 pairs of Sandhill Cranes in the Midwest. Protection of the birds and their habitat has allowed them to stage a dramatic recovery. In 2000 the census showed 13,000 Sandhills in the Midwest. 3000 volunteers in 5 states participate. Please call Lynda Johnson at 815-629-2781 for the date and information about participating in this annual census. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society.

NOTE: PLEASE CALL THE LEADER IN ADVANCE FOR THE TIME AND PLACE TO MEET FOR THE TRIP. CAR POOLING IS ENCOURAGED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS. RIDERS ARE EXPECTED TO REIMBURSE DRIVERS FOR EXPENSES.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Birding Franklin Creek and vicinity

Dive into spring migration with us. We’ll be looking for wildflowers as well as birds. The leader will be Barbara Williams at 815-968-4732. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society. Meeting place and time to be announced

NOTE: PLEASE CALL THE LEADER IN ADVANCE FOR THE TIME AND PLACE TO MEET FOR THE TRIP. CAR POOLING IS ENCOURAGED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS. RIDERS ARE EXPECTED TO REIMBURSE DRIVERS FOR EXPENSES.

April 24, 2010

Birding Blitz of Southernmost Illinois

The Southern Illinois Audubon Society is sponsoring The Birding Blitz of Southernmost Illinois on April 24th 2010. We are interested in building the participation in this event. The blitz is modeled on the famous Cape May, New Jersey and south Texas events. We are seeking participation of birding groups in an event that will award a cup/plaque to the winning team each year as well as attendant publicity etc.

Information on the past events is at www.birdingblitz.org. Visit www.cacherivernaturefest.org/ for updates on the Nature Fest. Please contact Joe or Rhonda if you or your group have an interest in participating in the event. Contact: Joe Merkelbach at jemerk@EcologyFund.net or Rhonda Rothrock at woodthrusheola@hotmail.com.

May 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Spring Bird Count

This statewide survey gives us a better picture of spring migration and the arrival of breeding birds in Illinois. Our group tries to census birds throughout the county during the day of the count. It’s a big job, but it is the very best time of the year to be out birding. Lots of fun, lots of great birds. New counters and feeder watchers are welcomed. To participate contact Jack Armstrong at 815-398-2974 for an area assignment.

Thursday, May 13, 2010 — 7:00 p.m.

NCIOS Members Meeting: Members’ Best Photos and Birding Tales

Bring your best work or discoveries from the past year to share with the club. We are hoping you’ll bring all sorts of things - artwork, found objects, poems, your own stories of humor or adventure, wonderful books you’ve found, and, of course, photos. This program is not restricted to birds. Any natural history subjects are fine – people, the outdoors, wildflowers, mammals, insects, and, of course, birds. Think of this as a grown-up Show-and-Tell. Use this opportunity to share some inspiration and show us what you’ve been up to and tell us where you’ve been in the past year. Location: Winnebago County Forest Preserve District Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society.

Weekend of May 21-23

IOS Spring Birding Weekend in the Kankakee area

Birding hotspots include Iroquois County Conservation Area, Kankakee River State Park, Momence wetlands and sod farms, Braidwood Dunes & Savanna, Mazonia Fish & Wildlife Area and Des Plaines Conservation Area. Target species include King and Virginia Rails, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers, Lark, Vesper and Henslow’s Sparrows. The IOS Spring Birding Weekend will be centered out of the Kankakee/Bradley area. Watch your Wings Over the Prairie newsletter and the IOS website for updated information. Hosted by Illinois Ornithological Society. http://www.illinoisbirds.org/

Saturday, May 22, 2010 — 7:00 a.m.

Horicon Marsh Boat Trip

A pontoon boat will take us out on the marsh in search of rails, herons, ducks, shorebirds, terns, gulls Yellow-headed Blackbirds and other denizens of the marsh. We’ll carpool up to Horicon to catch our boat at 9:00 a.m. The boat stays out for two hours. We’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch, but you can pack your own if you’d like. $18.00 for adults, $10.50 for youths 12 -15 years old, and 8.50 for children 4 -11. To get a seat call Ken Frey at 815-877-5028. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society. Meet at Menard’s at 173 and Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park.

NOTE: PLEASE CALL THE LEADER IN ADVANCE FOR THE TIME AND PLACE TO MEET FOR THE TRIP. CAR POOLING IS ENCOURAGED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS. RIDERS ARE EXPECTED TO REIMBURSE DRIVERS FOR EXPENSES.

June 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Thursday, June 10, 2010 — 6:00 p.m.

NCIOS Members Meeting and Potluck Supper

The last meeting of the spring features a potluck supper followed by the business meeting at 7:00 p.m. Bring a dish to pass, your own tableware and beverage. After the meeting we’ll stroll around the area and look for birds, insects and wildflowers, weather permitting. Flashlights and bug repellent are a good idea. Location: Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve shelter house. Hosted by North Central Illinois Ornithological Society.

July 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

August 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

September 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

September 25-26

Annual Lake Carlyle Pelagic

Save the weekend. Details to come.

There will be a fee associated with this trip to cover the cost of boat rental and an additional participation fee as noted below.

October 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

November 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar

Sunday, November 21, 7:30am (Miller Beach)
3pm (at Jasper Pulaski for the Sandhill Cranes, family friendly portion of our trip)

Miller Beach Lakewatch and Sandhill Cranes in northern Indiana

Come join us in Northwest Indiana for a day of lakewatching, and ending with the family friendly spectacle of thousands of Sandhill Cranes coming to roost at Jasper-Pulaski. We’ll start lakewatching at 7:30 a.m. at the traditional pavilion spot in Miller Beach’s Marquette Park at the end of Montgomery St. You’ll need a telescope to participate in the lakewatch. We may move to other Indiana Lakefront spots during the day.

The afternoon with the Sandhill Cranes is the family friendly portion of the trip. Those who aren’t with us all day should meet us at 3 p.m. at the Jasper-Pulaski Headquarters near Clarks, IN. Be prepared for cold conditions all day. Contact Michael Retter at mlretter@yahoo.com or 309.824.7317 to sign up.

December 2010
Northwest Illinois Birding Calendar