2008 Field Trips
For more information, look for announcements in Wings Over the Prairie and e-mail flashes to the IOS membership. The current IOS Field Trip Chairman is Travis Mahan.
Note: All IOS field trips marked with an asterisk (*) will include a $5 charge for IOS members and a $25 charge for non-members. These contributions will be used to fund the Research 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 Research Grant page for more information.
Other field trips may include charges to offset expenses (i.e. the Carlyle Lake Pelagic trip requires rental of pontoon boats and purchase of gasoline).
Saturday, January 12
*Winter Owls at Carlyle Lake
Looking for something to do after the CBC period? Why not learn how to find Northern Saw-whet Owls and Long-eared Owls in one of the best winter owl locations in the state? We will work our way through several spots near Carlyle Lake that have reliably held these species in recent years. Participants will learn how and where to look for these species - skills that can be utilized in one's own local patch. Daytime birding will focus on locating Northern Saw-whet Owls and Long-eared Owls, which will take patience and quiet walking over long distances. Some of this walking will take us through scrubby areas that may require frequent bends of the back to pass through thick brush; accordingly, those with back troubles should consider this warning prior to registering.
Saturday, February 9
Seventh Annual Gull Frolic
The Seventh Annual IOS Gull Frolic will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club at the North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Registration begins at 8AM. A program on "Winter Bird Visitors" by Geoff Williamson will be presented in the morning and afternoon. A display of winter bird specimens will be available to examine up close and personal, thanks to Doug Stotz of The Field Museum. Our renowned Gull experts will again be available to answer questions.
Saturday, April 12
*Yellow Rail Walk
Join us for a tromp through a large wetland near to search for the elusive Yellow Rail. Trekking through the marsh requires moderate physical effort with difficult walking through wet marsh vegetation; however, previous years' participants have been rewarded with excellent looks at this rare species in what has proven to be one of the best locations in the state to find Yellow Rail.
Other marsh denizens likely to be encountered on this trip include American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, Wilson's Snipe, and Le Conte's Sparrow.
We will also visit sites around Clinton Lake to scan for waterfowl, loons, and grebes, as well as hike nearby woodland areas for songbirds.
2007 Yellow Rail Walk Trip List
Saturday, April 19
*Smith's Longspur Trip
So you want to see a Smith's Longspur? Well, how do you like the sound of a 100% success rate? Steve Bailey has had just that - a 100% rate of success! He will yet again serve as your guide to find Smith's Longspurs in the vast expanse of agricultural fields in central Illinois. You'll not only get great looks at Smith's Longspurs, but he'll lead you on an outstanding trip full of other great birds.
2008 Smith's Longspur Trip List
Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27
IOS Annual Meeting in Southern Illinois
The 2008 IOS Annual Meeting will be held in the Shawnee National Forest.