Please join us for native seed distribution at Carruthers Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, where we will spread seeds that we previously collected and processed so that they settle in for spring growth in the preserve’s meadow areas. This is a continuing collaborative effort between Lake/Cook Audubon and the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, transitioning this property into an improved habitat for birds and other animal species by improving the native plant offerings. The property It lies along the North-South greenway, adjacent to the north branch of the Chicago River.
Be sure to wear sturdy footwear because we will walk a small distance off the trail/boardwalks. Dress warmly and consider waterproof boots. The ground is frozen at present. You can bring your own gloves, or we will have some available (these are thinner but can be used to cover your own warmer ones). Water, snacks and hot drinks will be provided.
NOTE: Backup weather date is Thursday January 29.
Directions: If you are heading north on Route 41, turn left (west) on Westleigh Rd and drive 1/2 mile to Wallace Rd. Turn right and park on the street. From Waukegan Rd (Route 43), turn east onto Westleigh Rd, pass the West Skokie River entrance, turn left (north) and park along Wallace Rd. The sign for Carruthers is on the corner. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGFAG74a9zKFtm3C6?g_st=i&utm_campaign=ac-im
Registration: Please email Maureen Marsh at firefeats@hotmail.com to let her know you will participate.
Southern California: Sea, Mountains & Desert
Led by Red Hill Birding’s Steve Huggins, this trip will begin in Los Angeles, end in San Diego and take us out of the cold Chicago winter to varied (and much warmer!) habitats including the Pacific Ocean Coast, high mountains, vast deserts and bird-rich wetlands. We’ll see many of the common and widespread specialties of California like California Scrub-Jay, California Condor, LeConte’s Thrasher and Mountain Quail; endangered species like California Gnatcatcher; endemic species like Yellow-billed Magpie and Island Scrub-Jay; uncommon species like Lawrence’s Goldfinch; coastal Pacific specialties like Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Bran’s and Pelagic Cormorants, and Pacific Loon; and much more. We’ll also look for pelagic species on our boat ride to Santa Cruz Island. Maximum 7 participants.
Priority to Lake/Cook Chapter members.
Email renabird3@gmail.com if you are interested in a complete itinerary and cost.
North Carolina: Six Days from Raleigh to the Outer Banks
Led by Ron Martin, the leader on our 2023 North Dakota trip who has since relocated to North Carolina, this trip will take us from Raleigh to Hatteras for a pelagic trip to the Outer Banks. Target species range from landbirds like Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Swainson’s Warbler, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Bachman’s Sparrow to coastal specialties such as Sandwich and Gull-billed Terns as well as multiple pelagic shearwater and storm-petrel species. We will also include stops of historic significance at The Wright Brothers Memorial and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Maximum 14 participants.
Priority to Lake/Cook Chapter members.
Email bonnieduman@gmail.com if you are interested in a complete itinerary and cost.