The trails in this Lake County Forest Preserve move from pine grove to prairie to oak woodland, providing diverse habitats for migrants as well as resident birds. Species seen here at this time last year range from a few late warblers and thrushes to Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, assorted sparrows on the way to their wintering grounds, and even Tufted Titmouse not typically seen in our area.
Directions: The preserve is located at 10200 Blanchard, Waukegan. The entrance is on Blanchard Road, just west of Sheridan Road, north of Bowen Prak and south of Yorkhouse Road.
Leaders: Wanda Supanich 224-433-1675 and Susan Lamberts
Please register for Lyons Woods -Waukegan here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.
The rolling topography of this preserve is filled with multiple wetlands, making it a magnet for migrating waterfowl and reclusive marsh residents like Wilson’s Snipe. The large open space can also offer great views of migrating raptors, and special late October sightings over the last few years have included Purple Finch, American Pipit, Snow Bunting and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Directions: From US-41 N, exit west on IL-173, drive 1.5 miles to Hunt Club Rd., turn north. Preserve is on the east side. We will meet in the main lot.
Leader: Nancy Tikalsky 773-655-0269
Please register for Pine Dunes Forest Preserve here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.
Texas Hill Country and Big Bend Led by Red Hill Birding
Texas Hill Country and Big Bend National Park are must-visit U.S. destinations for avid birders. Highlights include Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, two endangered migratory songbirds that breed exclusively in south central Texas; Colima Warbler, a montane species found nowhere else in the U.S.; and stunners like Painted Bunting, Painted Redstart, Lucifer Hummingbird, Greater Roadrunner and many more – plus the spectacle of millions of Mexican Free-tailed Bats leaving their roosting cave in a small town 90 minutes west of San Antonio in the evening.
Red Hill’s last trip here tallied 181 species, including the Elf Owl that was voted #1 bird of the trip. The lodge at Big Bend is scheduled to close for renovations at the end of the season, so this will be the last opportunity to make the trip for several years.
Email renabird3@gmail.com for a detailed itinerary and pricing. Space is limited; Lake/Cook members have priority.