Join us to bird one of the most important sites for biodiversity in Illinois, named for the waterway known as the Middle Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River that transects the property. Featuring a rare tallgrass savanna ecosystem as well as wetland, woodlands, prairies and open fields, this preserve is a prime spot for viewing fall migrants like Fox, White-crowned and Lincoln’s Sparrows as well as Sandhill Cranes, Wilson’s Snipe, Northern Harrier and a variety of migrating waterfowl. Special mid-October sightings in recent years have included Harris’ Sparrow, Purple Finch and the spectacle of hundreds of undulating Pine Siskins swooping over the fields. European Goldfinch are also becoming increasingly common sightings here.

Directions: The preserve is located at 1401 Middlefork Dr in Lake Forest. From Route 60, take Route 43 north to Westmoreland Dr./Middlefork Dr. Turn left to the parking lot.

Leaders: Charlotte Pavelka and Doug Reitz (847) 347-8416

Please register for the MIddlefork Savanna walk here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.

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, accessed through the Middlefork Savanna parking lot. Come any time from 10 am-4 pm, and stay as long as you like – no registration required.

Sponsored by Lake Forest Open Lands Association and designed for novice and experienced birders alike, this activity 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 44 species from warblers and finches to hawks to herons.  There will be binoculars, scopes, and a few chairs, but you may want to bring your own.  Families are welcome.

Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, keeping in mind that you won’t be moving around very much. Consider sunscreen and insect repellent.  Make sure to apply any repellents while in the parking lot to minimize impact on wildlife.

Leaders:  Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416 and Doug Reitz (847) 549-8814

Note:  The Big Sit will follow Lake/Cook’s Middlefork Savanna field trip, which starts at 7:30 am.  Come to one or both!

Directions: Drive to Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve at 1401 Middlefork Dr in Lake Forest (enter from Waukegan Rd north of Deerpath Road). Park at Elawa Farms/Middlefork Savanna paved or gravel lot.  Make sure to cross the field/playground space to the north and look for the LFOLA green sign to Middlefork Farm on the edge of the woods.

Any time is a good time to bird this jewel of a preserve, but fall birding here provides the bonus of an organized hawk watch that has been in operation since 2013 to monitor the migration of raptors along the western shore of Lake Michigan. From the savanna in the center to the bluff and lakefront on the east, historic parade ground on the south and military cemetery on the north, early October can be filled with birdlife. Be prepared to walk the preserve as well as hang out at the hawk watch to look for raptors with birders who can identify approaching buteos and accipiters when they’re just specks in the sky.

Directions: Access the Preserve from Sheridan Road at the stoplight at Old Elm. Follow the access road to the stop sign and turn left (east). Continue east to Gilgare Lane. Turn left and continue to the parking lot. Meet at the Hawk Watch picnic tables at the west end of the parking lot.  (Map)

Leaders: Pieter Bonin (540) 454-9394 and Rena Cohen (847) 971-1107

Please register for the Fort Sheridan trip here so that we can get a head count and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.