Many birders shy away from shorebird identification because they think “all shorebirds look the same.” With spring migration just around the corner, award-winning local birder Geoff Williamson will dispel that notion by illustrating the importance of shape, structure and proportion in identifying major types of shorebirds as well as in differentiating between similar-looking species. In fact, plumage features come into play only to decide between two or three species. Geoff’s program will be followed by a short walk outside at dusk to see American Woodcocks display. (Bring binoculars!)

An hour from the north suburbs, Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve is 757 acres of newly restored prairie and wetlands in Kane County and one of the newest birding hotspots in Chicagoland. In the spring the ponds boast a variety of waterfowl as well as shorebirds such as Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, various sandpipers, and others as they stop on their way to breeding grounds up north. Grassland possibilities include species like Vesper Sparrow, Lapland and Smith’s Longspurs, American Pipit, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Eastern and occasional Western Meadowlarks, early Bobolinks and more.

NOTE: The paths are a mixture of crushed limestone and cut grass that can be wet and muddy, weather depending. Please dress appropriately. Bring scopes if you have them.

Directions: The parking lot entrance is at 42W855 Bahr Road. (Do NOT go to the Rohrsen Road address.) From the north suburbs, take I-294 south, drive 12 miles to exit 40B to take I-90 west to Rockford. Drive 30 miles to exit 47 for IL-47 south. Continue for 6.8 miles, turn left onto Bahr Road, and turn right into the parking lot.

 Leaders: John Sprovieri and Regina McNulty 630-347-5991

Please register for the Muirhead Springs bird walk HERE so that we can get a headcount and contact you in the event of a date change due to weather conditions.