Bird/Nature Outings
Birding by Ear in Spring
Trip Leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
An under-birded preserve with easy access for most Lake County residents. Our easy two mile loop will take us past several small ponds, through savanna and then through a more wooded area.
The area has wide trails and is more open which makes viewing somewhat easier. A special focus of this walk will be Birding by Ear. We will practice using Merlin to help us recognize some of the singing species as well as discuss mnemonics and tips to make remembering these songs easier. This is particularly good habitat for vireo species. We will practice listening to the difference in their calls and then observing them high in the treetops.
Location: Ryerson Conservation Area
Time: 7:00, 7:15 or 7:30 am. Please choose available time slot at registration.
Walk will last around 2.5 - 3 hours
Each group will be capped at 12 participants.
A waitlist will be added if needed
Trip leaders:
Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Donna Kenski (847) 347–3474
Matt Tobin (847) 951-1483
Ryerson is a very special place with exceptional natural areas leading to its dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve. The combination of savannas, wetlands and deep mature woodlands along the Des Plaines River attracts a high number of migratory birds (and birders) in the spring. Did you know that 34 species of warblers, 6 vireos, 5 thrushes and many more migrants have been historically recorded at this preserve? This is the place in Lake County to be in the spring to see both tropical migrants plus our resident species including red-headed and pileated woodpeckers.
Directions and parking instructions are given in the registration link.
Spotlight Link: Planning on visiting on your own? Here’s the link: Ryerson Area Description & Map
Trip leaders: Doug Reitz & Charlotte Pavelka (847) 347-8416
Don Wilson (224) 639-3158
Birds and Brews - Evening Walk
Can’t make an early morning walk on weekdays? Join us for this evening walk from the North Point Marina south lot to one of the birdiest areas of Illinois Beach State Park just a few blocks away. Although not quite as productive as the morning, most birds tend to be fairly active in the spring in the last couple of hours before sunset. Migrating warblers, vireos, and flycatchers plus possible rails and grassland species will keep us busy. If you like, join us after the walk at the Harbor Brewing seasonal Biergarten across the street from our parking lot for beer or wine or a non-alcoholic drink and talk about the birds you have seen this spring and suggestions for birding locations.