BIRD AND NATURE WALKS
Lake County Audubon Society promotes community engagement with nature by offering guided bird walks at birding hotspots throughout Lake County. Our walks are designed to bring together bird and nature enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experts.
All are welcome to join us! Membership is not required and we do not charge a fee for our walks.
We frequently offer a chance to stay and socialize after walks. Some of our recent social opportunities include visiting local coffee shops, stopping at a brewery, picnicking and enjoying a bonfire together (a crowd favorite!)
Need binoculars? We have loaners available and provide a chance for you to request a pair on our registration form.
Join us and spend time with other community members that share a passion for nature!
Bird and Nature Walk Archive
Illinois Beach State Park - North Unit - May 31, 2025 Joint walk with Chicago Ornithological Society
At the WildThings Conference at the beginning of March, LCAS board member, Carolyn Lueck, met COS board member, Vinod Babu, and said “we should get our two groups together and explore nature!” A couple months later Vinod send an email that set in motion the very first joint walk between the two organizations!
What an outing it was! LCAS wanted to show off one of our premiere birding destinations so we gathered the group at the North Unit of Illinois Beach State Park. Leaders Matt Tobin and Vinod Babu led a group of 20 as we braved cold winds along the lakefront. The birds didn’t care about the weather and we were delighted to find nearly 60 species! While many birds were standouts, without a doubt the favorite sighting was a Mourning Warbler. This stunning migratory bird was heard calling deep in the woods as we travelled along one of the paths. We waited patiently for nearly 15 minutes, hoping the bird would oblige us a brief glimpse of its stunning plumage. Our patience paid off, when suddenly the bird flew up and perched on a branch for well over 5 minutes! It gave everyone incredible views and, for the photographers amongst us, a chance to capture pictures that we share here in our post.
After the walk, nearly all the participants gathered for a chance to socialize and enjoy some breakfast treats. The hot coffee was a group favorite to ward off the unseasonably cold weather. People mingled for nearly 90 minutes after the walk, sharing their favorite sighting of the day, the “Spark Bird” that launched their love of birding, travel experiences and more. Lake County birders shared some ideas for more birding opportunities in the area and soon a group from COS was headed over to Daniel Wright Forest Preserve to catch views of the Prothonotary Warbler that has once again nested there along the Des Plaines River.
We can’t wait for our next joint bird walk! COS will be the host late this summer so make sure to check our websites, newsletters and social media to make sure you get a chance to join us!
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S245537698
Fort Sheridan Walk - May 25, 2025
Our Fort Sheridan walk on Sunday brought out 21 people that braved some chilly temps and overcast skies. The way we were all dressed (check out our group photos) one could think we were out on a mid-March walk instead of the end of May!
Brad Stein led his third walk for Lake County Audubon, joined by board members Matt Tobin and Carolyn Lueck. Not only did we see almost 70 different species of birds, but we got to enjoy the pure beauty of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. The view of the lake along with its large savanna and woodland makes it one of Lake County's loveliest forest preserves that certainly has more to offer than just the beach.
We observed several different types of birds, which is one of the reasons that Ft. Sheridan is a birding hotspot. We saw or heard waterfowl, several woodpeckers (the Red-headed Woodpecker was a treat), many different types of sparrows (including hearing the clear ‘ ts-lick’ of a Henslow’s Sparrow in the prairie), a few flycatcher species including a gorgeous Willow and another that we couldn’t quite decide on the exact species, and three kinds of vireos (punctuated by the really close looks at a migrating Philadelphia). We also managed to view 13 species of warblers! For many of us, especially those who are newer to birding, trying to view 13 different types of small and fast moving warblers can feel challenging. No matter how experienced you are in the field, it's always challenging to see warblers like that, especially in difficult lighting like the overcast skies during our walk.
But the highlight of the walk? The female Baltimore Oriole who flew into her nest right in front of our group! Baltimore Orioles weave a dangling, pendulous nest and to see one, safely hidden, yet in plain sight because of its location adjacent to a bridge, was a true treat. Thanks for spotting it Sue!!
Our eBird list can be viewed by copying this link in your browser: http://ebird.org/checklist/ S242624871
Lyons Woods Forest Preserve Walk for Rainbow Railroad - May 24, 2025
Matt Hayner led this walk through Lyons Woods Forest Preserve for a very special group. Lake County Audubon Society donated a bird-walk to the silent auction held by @WaukeganFriends. The auction was held to raise funds for Rainbow Railroad, a non-profit organization that provides emergency support to the LGBQT+ community across the globe.
In an email to Matt after the walk, one attendee wrote “Your warm manner, enthusiasm and expertise made for such an enjoyable experience. Everyone told me how much they appreciated your guidance. I am so grateful to you for volunteering your time. You introduced us to some amazing birds and I learned a lot. Thanks too for taking the time to send the checklist and all of the information about binoculars.
I have always enjoyed birds but after yesterday, I am more curious and excited to learn!!”
The relaxed pace of the walk allowed for the discovery of many species, including warblers and vireos. The distinctive songs of Orioles, Indigo Buntings and others allowed Matt to point out the importance of ‘birding by ear.’
If you’d like to learn more about Waukegan Friends, please visit their website: waukeganfriends.org
Black-throated Green Warbler photo by Matt Tobin
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S243083261
Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit Walk - May 23, 2025
Charlotte Pavelka and Doug Reitz led a group through the number one eBird hotspot in Lake County. The Philadelphia Vireo was a major standout but nearly 60 species were seen overall.
Philadelphia Vireo photo by Nat Carmichael
Check out our eBird list here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S243083083
Ryerson Conservation Area Birds & Breakfast Walk & Gathering - May 18, 2025
In a preserve that is renowned for the species that can be seen, especially during the peak migration month of May, we knew we need more than one exceptional bird walk leader to optimize viewing opportunities.
Matt Hayner and Matt Tobin split the 36 participants into two groups and led them into different areas of the preserve. Ryerson lived up to its reputation as a premier birding destination!
Afterwards, nearly everyone gathered to enjoy some breakfast treats and coffee, taking the opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and share stories about all things nature. A Black-billed Cuckoo - a ‘lifer’ for nearly all participants! - was hanging out a very short distance from the picnic area and Brad Stein was more than happy to bring small groups over to see this gorgeous bird and hear it’s call.
Special thanks to Sandy Hauri and Diane Rosenberg for putting together such a wonderful selection of tasty treats!
Blacked-billed Cuckoo photo by Brad Stein
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S239917410 and here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S240038171
Adler Memorial Park Walk - May 11, 2025
Charlotte Pavelka and Doug Reitz led a group at this unique location in Lake County. Check out this group bird walk photo commemorating where we saw the Prothonotary Warbler--for many, a lifer bird!
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S236708111
Heller Nature Center Walk - May 9, 2025
Matt Tobin, bird watching extraordinaire, shared his expertise in both seeing and hearing birds with a small group of nature enthusiasts. This intimate group explored this under-birded preserve and rejoiced in sharing sightings with first-time birders. Migratory species continued to delight. We watched some species that were taking opportunities to forage in this beautiful habitat while on their journeys further north to breed. We also witnessed species that will stay the summer with us and wish them success as they raise their families, sheltered in this natural oasis.
We gathered in the parking area after the walk to share our favorite sightings of the day. Highlights were a Green Heron in a small pond, a ‘first of year’ Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Tree Swallows peeking their head out of nesting boxes.
A raccoon discovered lounging in an opening of a tree was an entertaining find.
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S235150528
Van Patten Woods Walk - May 4, 2025
Matt Tobin led this walk as part of a collaboration with the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Highlights included seeing all possible woodpecker species, several shorebird species on the banks of the Des Plaines River, and the continuing arrival of migratory species.
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S233222438
McDonald Woods Forest Preserve Walk - May 25, 2025
A great group came out to McDonald Woods, a great forest preserve that deserves more birding love than it currently receives. Birding and photography enthusiast Brad Stein led us through the varied habitats of prairie, wetlands, forest and pine groves.
Many of us were treated to some ‘first-of-year’ arrivals of Baltimore Orioles and Warbler species. There was great camaraderie between the new attendees and some that have been on walks for years. This provided a great opportunity to not just point out birds but to learn about their migration routes and distinct features, enhancing the experience on this beautiful morning.
We observed a solid mix of species throughout the morning. Some species were only out in the open for a brief moment, or difficult to track in the tree tops, but we were able to get decent looks at a number of different birds throughout the walk.
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S232749197
Waukegan Beach Walk - May 2, 2025
Nat Carmichael, an exceptional birder and photographer, led our group of 16 on a chilly Friday morning. We started at the public beach and walked north along the lakefront, checking for shorebirds. What a treat when we spotted a Piping Plover!! The unbanded male was likely headed further north to Canada, Michigan or Wisconsin. Several Waukegan Piping Plover monitors were on the walk and this was quite a thrill. We are waiting for Blaze and Pepper to return to our shores any day! Along the way to the swale, Nat spotted a Yellow-headed Blackbird fly over the dunes! The species, once fairly common to the area, has been driven out by Red-winged Blackbirds. Seeing a YHB was a ‘life-bird’ for many.
Outside of a pair of Greater Yellowlegs in the swale and a few Spotted Sandpipers, the shorebirds were elusive, likely delayed on migration due to the unseasonably cold weather. Other highlights viewed from the beach were seeing all three terns: Caspian, Common and Least. A group of 4 Green Herons were spotted in the swale.
The Stiner Pavilion yielded an incredible array of species. The group were treated to unbelievable views of a Veery, 8 species of warblers including an Ovenbird who obliged the group by posing for pictures. Check out our eBird list to see the full array of 73 - yes 73! - species!
Photos in video by Nat Carmichael. In order, the species shown are: Piping Plover, Forster’s Tern, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Veery, Clay-colored Sparrow and Yellow Warbler.
Our eBird list can be viewed here : http://ebird.org/checklist/ S242624871
Ryerson Conservation Area Walk - April 25, 2025
The magic of Ryerson Conservation Area that is springtime!
On April 25, 18 bird and nature lovers enjoyed a beautiful spring day at the incomparable Ryerson Conservation Area.
From fuzzy Barred owlets to a woodland floor bursting with wildflowers and even an emergence of ground-nesting wild bees, nature was on full display. With the aid of expert guides, birders logged an impressive 39 species of birds, including spring migrators like Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers, Northern Waterthrush, Palm, Tennessee and Nashville Warblers, as well as Ryerson's local favorite resident, the Pileated Woodpecker.
Though there were several contenders, the favorite bird of the day would have to go to the adult Barred owl and two fluffy owlets. The excitement was electric as the group learned the well-camouflaged threesome was spotted in the trees along the trail. With hushed voices and quiet movements, birders observed the resting owls, several noting that the Barred owls were "lifer" birds for them. All agreed this was a great start to the migration season bird walks!
Barred Owlet photo by Christian Deme.
Our eBird list can be viewed here: http://ebird.org/checklist/ S242624871
Independence Grove Forest Preserve - April 19, 2025
Experienced Lake County Audubon Society walk leaders Donna Kenski and Matt Tobin for a trip around Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. This is a perfect preserve for both new and seasoned birders, and the large lake offered us expansive views.
Swallows were a big feature of the walk. Six species - Bank, Barn, Cliff, North Rough-winged and Tree Swallows, along with Purple Martins, were seen showing off acrobatic moves as they hunted insects over the lake surfaces
A stretch along the Des Plaines River attracted many land species to the adjacent vegetation, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows, and finches.
Trip Leaders helped with identification questions during the trip.
Our eBird list for Independence Grove can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S227136905
Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve Walk - April 13, 2025
Our eBird list for Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve can be viewed here: http://ebird.org/checklist/ S242624871
Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve - April 12, 2025
There are times when nature gifts us a near- perfect day.
This was the case on our Saturday morning walk at the Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve, owned by Lake Forest Open Lands (#LFOLA). They graciously allowed us to bring in a small group of bird enthusiasts to search for early migratory species. It is a stunning preserve with 1.5 miles of trails winding along three ravines, with direct access to Lake Michigan.
LCAS board members Matt Hayner and Matt Tobin led our group as we took our time exploring. April is a principal spring migration month for the Lake Michigan Flyway, a key North American bird migration route, and the contiguous Greene Preserve and Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve serve as important stopover habitat for birds on their journeys.
We were thrilled to have two #lakeforestcollege students join us for the walk. The group was checking out a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds when suddenly one of the students cried out “An owl! My First Owl!” She spotted an adult Great Horned Owl! We started scanning the nearby area and discovered an owlet!
While the day started a bit chilly, birdsong intensified as the temperatures started rising and our sightings increased as we all started shedding layers when temps hit 50.
We spotted 44 species! Highlights: Brown Creepers seemingly everywhere, a gorgeous Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Winter Wren, newly-arrived Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Wood Duck hanging out on a tree limb. Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S225013614
A group of five went to the Preserve of Highland Park after the walk, where highlights included great looks at a common loon as well as the overlook of the Great Blue Heron and Great Horned Owl nests. Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S225019450
Thank you to everyone that contributed to a beautiful morning of camaraderie and an appreciation of the habitats that provide a safe space for plants, wildlife and all of us.
Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve - April 11, 2025
It was a chilly evening for our annual Woodcock Walk at Middlefork Savanna. Matt Tobin started the walk by leading our group of 25 to the Middlefork Farm pond, located just north of the parking lot across the playing field We checked for waterfowl and any early arrivals of egrets or herons. We saw Wood Ducks, Mallard, Blue-winged and Green-winged teals but the highlight of the pond was a stunning Great Blue Heron. The fading evening sun cast the most spectacular lighting on this beautiful bird.
Matt then led us out into the open prairie as the sun began to fade into the horizon. There was a mix of background sounds at dusk and continuing after sunset that drown out some of the woodcock vocals. The other bird species such as Canada geese, mallards, killdeer, and song sparrows were still actively vocalizing past sunset, plus chorus frogs were also very active and loud. But we did our best to pinpoint the woodcocks/snipes among the background commotion and keen listeners were finally treated to the distinct “Peet-peet’ of a calling Woodcock.
Our eBird list can be viewed here : https://ebird.org/checklist/S224728180
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve Walk - March 29, 2025
On his first trip as a Lake County Audubon bird-walk leader, Brad Stein guided our group of 18 as we headed out to explore this stunning forest preserve.
Being springtime in Illinois, we experienced occasional light rain, but our birders were undeterred. The marsh offered an impressive variety of birds, including 12 species of waterfowl, alongside American Coots and a Pied-billed Grebe. A Great Egret soared overhead, prompting a shout of, “that’s the first egret of the year!”
We spotted several American Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos, which will soon be departing our area on their way north, while local breeders like Song Sparrows were regularly seen and heard singing throughout the preserve. Tree Swallows gracefully swooped over the marshes, while Golden-crowned Kinglets, one of our favorite spring migrants, danced among the trees and shrubs, their distinctive chattering filling the air.
The sense of camaraderie amongst the birders gathered was evident, as newcomers mingled with long-time participants. We particularly enjoyed the trails that led us INTO the two pine groves.
After the Cuba Marsh walk, a smaller group made their way to nearby Paulus Park. Lake Zurich is a regular migratory stopover for a number of species, and we observed 22 Horned Grebes, 9 Pied-billed Grebes, and 4 Common Loons, along with a large gathering of American Coots and a few Lesser Scaup out on the lake.
Thank you to everyone who made this day so enjoyable and we can’t wait to share another spectacular Lake County preserve with all of you soon!
Our eBird list for Cuba Marsh can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S221654211 and for Paulus Park here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S221661228
Chain O’Lakes Walk - March 22, 2025
It was a Bald Eagle Fest on our Chain O' Lakes bird walk on March 22nd! Twenty two attendees were treated to all "trim levels" of Bald Eagles, from the mottled brown and white of immature birds to the classic white head and tail of fully mature adults, all were a majestic sight to see soaring overhead!
Along with numerous eagles, our group observed an additional 38 species, including a fan favorite cooperative Brown Creeper. Birders marveled at the creeper's effective camouflage, often seeming to disappear into the tree bark.
Our trip began at the Boat Launch with American White Pelicans putting on their amazing aerial display and a pair of Belted Kingfishers fishing (successfully!) in the bay. Next up was Pike Marsh where we enjoyed watching Sandhill Cranes feed before moving on to the Goldfinch Trail searching for elusive sparrows and catching a view of a fast-moving Osprey, which for many was their first sighting of the year.
At 2,793 acres and 488 miles of coastline, Chain O'Lakes State Park might seem overwhelming, but thanks to our skilled leaders, Charlotte and Doug, all were able to enjoy the park's stunning vistas and its wide variety of birds.🌅🐦
Immature Bald Eagle and Brown Creeper by Christian Deme; Sandhill Crane by Brad Stein
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S220364644
Fox River Forest Preserve Walk - March 16, 2025
Two days after temperatures reached the 70s, a typical Midwest weather swing brought a chilly day and a morning full of snowy precipitation. Seven hardy birders endured the wintry conditions to enjoy a bird walk at Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington. Despite reduced visibility looking out at the river and the need to regularly wipe off wet lenses on the binoculars, the group observed 35 species during their snowy walk around the site, including northern shovelers, blue and green-winged teal, eastern bluebirds, fox sparrows, and a bald eagle!
Our eBird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S221654211
North Point Marina Walk - January 11, 2025
Snow may have fallen on Friday but Saturday brought stunning sunshine for our second bird walk of 2025. A group of 20 made the trip to North Point Marina (NPM) to see some waterfowl on a beautiful Saturday morning. NPM is a premier birding spot to visit in the winter, especially for waterfowl and gulls.
The group started at State Line beach to see if the Harlequin or Long-tailed ducks were in the area. Unfortunately, neither made an appearance, but there were great views of Common Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Mergansers bobbing on the gentle waves. The group then moved to the north end of the harbor by the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club building. Sharp-eyed birders picked out a Cackling Goose amongst hundreds of Canada Geese. Cackling Geese are small, short-necked and stubby-billed, sometimes showing a white neck collar. We’ve included a great picture of the Cackling next to a Canada so viewers can see the difference. There were also Ring-necked and Ruddy Ducks, Redheads, Greater Scaup and even an American Coot. The Gulls remained mostly off-shore and appeared to be a mix of Herring and Ring-billed.
The group headed to the south end of NPM for the last segment of the morning walk, where they checked the marina from a different angle and looked for waterfowl offshore around the northern part of Illinois Beach State Park North Unit. A final stroll along the woodland trail yielded a few land species in a lovely winter landscape.
Our eBird list can be viewed here: http://ebird.org/checklist/ S242624871
Captain Daniel Wright Forest Preserve Walk - January 10, 2025
Our first bird walk of 2025 was a wonderful outing! The snow served up a beautiful backdrop as a dozen nature lovers bundled up to set out on the trails. Many new faces joined leader Matt Tobin and we hope they enjoyed the birds, gorgeous scenery and conversations.
Daniel Wright Forest Preserve is an excellent spot to visit in the winter. The woods (which are being carefully restored) provide a haven and sustenance in the winter for many species including a variety of woodpeckers, sparrows, thrushes and finches.
The Des Plaines River, running along the west side of the preserve, generally remains open during the winter, offering a chance to see waterfowl like Common Goldeneye, Common and Hooded Mergansers and our beloved Mallards. Belted Kingfishers also take advantage of the open waters and their loud rattling calls echo across the preserve.
Our sharp-eyed team spotted 23 species this morning. Stephen Hurst, a local birder and photographer, joined us on the walk and contributed some pictures for this post.
We look forward to another excellent opportunity to view winter birds and share time with fellow nature enthusiasts at our next walk at North Point Marina, January 11th! The Harlequin & Long-tailed ducks were seen by birders today alongside Ruddy, Ring-necked, Redheads, Mergansers and more.
Photos by: Stephen Hurst, William Morris, Carolyn Lueck, Matt Tobin
Our eBird list can be viewed here: http://ebird.org/checklist/ S242624871