Trip leader: Matt Tobin, (847) 951-1483
Continue the inaugural Bird Lake County year with a trip to another popular winter destination for waterfowl! Waukegan Harbor is an attractive location for waterfowl to seek refuge and find food during the cold weather, and its proximity along Lake Michigan brings in many migrating waterfowl for a stopover. Numerous gulls often pack together on the harbor structures, while raptors such as Bald Eagles and American Kestrels may be observed hunting along the lakefront. The walk around the site generally allows for very good views of waterfowl within the harbor, but some birds can be observed farther out on Lake Michigan. Binoculars are fine for most of the close birds, but a scope is useful for more distant birds.
Birders of any experience are always welcome at our walks. Loaner pairs of binoculars will be available, and there will likely be a scope or two on hand. Please dress accordingly for the weather. Depending on how the walk at Waukegan Harbor goes, there may be an add-on trip to Bowen Park or Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, about a 5-minute drive north, to look for some woodland species. After the walk, feel free to join Audubon members at Bob and Anne's Restaurant in Waukegan for coffee and conversation.
Directions and parking instructions for the walk are included in the registration link below.
If you are unable to attend the walk and would like to visit Waukegan Harbor on your own during February, a location spotlight page and bird checklist are available to provide information for your trip.
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