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Upcoming Events

 
Field Trips and Events
COS in the Suburbs: Crabtree Nature Center
Apr 13
Crabtree Nature Center
COS in the Suburbs: Crabtree Nature Center
Crabtree Nature Center

RSVP Required

Experience birding in April in the northwest suburbs. A diversity of birds can be found throughout the prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats.

Crabtree Nature Center
Ducks and More at Baker's Lake
Apr 13
Baker's Lake Nature Preserve
Ducks and More at Baker's Lake
Baker's Lake Nature Preserve

RSVP Required

Join COS at Baker’s Lake as we enjoy enjoy ducks, other birds, scenery, and the company of the birding community!

Baker's Lake Nature Preserve
The Nighthawk at North Park Village Nature Center
Apr 14
North Park Village Nature Center
The Nighthawk at North Park Village Nature Center
North Park Village Nature Center

RSVP Required

Join us for a program all about the mysterious nighthawk; what makes them tick, why are they disappearing, and what's being done to save them right here in Chicago.

North Park Village Nature Center
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Apr 15
North Pond Casting Pier
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
North Pond Casting Pier

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

North Pond Casting Pier
LaBagh Woods Beginner Bird Walk
Apr 19
Labagh Woods
LaBagh Woods Beginner Bird Walk
Labagh Woods

RSVP Required

Join us on a hike through the woods to observe spring migrants as well as the wood's year-round residents. All ages and experience levels are welcome!

Labagh Woods
Marian Byrnes - Birds & Botany
Apr 19
Marian Byrnes Natural Area
Marian Byrnes - Birds & Botany
Marian Byrnes Natural Area

RSVP Required

With over 100 acres of wetlands, prairie, and savannah to explore, we'll be on the look out for a variety of early migrants including rails, warblers, sparrows, and raptors.

Marian Byrnes Natural Area
Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk
Apr 19
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk
Humboldt Park

RSVP Required

Join us as we explore Humboldt Park in search of spring birds in this incredible oasis in the surrounding urban environment.

Humboldt Park
Sunrise Bird Walk at Montrose Point
Apr 20
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Sunrise Bird Walk at Montrose Point
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

RSVP Required

Join us at Montrose for spring migration birding at sunrise.

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Beginner Birding at Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Apr 20
Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Beginner Birding at Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary

RSVP Required

This slow-paced morning observing birds at Jarvis is just for beginners.

Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Beginner Bird Walk at Washington Park
Apr 20
Washington Park
Beginner Bird Walk at Washington Park
Washington Park

RSVP Required

End the daylight hours with at Washington Park at this trip specifically for beginners.

Washington Park
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Apr 22
North Pond Casting Pier
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
North Pond Casting Pier

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

North Pond Casting Pier
City Nature Challenge 2026
Apr 24
City Nature Challenge 2026

COS is excited to once again be a co-organizer of the Chicago area team in this year’s City Nature Challenge!

The Chicago Birder Blog

 
Blog
Field Trip Recap: LaBagh Woods
Field Trip Recap: LaBagh Woods

COS member Kris Hansen recaps the bird walk at LaBagh Woods on Friday, April 10.

Field Trip Recap: Woodcock Walk at Marian Byrnes Park
Field Trip Recap: Woodcock Walk at Marian Byrnes Park

COS member Joann Umeki recaps the 150th bird walk that President Edward Warden has led for COS.

Field Trip Recap: Woodcock Walk at Indian Boundary Prairies
Field Trip Recap: Woodcock Walk at Indian Boundary Prairies

COS member Kris Hansen recaps the walk at Paintbrush Prairie that found no American Woodcocks but lots of Wilson’s Snipe and garter snakes.

Field Trip Recap: Montrose Point Beginner Bird Walk
Field Trip Recap: Montrose Point Beginner Bird Walk

COS member Lauren Kostas recaps the Montrose Point Beginning Birder walk Feb. 28.

Field Trip Recap: Sunday Social at Humboldt Park
Field Trip Recap: Sunday Social at Humboldt Park

COS member Steve Whitman recaps the Sunday Social at Humboldt Park on March 15.

The Cranes Have Landed
The Cranes Have Landed

Read about last year’s close encounters with Sandhill Cranes around Chicago.