In this trip, we'll visit the canyons at the back of Starved Rock State Park (starting at Illinois Canyon) and the Illinois river at Lone Point Shelter. We'll also visit the LaSalle Lake SFWA. In the canyons, we can expect to see our hardiest winter songbirds like winter wrens, nuthatches, chickadees and kinglets. The icy beauty of the canyons and the frozen seeps and waterfalls will be a highlight. On the river, we'll look for waterfowl and eagles. On the drive to LaSalle Lake, we are likely to see winter seed-eating birds like horned larks as well as Northern Harriers. At LaSalle, we can observe wintering geese and swans, and more harriers and eagles.

Leaders: Vinod Babu

This trip is now full. Please contact Vinod Babu (pavinodbabu@gmail.com) or Aerin Tedesco (aerintedesco@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or to be added to a wait list.

Accessibility:
Total trip distance is 2 miles or less of walking. The trails in the canyons will be icy or slushy. The rest of the trip will be easier, involving drive-stop-and-walk birding.

Parking lot portable toilets are available.

Weather/Attire/Other:
Please bring your hiking boots on this trip. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a heavy coat, hat, and gloves. Loaner binoculars will be available.

Location and Transportation:
The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free parking is available at the parking lot. The sites on this trip are not accessible by public transit.

Public Health:
Please bring a face mask with you. You may be asked to wear it as needed by the trip leader.