Location: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago

Date: Saturday, 04/19/25

Time: 7:00 AM - ~10:00 AM

This trip is specifically for beginning birders. If you are not new to birding, please be considerate and make this space available for beginners.

We will focus on birding basics and identifying the most common birds in Chicago.  During April, Spring migration is really starting to ramp up. Ducks, loons, and grebes are passing through, rails and shorebirds are beginning to arrive, the squawk of Caspian Terns signals their return to Chicago, and sapsuckers and flickers have joined the resident woodpeckers. We also expect swallows, kinglets, creepers, and wrens. It’s a good month for sparrows and blackbirds, and though most warblers have yet to arrive, we’ll see a number of Yellow-rumpeds. In sum, we will have a lot of birds to help us hone our identification skills.

Leaders: Christine Williamson and Geoff Williamson

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Christine Williamson (birdchris@aol.com) or Chris Holden (twoheadedvireo@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total walking distance during the trip will be approximately 2 miles. The trip will take place on mostly paved but some unpaved trails, all with minimal incline. We may leave the trail at times to walk through the grass for a better view of the birds. Any recent rain may create muddy conditions.

Restrooms are available at the beach house during beach hours.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Trip participants should wear appropriate clothes (including rain gear and a hat and gloves if the weather is wet or cold); boots or shoes (waterproof would be good); bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope if they have them and can carry them; bring at least one filled water bottle and snacks in your backpack; and use eBird on your phone or a small pad of paper to record the birds you see while in the field.

Loaner binoculars will be available.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Metered parking is available on Montrose Harbor Drive and free parking is available on Montrose Avenue. Montrose Bird Sanctuary is accessible by public transit via the 78 bus.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks