Location: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago
Date: Saturday, 05/03/25
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. May is the month packed with the greatest diversity of birds, and Montrose Point is a great place to see a variety of species given its range of microhabitats. Expect lots of common birds plus some number of less common things to keep us on our toes. We’ll be welcoming flycatchers, orioles, warblers, and grosbeaks back to Chicago.
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.