Field Trips - February 2008

Saturday, February 02, 2008 - 07:00 PM

Starved Rock Dam (LaSalle County)

Leader: Bob and Karen Fisher, BFisher928 [at] aol [dot] com, (630) 985-2956

We will check the Illinois Waterways Lock 7 Dam for Eagles, Gulls, and waterfowl. If conditions are right, we will check the LaSalle Co. area for possible Snowy Owls, Gyrfalcons, field birds, longspurs, and buntings. We will combine this trip with COS. Be sure to bring walkie-talkies and scopes if you have them. Dress warmly.

Directions: Take I -80 west, exit Utica (IL-178) south. Go through Utica to Dee Bennett Rd. (just before the river) and turn left (east) and continue to the Visitor Center for the dam on your right. Please register with leaders in case of cancellation.

Saturday, February 09, 2008 - 07:00 PM

Gull Frolic

The Seventh Annual IOS Gull Frolic will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club at the North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Registration begins at 8AM. A program on ‘Winter Bird Visitors’ by Geoff Williamson will be presented in the morning and afternoon. A display of winter bird specimens will be available to examine up close and personal, thanks to Doug Stotz of The Field Museum. Our renowned Gull experts will again be available to answer questions.



The $10 registration fee will include: 1) Breakfast with muffins, doughnuts, fruit, coffee and tea; 2) Lunch with the world famous Sea Gull Stew, Vegetarian Lasagna, pizza, a drink, salad, and a nice cookie for dessert; 3) Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available all day.



Additionally the fee will help defray facility expenses, and any surplus will go to the IOS Research Grant Program to benefit Illinois birds and birding. In 2007 IOS awarded two $500 grants.



Volunteers are still needed. Sponsors are also needed. Individual contributions are also welcomed. Contributions can be mailed to: IOS, PO Box 931, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Make checks payable to: IOS Gull Frolic. Contact Denis Bohm, (847) 235-2738 or by e-mail at Denismb [at] aol [dot] com 2007 Gull Frolic Trip List

Directions: To reach the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club take the I-94 toll road north towards Milwaukee. Exit at Route 173. Turn right (east) and go to Sheridan Road (Rt. 137). Turn left and proceed to 7th Street. Turn right on 7th Street and follow the North Point Marina signs to the yacht club. DO NOT SPEED on 7th Street! It is actively patrolled by the Winthrop Harbor police.