COS and Sierra Club joined forces again to go out and experience nature in Chicago, this time at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. The group toured Montrose Beach and observed Kildeer, Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Terns, Caspian Terns, and Forster's Terns. Next they entered the vegetated "bird and butterfly" area of the sanctuary to see a variety of birds and insects.
Read MoreAlex Bloss, Sam Burckhardt, Jill Niland, Marcus Roening (from Washington state) and I roamed around a waterlogged Montrose Point for a while, this morning, under the auspices of the Chicago Ornithological Society. The actual walk had few highlights, perhaps the best being an American Redstart.
Read MoreOn another not-so-birdy day, Lisa Hipes led a great group of seven birders at this very pretty preserve. We were able to help a brand new birder, who joined the group toward the end of the trip, find his life male black throated blue warbler, a showy red-breasted grosbeak, a great crested flycatcher, and a very vocal song sparrow.
Read MoreGeoff Williamson and Jill Niland lead the birding and nature walk at LaBagh Woods on Saturday, May 19. Even though it was very quiet, they found interesting "other-than-bird species." However, Geoff did a great job, as usual, of finding birds by ear.
Read MoreThree birders braved inclement weather at Humboldt Park on April 28, to learn a bit more about birding by ear. Sam Burckhardt led us in overcast windy 45 degree weather; luckily down pour had just ended. We had 46 species. Despite the weather, we had good views of several warbler species, and a snipe that was very visible on a mowed lawn. Sam adeptly pointed out the songs and calls of a variety of birds.
Read MoreBeau Schaefer led a COS group of 10 birders on April 22nd at Rollins Savanna. It was a little chilly but the wind held off until the last part of the trip. Had some nice birds including great looks at one of 5 HENSLOW'S SPARROWS. Beau was able to get a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD in the scope atop a cattail for all of about 2 sec. before it dove back into the mass. Only 1 other birder had a chance to see it then, but three others who went back after the group dispersed did also find it. We also had FOY BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and WARBLING VIREO.
Read MoreTwenty-two observers participated in the Lake Calumet Earth Day Birding hike on Sunday morning (22 April 2012). The walk was sponsored by Audubon Chicago Region, Chicago Ornithological Society, Bronzeville Historical Society, and the Illinois International Port District.
Read MoreThanks to Dave Willard and the Field Museum for hosting COS this past Saturday. Sixteen participants were treated to up close views of some of the largest (Wandering Albatross, Harpy Eagle), smallest (Bee Hummingbird), and strangest (a number of Birds of Paradise) birds that nature has to offer.
Read MoreThis weekend trip was led by Dr. Jeff Walk of The Nature Conservancy. Jeff grew up in the area and knows it well. On Saturday, we scoured farm fields in the Newton-Prairie Ridge area. With a full moon and the wee hours of Sunday, we headed out to watch a show of Prairie Chickens.
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At the Cache River Nature Fest Birding Blitz teams compete to see and hear the most species of birds in a 24-hour period, while raising money for conservation in southernmost Illinois. Teams can search for birds throughout the area of southernmost Illinois, from Jackson, Williamson, Saline, and Gallatin counties south through Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties.
Read MoreCOS members and friends are invited to join the Chicago Group of the Sierra Club for Chicago Park Nature Tours, a six-trip series of walks for beginning bird and nature watchers from April through September.
Spend a few hours learning about nature, native plants and urban wildlife in Chicago parks.
Read MoreTake a journey deep into the cloud forest and learn about the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and its natural history. On the way, we'll learn about many other species of birds endemic to the highlands of northern mesoamerica
Join Rob and Tara Cahill of Community Cloud Forest Conservation as they share their experiences from 10 years in Guatemala's central highlands.
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