Chicago Ornithological Society
Calendar
Contact Shop Search
Field Trips and Programs Conservation and Advocacy LaBagh Woods Project Calumet Initiative Chicago Nighthawk Project Doug Anderson Grant Photo Contest 2025
Leadership & Committees
Blog Member Magazine e-newsletter
Join Volunteer Donate
What We Do Field Trips and Programs Conservation and Advocacy LaBagh Woods Project Calumet Initiative Chicago Nighthawk Project Doug Anderson Grant Photo Contest 2025 About Leadership & Committees Calendar The Chicago Birder Blog Member Magazine e-newsletter Get Involved Join Volunteer Donate
Chicago Ornithological Society
ContactShopSearch

COS Calendar

pileated.jpg
Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk
Dec
7
10:00 AM10:00
Field Trip

Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk

  • Sunday, December 7, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Humboldt Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join us as we explore Humboldt Park in search of winter birds in this incredible oasis in the surrounding urban environment.

View Event →
Owls of Chicago at North Park Village
Dec
7
1:00 PM13:00
In Person Program

Owls of Chicago at North Park Village

  • Sunday, December 7, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 13:00 14:00
  • North Park Village Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society at North Park Village Nature Center as we take a deep dive into everything we know about Chicago's many owls!

View Event →
Marian R. Byrnes Natural Area Owl Prowl
Dec
11
6:00 PM18:00
Field Trip

Marian R. Byrnes Natural Area Owl Prowl

  • Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 18:00 20:00
  • Marian R. Byrnes Natural Area (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for an owl prowl at Marian R. Byrnes Natural Area.

View Event →
Flock Club: Sojourn Cocktail Bar
Dec
11
6:00 PM18:00
Social Event, In Person Program

Flock Club: Sojourn Cocktail Bar

  • Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 18:00 20:00
  • Sojourn Cocktail Lounge (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

COS proudly presents Flock Club - a social event by and for birders. Join us as we gather to share our passion for birds in a casual and accessible environment.

View Event →
77th Lisle Christmas Bird Count and Dinner
Dec
14
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip, Social Event

77th Lisle Christmas Bird Count and Dinner

  • Sunday, December 14, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 PM 07:00 21:00
  • Lisle, IL USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for the 76th Annual Lisle Christmas Bird Count and Dinner! Every year on a wintery Sunday in December, birders sally forth to count birds and contribute their sightings to the oldest continuously running citizen science project in the world.

View Event →
Crabtree Nature Center Christmas Bird Count
Dec
15
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

Crabtree Nature Center Christmas Bird Count

  • Monday, December 15, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 10:00 AM 07:00 10:00
  • Crabtree Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Participate in a community science effort while searching for birds in the Northwest Suburbs.

View Event →
Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village
Dec
16
5:30 PM17:30
Field Trip

Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village

  • Tuesday, December 16, 2025
  • 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 17:30 20:00
  • North Park Village Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, come and learn about the raptor of the night- the owl! This interpretive program and guided walk will lead participants through the preserve in search of owls.

View Event →
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Dec
17
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks

  • Wednesday, December 17, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 07:00 09:00
  • North Pond Casting Pier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

View Event →
1st Chicago South Christmas Bird Count
Dec
20
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip, Social Event

1st Chicago South Christmas Bird Count

  • Saturday, December 20, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 2:00 PM 07:00 14:00
  • Chicago, IL United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for the annual Chicago South Christmas Bird Count! Every year on Christmas day, birders sally forth to count birds and contribute their sightings to the oldest continuously running citizen science project in the world.

View Event →
72nd Lakefront Christmas Bird Count
Dec
25
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip, Social Event

72nd Lakefront Christmas Bird Count

  • Thursday, December 25, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 2:00 PM 07:00 14:00
  • Chicago, IL United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for the annual Lakefront Christmas Bird Count! Every year on Christmas day, birders sally forth to count birds and contribute their sightings to the oldest continuously running citizen science project in the world.

View Event →
Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village
Jan
6
5:30 PM17:30
Field Trip

Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village

  • Tuesday, January 6, 2026
  • 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 17:30 20:00
  • North Park Village Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, come and learn about the raptor of the night- the owl! This interpretive program and guided walk will lead participants through the preserve in search of owls.

View Event →
Winter Waterfowl Watch at Northerly Island
Jan
10
9:00 AM09:00
In Person Program, Field Trip

Winter Waterfowl Watch at Northerly Island

  • Saturday, January 10, 2026
  • 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 09:00 12:00
  • Northerly Island Field House (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Chicago Ornithological Society and the Chicago Park District are excited to join forces and host the first ever Winter Waterfowl Watch!

View Event →
Snowy Owl Irruption! at North Park Village
Jan
17
10:00 AM10:00
In Person Program

Snowy Owl Irruption! at North Park Village

  • Saturday, January 17, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 10:00 11:30
  • North Park Village Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society for an in person program as we explore and take a deep dive into everything we know about Snowy Owl irruptions!

View Event →
Snowy Owl Irruption! at Big Marsh
Jan
24
10:00 AM10:00
In Person Program

Snowy Owl Irruption! at Big Marsh

  • Saturday, January 24, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 10:00 11:30
  • Big Marsh Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society for an in person program as we explore and take a deep dive into everything we know about Snowy Owl irruptions!

View Event →

Humboldt Park Birdsgiving Stroll
Nov
27
9:00 AM09:00
Field Trip

Humboldt Park Birdsgiving Stroll

  • Thursday, November 27, 2025
  • 9:00 AM 11:30 AM 09:00 11:30
  • Humboldt Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join us as we explore Humboldt Park in search of birds on Thanksgiving morning.

View Event →
COS in the Suburbs: Crabtree Nature Center
Nov
24
9:00 AM09:00
Field Trip

COS in the Suburbs: Crabtree Nature Center

  • Monday, November 24, 2025
  • 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 09:00 11:00
  • Crabtree Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Experience birding in November in the northwest suburbs. A diversity of birds can be found throughout the prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats.

View Event →
Owls of Chicago at Big Marsh
Nov
22
10:00 AM10:00
In Person Program

Owls of Chicago at Big Marsh

  • Saturday, November 22, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 11:00
  • Big Marsh Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center as we take a deep dive into everything we know about Chicago's many owls!

View Event →
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Nov
22
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Saturday, November 22, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 1:00 PM 10:00 13:00
  • LaBagh Woods Grove #1 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a habitat restoration workday at COS’s flagship stewardship site LaBagh Woods, and help bring back critical bird habitat.

View Event →
Park 566 Owl Prowl
Nov
22
6:00 AM06:00
Field Trip

Park 566 Owl Prowl

  • Saturday, November 22, 2025
  • 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 06:00 08:00
  • Park 566 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join COS for an owl prowl at Park 566. We will look for owls of all kinds but will focus on finding Short-eared Owls that are seen there frequently!

View Event →
Jackson Park Owl Prowl
Nov
19
6:00 PM18:00
Field Trip

Jackson Park Owl Prowl

  • Wednesday, November 19, 2025
  • 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 18:00 20:00
  • Jackson Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for an owl prowl at Jackson Park.

View Event →
Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village
Nov
18
5:30 PM17:30
Field Trip

Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village

  • Tuesday, November 18, 2025
  • 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 17:30 20:00
  • North Park Village Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, come and learn about the raptor of the night- the owl! This interpretive program and guided walk will lead participants through the preserve in search of owls.

View Event →
Flock Club Book Club: Birding to Change the World
Nov
18
5:30 PM17:30
In Person Program

Flock Club Book Club: Birding to Change the World

  • Tuesday, November 18, 2025
  • 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 17:30 19:30
  • Albany Park Library (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join COS for Flock Club Book Club to discuss Trish O’Kane’s Birding to Change the World.

View Event →
Owls of Chicago at North Park Village
Nov
15
10:00 AM10:00
In Person Program

Owls of Chicago at North Park Village

  • Saturday, November 15, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 11:00
  • North Park Village Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society at North Park Village Nature Center as we take a deep dive into everything we know about Chicago's many owls!

View Event →
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Nov
12
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks

  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 07:00 09:00
  • North Pond Casting Pier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

View Event →
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Nov
9
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Sunday, November 9, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 1:00 PM 10:00 13:00
  • LaBagh Woods Grove #1 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a habitat restoration workday at COS’s flagship stewardship site LaBagh Woods, and help bring back critical bird habitat.

View Event →
Hawkwatch at Northerly Island
Nov
8
9:00 AM09:00
Field Trip

Hawkwatch at Northerly Island

  • Saturday, November 8, 2025
  • 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 09:00 12:00
  • Northerly Island (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join COS for a morning observing hawks migrating down the lake front. This is a mostly stationary birding experience.

View Event →
Park 566 Owl Prowl
Nov
8
6:00 AM06:00
Field Trip

Park 566 Owl Prowl

  • Saturday, November 8, 2025
  • 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 06:00 08:00
  • Park 566 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join COS for an owl prowl at Park 566. We will look for owls of all kinds but will focus on finding Short-eared Owls that are seen there frequently!

View Event →
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Nov
5
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks

  • Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 07:00 09:00
  • North Pond Casting Pier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

View Event →
Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk
Nov
2
10:00 AM10:00
Field Trip

Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk

  • Sunday, November 2, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Humboldt Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join us as we explore Humboldt Park as migratory birds flock to this incredible green oasis in the surrounding urban environment.

View Event →
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Oct
29
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks

  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 07:00 09:00
  • North Pond Casting Pier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

View Event →
West Ridge Nature Park Walk
Oct
26
7:30 AM07:30
Field Trip

West Ridge Nature Park Walk

  • Sunday, October 26, 2025
  • 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 07:30 09:30
  • West Ridge Nature Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join us as we search for any remaining fall migrants at a hidden gem in the city full of native flora, a large pond, and plenty of lookout points.

View Event →
Piping Plover Cleanup
Oct
25
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

Piping Plover Cleanup

  • Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 1:00 PM 10:00 13:00
  • 63rd Street Beach (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

To prepare for the return of plovers to Chicago and help address some of the biggest threats to their habitat, we’re hitting the beach. Join us for a stewardship day as we tackle trash, invasive species, and anything else harming the fragile ecosystem.

View Event →
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Oct
25
9:00 AM09:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 09:00 12:00
  • LaBagh Woods Grove #1 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a habitat restoration workday at COS’s flagship stewardship site LaBagh Woods, and help bring back critical bird habitat.

View Event →
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve Bird Walk
Oct
25
8:00 AM08:00
Field Trip

Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve Bird Walk

  • Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • 8:00 AM 10:45 AM 08:00 10:45
  • Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS and Lake County Audubon Society for a hike at Cuba Marsh.

View Event →
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Oct
24
8:00 AM08:00
Field Trip

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

  • Friday, October 24, 2025
  • 8:00 AM 11:00 AM 08:00 11:00
  • Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join us at Montrose for a morning of fall migration birding.

View Event →
Hawkwatch the Wall at Steelworkers Park
Oct
24
8:00 AM08:00
Field Trip

Hawkwatch the Wall at Steelworkers Park

  • Friday, October 24, 2025
  • 8:00 AM 11:00 AM 08:00 11:00
  • Steelworkers Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for a morning observing hawks migrating down the lake front from a unique vantage point - the top of the climbing wall.

View Event →
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Oct
22
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks

  • Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 07:00 09:00
  • North Pond Casting Pier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

View Event →
COS in the Suburbs: Crabtree Nature Center
Oct
20
8:00 AM08:00
Field Trip

COS in the Suburbs: Crabtree Nature Center

  • Monday, October 20, 2025
  • 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 08:00 10:30
  • Crabtree Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Experience fall migration in the northwest suburbs. A diversity of birds can be found in throughout prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats.

View Event →
Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk
Oct
19
10:00 AM10:00
Field Trip

Humboldt Park Sunday Social Bird Walk

  • Sunday, October 19, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Humboldt Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join us as we explore Humboldt Park as migratory birds flock to this incredible green oasis in the surrounding urban environment.

View Event →
Big Marsh Stewardship Workday
Oct
18
9:30 AM09:30
Work Day

Big Marsh Stewardship Workday

  • Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 11:30 AM 09:30 11:30
  • Big Marsh Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join park staff for a workday at one of the top bird watching spots in the country; Big Marsh Park!

View Event →
Montrose Point AND Dunes Stewardship Workday
Oct
18
9:00 AM09:00
Work Day

Montrose Point AND Dunes Stewardship Workday

  • Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 09:00 12:00
  • Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the stewards of Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary for a workday at one of the top bird watching spots in the country!

View Event →
Borbs and Forbs: Humboldt Park
Oct
18
8:30 AM08:30
Field Trip, Work Day

Borbs and Forbs: Humboldt Park

  • Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • 8:30 AM 12:00 PM 08:30 12:00
  • Humboldt Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Borbs and Forbs is a monthly event for nature enthusiasts and those inspired to give back to our communities. Each month we will visit a Chicago Park to admire local birds and other fauna, followed by a stewardship day with the park's steward.

View Event →
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Oct
15
7:00 AM07:00
Field Trip

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks

  • Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  • 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 07:00 09:00
  • North Pond Casting Pier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

View Event →
Chicago Bird Photography Contest Exhibition
Oct
11
1:00 PM13:00
In Person Program

Chicago Bird Photography Contest Exhibition

  • Saturday, October 11, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 13:00 15:00
  • Big Marsh Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Enjoy some light refreshments as we connect with fellow photographers, celebrate the year's accomplishments, and go birding!

View Event →

332 South Michigan Avenue #121-C980
Chicago, IL 60604

332 South Michigan Avenue, Ste 1032,
Chicago, IL,
USA
chicagobirder@gmail.com

© 2024 Chicago Ornithological Society