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COS Calendar

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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.

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LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Dec
14
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Sunday, December 14, 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Sloughs of the Palos Area: Cranberry Slough
Jan
4
8:00 AM08:00
Field Trip

Sloughs of the Palos Area: Cranberry Slough

  • Sunday, January 4, 2026
  • 8:00 AM 11:00 AM 08:00 11:00
  • Cranberry Slough (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

RSVP Required

Join COS for a hike through Cranberry Slough in search of an array of woodpeckers and other winter residents.

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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.

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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!

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LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Jan
11
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Sunday, January 11, 2026
  • 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.

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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!

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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!

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LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Feb
7
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Saturday, February 7, 2026
  • 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.

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Big Marsh Mudhen Run!
Mar
14
8:00 AM08:00
In Person Program

Big Marsh Mudhen Run!

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026
  • 8:00 AM 11:00 AM 08:00 11:00
  • Big Marsh Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Chicago Park District, Friends of Big Marsh, and Chicago Ornithological Society for the return of the Mudhen 5k fun run at Big Marsh Park on Saturday, March 14!

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LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Mar
15
10:00 AM10:00
Work Day

LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday

  • Sunday, March 15, 2026
  • 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.

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City Nature Challenge 2026
Apr
24
to Apr 27
Field Trip, In Person Program, Social Event

City Nature Challenge 2026

  • Fri, Apr 24, 2026 12:00 AM 00:00 Mon, Apr 27, 2026 11:59 PM 23:59
  • Google Calendar ICS

COS is excited to once again be a co-organizer of the Chicago area team in this year’s City Nature Challenge!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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

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