COS is proud to sponsor of Illinois Ornithological Society's 16th Annual Gull Frolic.

The Gull Frolic is a unique winter event at Illinois’ premier gull-watching hotspot: North Point Marina. Bring your binoculars, scope and cold weather gear, and join birders outside of the yacht club to enjoy close study of some of our harder-to-find winter species such as Thayer’s, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls!  A variety of waterfowl typically make an appearance too (scoters and other diving ducks), along with the occasional raptor, owl, or winter finch. Birders wearing bright orange hats will be available to help answer questions along the “boardwalk”.

This year's speaker is Jean Iron of Toronto, Ontario.  Jean has surveyed shorebirds on Canada’s James Bay since 2005. Its vast mudflats and prairie-like coastal marshes comprise one of the most important shorebird areas in the world. Jean’s presentation will focus on shorebird research and James Bay’s specialty birds, including gulls and boreal species. You will experience what it’s like doing bird research and living in a subarctic wilderness camp.

Registration is $15 and includes a continental breakfast.  To sign up and find full event information, please visit the IOS website:  

http://www.illinoisbirds.org/16th-annual-gull-frolic/