Location: Spears Woods, 9022 LaGrange Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480

Date: Sunday, 6/8/2025

Time: 8 AM - 11 AM

Beginning our 2.6-mile loop at the Spears Woods Picnic Grove, our group birding walk take the spur trail from the parking lot to the Red Trail and then head south to Yellow Trail until we reach Hogwash Slough. We will certainly encounter Eastern Wood-pewees, Indigo Buntings, and perhaps even a Pileated Woodpecker if we are lucky. From there we will double back on the Trail and head west up to the beautiful open corridor that passes by Boomerang Slough. We will want to look for a number of species here, including Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Willow Flycatchers, various sparrow species, swallows, Eastern Kingbirds, Yellow-breasted Chats, and several others. We will then make it to the intersection to turn north on the Tan Trail, but will stop and look for Eastern Bluebirds and Red-headed Woodpeckers. Heading north and then looping back to the east along the Red Trail, the rest of the loop will be mostly wooded, with some nice hills and turns. We will always want to occasionally look up at the skies for raptors on our walk as well as down at the ground for seasonal wildflowers.

Leaders: Phil Stosberg and Em De Blas

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Phil Stosberg (phillip.stosberg@gmail.com) or Chris Holden (twoheadedvireo@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is approximately 2.6 miles and will take place on the horse/bike/hiking trails of the Palos Trail System. Trails are mostly level, but there are some gently undulating hills on our route. Trails are dirt and gravel trails. If there has been recent rain, parts of the trail can be muddy.  We may leave the trail at times to walk through the grass for a better view of the birds. Any recent rain may create muddy conditions.

Restrooms are unavailable

Weather/Attire/Other:

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a hat and sunscreen. Ticks can be expected here. Long pants and insect repellent are recommended. Loaner binoculars will be available.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free parking is available in the parking lot. The location is not readily accessible by public transit.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks.