Location: Orland Grassland, Orland Township

Date: Saturday, 7/5/25

Time: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Orland Grassland was once farmland, but it has been a site of habitat restoration since 2002. This area, which now includes prairie, wetlands, open ponds, oak savannas, shrublands and woodlands, attracts grassland birds such as Henslow’s Sparrow, Bobolink, Dickcissel, Field Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark. Join us as we look for these specialty grassland birds as well as woodpeckers, flycatchers, and other summering birds.

Leaders: Vinod Babu

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Vinod Babu (pavinodbabu@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is approximately 3 miles and will take place mostly on wide paved, crushed-gravel, or wood-chip trails that are relatively level with minimal incline. 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 available at parking lot portable toilets.

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 at the parking lot near the intersection of 167th street and 96th Avenue. The site is best accessed by car.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

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