Location: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago.

Date: Saturday, 9/20/25

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This trip is specifically for beginning birders. We will focus on birding basics and identifying the common as well as rare birds that occur in Chicago. During September, migrating warblers and thrushes will be present in good numbers, and we’ll have a variety of other songbirds present as well. Montrose Point also hosts at this time an assortment of other kinds of birds such as ducks, hawks, shorebirds, gulls, terns, and woodpeckers, so that we will experience a range of bird life.

Leaders: Christine Williamson and Geoff Williamson

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Christine Williamson (birdchris@aol.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Though Montrose Point is contained in a relatively small area, we’ll probably end up walking a total distance of approximately two miles. The majority of the trip will take place on paved trails with minimal incline and to a lesser extent on well-worn dirt paths. We may leave the trail at times to walk through grassy areas for a better view of the birds, and we may walk on a sandy beach. Any recent rain may create muddy conditions. This is a full morning of birding and will require some stamina.

Restrooms are available at the beach house during beach hours.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Trip participants should wear appropriate clothes (including rain gear and a hat and gloves if the weather is wet or cold); boots or shoes (waterproof would be good). Bring binoculars. The leaders will have a spotting scope to share with participants, but please feel free to bring your own if you have one. It’s a good idea to have a water bottle and snacks in your backpack; and use eBird on your phone or a small pad of paper to record the birds you see while in the field.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Metered parking is available on Montrose Harbor Drive and free parking is available on Montrose Avenue. Montrose Bird Sanctuary is accessible by public transit via the 78 bus. Bike racks are available on site.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks