Location: Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington, IL 60010
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Join COS for a morning birding trip out to Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington. This destination is a favorite for many city birders who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle. The Forest Preserves of Cook County manage the property's prairies, woodlands, and wetlands that host 246 bird species throughout the year. We will walk roughly 1.5 miles of trails in search of numerous winter bird species--including ducks, sparrows, and raptors. This trip is designed to be a slow-paced, social bird walk to take the time and enjoy winter scenery. Loaner binoculars will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Birders of all experience levels and ages are welcome to attend.
Leaders: Sammy Cabindol
Pre-registration is required. Please contact Sammy Cabindol (wildlifesammy@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.
Accessibility:
Total trip distance is approximately 1.5 miles. The first 0.3 miles of trail is made of asphalt and starts on a slight incline before being relatively flat. The remainder of the trip will take place on mostly grass and natural dirt prone to muddy conditions with recurring slight inclines and declines and occasional trail obstacles including root heave and holes. Dress for the weather and snowy conditions.
Restrooms are available at the Nature Center building from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.. Cell reception is regularly available.
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 heavy coat, gloves, hat. Loaner binoculars will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants.
Location and Transportation:
Driving recommended. Free parking lot.
Respiratory Illness Precautions:
COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks.