Location: Axehead Lake/Chippewa Woods, Cook Co

Date: Saturday, 4/4/2026

Time: 8 am - 11 am

Let's check out the string of oxbow lakes along the Des Plaines river in the Des Plaines area-- Axehead Lake, Big Bend Lake and Beck Lake. In late winter and early spring, migrating waterfowl frequent these lakes, and red-breasted mergansers stage their amazing and histrionic courtship displays. We'll also look for early migrant woodland birds in the woods around these lake. This is a great carpool trip, as we'll stop at each lake in turn, get out and bird. We'll keep an ear out for any rarities that may have been spotted in hotspots not far off, such as Bensenville Ditch and Techny Basin. Our meeting point will be the parking lot at Axehead Lake.

Leader: 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 6 miles driving between stops 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.

Parking lot portable toilets will be available.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Loaner binoculars will be available.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free lot parking is available. The location is also accessible via the 240 and 241 bus lines.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

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