Past Events

The Palos Forest Preserve district is an expansive area of connected woods, lakes, and prairies, each providing specific habitat that attracts some unique breeding birds to the area. ILYB will plan several stops to explore the area in search of all species of woodpeckers, Summer Tanager, Dickcissel, Blue Grosbeak, a variety of warblers, and more. Some stops will require more walking than others. Google Map of Meeting Location Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant to meet your needs. We look…

Bundle up to look for wintering birds along the Fox River and nearby natural areas. Join ILYB as we look for birds along the river and other nearby State Natural Areas. Guest Field Trip Leader Lisa Maier will lead us around her patch to discover the birds and other wonders. As many lakes and sections of rivers freeze over, birds seek out open sources of water in the winter. Areas with open moving water, like areas near dams, bends in rivers, or faster moving water, attract a variety…

Gull Frolic is a unique winter event at Illinois’ premier gull-watching hotspot, North Point Marina. Bring your binoculars, scope, and cold weather gear to join birders outside the yacht club for a close study of some of our harder-to-find winter gull species, including Iceland (Thayer’s and Kumlien’s), Glaucous, Great Black-backed, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls!  An assortment of waterfowl are also typically in attendance, such scoters, goldeneye, and other diving ducks, along with the occasional raptor, owl, or winter finch. IOS…

ILYB Field Trip: Camp Sagawau Bird Banding   Saturday, July 22nd - 10:00am IL Young Birders is excited to offer a bird banding demonstration at Camp Sagawau in partnership with the Sagawau EnvironmIL Young Birders is excited to offer a bird banding demonstration at Camp Sagawau in partnership with the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont. Young birders will learn more about the benefits of bird banding and get to see a demonstration up close. Bird banding is a scientific method…

Fall is a great time to put your eyes to the sky in search of migrants. Before joining the Greene Valley Hawk Watch at the top of the scenic overlook, we will bird around the base of the scenic overlook at Greene Valley Forest Preserve to look for warblers and sparrows in the woodlands and prairie. Then, we’ll climb the hill at Greene Valley for a chance at seeing several species of migrating hawks. Fingers crossed for good winds! Google Map of Meeting…

Woodcock Walk at Dusk - Air Station Prairie in Glenview, IL Saturday, March 23rd 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Click Here to Learn More and Register Registration is required.

Des Plaines and Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area in Will and Grundy Counties  Sunday, April 14th 7:30 am - 11:00 am Click Here to Learn More and Register Registration is required.