The Chicago Region Birding Trail Guide

6LAKE AND MC HENRY COUNTIESMORAINE HILLS STATE PARK, CONTINUEDBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: March through November,but winter can be productive as well.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: May through September;check with the nature center naturalist or call.ACCESSIBILITY: Handicapped access limited to the“Yellow Trail” (crushed limestone areas only) and thenature center.AMENITIES: Staffed nature center.7 RYERSON WOODSFlanking the east side of the Des PlainesRiver, this 550-acre tract holds some of thehighest quality forest in the Lake CountyForest Preserve District system. Decentbirding can be had throughout the year,but it is outstanding during spring andfall for migrant land birds. Warblers areparticularly common along the river.ADDRESS: 21950 North Riverwoods Road,8 ROLLINS SAVANNA [IBA]Rollins Savanna is one of Lake County’slargest forest preserves with 1,225uninterrupted acres. Scattered grovesof majestic oaks, open prairies teemingwith wildflowers and native grasses andabundant wetlands provide critical habitatfor both grassland and wetland birds andother wildlife.ADDRESS: 20160 West Washington Street,Grayslake, 60030Henslow’s SparrowThis is a state threatenedspecies and breeds ingood numbers in RollinsSavanna since its completeDIRECTIONS: From U.S.-41 take Washington Street west;the entrance is 1 mile west of U.S.-45 on the right side ofthe road.restoration in 2001.HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.TELEPHONE: (847) 367-6640WEBSITE: www.lcfpd.org/preserves/indexBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: May through August.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Occasional; check the website.ACCESSIBILITY: A 5.5-mile gravel trail is present.Deerfield, 60015DIRECTIONS: From I-94 take Route 22 (Half Day Road)west to Riverwoods Road, turn left (south). The entranceis 1.5 miles on the right.AMENITIES: Check the website.HOURS: 6:30 am to sunset.TELEPHONE: (847) 968-3321WEBSITE: www.ryersonwoods.orgBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: April though early June andmid-August through mid-October.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Mostly in May; check thewebsite or call.ACCESSIBILITY: Limited to habitat adjacent to parking lot.AMENITIES: Well-staffed visitors center with a library andhenslow’s sparrowart exhibits.Image courtesy of Illinois State MuseumScarlet TanagerWorm-eating WarblerCaspian Tern

7MAP B NORTHERN COOK COUNTY1012 Miles10LAKE COUNT YCOOK COUNT YLake Cook Rd53119468eriSh2908312Lake Ave1413909 CRABTREE NATURE CENTER12eAv58ekeaulw5914TELEPHONE: (847) 381-659210 BAKER’S LAKE OVERLOOKThis 165-acre lake, owned and managedby the Forest Preserve District of CookCounty, is home to one of the mostimportant heron rookeries in the region.The small island in the center of the lakehosts nesting Black-crowned Night Herons,Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets andDouble-crested Cormorants. Also, a GreatHorned Owl usually helps itself to a nest.The trees that once existed have died andbeen replaced with artificial nest structures.The lake is also excellent for migratingwaterbirds such as loons, grebes, ducks andshorebirds (when mud flats are exposed).WEBSITE: www.fpdcc.comADDRESS: *800 East Hillside Avenue, Barrington, 60010BEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: March through late MayDIRECTIONS: From I-90, exit at Barrington Road. Goand mid-August through November.north 6 miles to Hillside Avenue; turn right (east) 1 mileto the parking lot on right, which is just before Route 14.A part of the Forest Preserve District ofCook County, this 1,200-acre area ofrestored prairie, oak woods, marsh andopen water is notable for migratingwaterbirds and woodland songbirds.ADDRESS: 3 Stover Road, Barrington, 60010DIRECTIONS: From I-294, go west on Willow Road,which becomes Palatine Road. The nature center entranceis located on the north side of Palatine Road 1 mile westof Barrington Road and 0.5 mile east of Algonquin Road.From I-90, exit on Barrington Road north to PalatineRoad. Turn left (west). Travel 1 mile to the nature center.HOURS: Call for hours of operation.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Check at nature centerL AKE M ICHIGANBarrington RdWillow Rd294Mi72dnRda45915434111 CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENThe Garden consists of 350 acres oflagoons, oak woods, re-created prairie andmany formal gardens. A very large varietyof species, from Common Loons to PineSiskins, has been reported at various timesthroughout the year. Favorite birding areasinclude Turnbull Woods, Marsh Island,Sensory Garden, the waterfall, Dwarf ConiferGarden, the feeders near the EducationCenter and the plant evaluation gardens.ADDRESS: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 60022DIRECTIONS: From I-94, go east on Lake-Cook Road 0.5mile to the main entrance on the right (south).HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.TELEPHONE: (847) 835-5440WEBSITE: www.chicago-botanic.orgBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: March through early Juneand mid-August through early November. Feeders andopen water can make for good winter birding as well.for schedule.HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.ACCESSIBILITY: All trails are covered with gravel;muddy areas are often present.TELEPHONE: (800) 870-3666WEBSITE: www.fpdcc.comORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: The Garden offers a limitednumber of guided bird walks for a fee.AMENITIES: Staffed nature center (call for hours).BEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: March through November.ENTRANCE FEE: Call for current rate.ACCESSIBILITY: Lake can be seen from parking lot.ACCESSIBILITY: A paved road (with limited vehicle access)encircles the garden, allowing good views of the lagoons.Many of the other trails are handicapped accessible.Northern Parula WarblerRose-breasted GrosbeakRed-winged BlackbirdWhite-breasted Nuthatch

8NORTHERN COOK COUNTYCHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, CONTINUEDWEBSITE: www.fpdcc.comAMENITIES: A host of excellent facilities includingBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: Early April through latea restaurant and gift shop with a good selection ofnature books.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: The Evanston North Shore BirdMay and mid-August through mid-October.Club offers free bird walks during spring migration.12 SKOKIE LAGOONSOnce known as the Skokie Marsh, this areawas converted into a chain of lagoons andislands extending from Willow Road northto Dundee Road. Each spring and fallvirtually all of the warblers that regularlymove through the region are reported inthe lagoons. It is also a haven for migrating cuckoos, flycatchers, vireos, thrushesand other species. As the ice breaks up inearly spring, the lagoons attract a goodvariety of waterbirds, including CommonLoons, Canvasbacks and Bonaparte’s Gulls.The property is owned by the ForestPreserve District of Cook County.ADDRESS: *1500 Willow Road, Northfield, 60093DIRECTIONS: From I-94, exit east on Willow Road; park infirst lot on the north side of Willow. From the lot, walkeast; cross the bridle trail, ditch and bicycle path beforeentering the meadow. Bird north along the water’s edgeor (carefully) along the bike path. Or continue east onWillow Road to Forestway Drive; turn left (north) for goodbirding at the many parking lots next to the lagoons.ACCESSIBILITY: It is easy to bird from the Willow Roadparking lot and the bike path, but beware of speeding bikers. Good habitat can be easily reached from ForestwayDrive.13 THE GROVEThis 85-acre Village of Glenview parkfocuses on both natural and culturalhistory and provides some very goodbirding as well. The wet woods and pondshost numerous spring and fall migrants,while Red-shouldered Hawks, Great CrestedFlycatchers and other species are seen inthe summer.ADDRESS: Harbor Drive, Wilmette, 60091DIRECTIONS: From northbound Sheridan Road, enter thepark just north of the Bahai Temple and the bridge overthe North Shore Channel. Follow the drive north, andpark at the beach pavilion. During the summer, parkingis restricted to village residents, so then park on MichiganAvenue just west of the park.HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.TELEPHONE: (847) 256-9640WEBSITE: www.wilmettepark.org/gillson.cfmBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: September throughADDRESS: 1421 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, 60025November.DIRECTIONS: From Lake Avenue, drive south onMilwaukee Avenue. Pass under I-294 and turn left (east)into the driveway marked with a large sign for The Grove.Park near the interpretive center. Several looping trailsand boardwalks are on the property.ACCESSIBILITY: The lake is easily observed fromHOURS: Weekdays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; weekends9:00 am to 5:00 pmTELEPHONE: (847) 299-6096HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.WEBSITE: www.GlenviewParkDist.orgTELEPHONE: (800) 870-3666BEST MOTHS FOR VIEWING: Late April through early Juneand mid-August through early October.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: The Grove offers regular “trailruby-throatedhummingbirdsouth end of the park, jetties project intothe lake at the harbor’s mouth–and a sandybeach stretches the length of the park. Thebeach pavilion at the north end of the parkis a good location to scan the lake. Loons,grebes, scoters, Short-eared Owls and SnowBuntings are among the many species thata patient observer might spot.walks,” which deal with general natural history.ACCESSIBILITY: The nature center and one short trail arewheelchair accessible.AMENITIES: An interpretive center with live animals andmany other displays relating to natural and cultural history.the parking lot.15 PERKINS WOODThis virgin wood, owned by the ForestPreserve District of Cook County, is a surprise find in central Evanston. The 7.5-acresite is particularly good in spring with itsexcellent display of woodland wildflowersand large variety of migrant songbirds.ADDRESS: *2800 Colfax Street, Evanston, 60201DIRECTIONS: From I-94, exit eastbound onto Old OrchardRoad and drive to Crawford Avenue. Turn right (south),drive 1 block and then turn left (east) onto Colfax Street.Drive east for 9 blocks and park near the intersection ofColfax Street and Ewing Avenue.HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.TELEPHONE: (800) 870-366614 GILLSON PARKThis Village of Wilmette park is anexcellent place to observe fall migrationalong Lake Michigan. A harbor is at theBaird's SandpiperWEBSITE: www.fpdcc.orgBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: April and May.ACCESSIBILITY: Paved paths crisscross the site andmeet in the center.House Wren

9MAP C KANE AND DUPAGE COUNTIES2024 Miles901929017Army Trail Rd2017 PRATT’S WAYNE WOODS [IBA]Pratt’s Wayne Woods is the largest holdingof the Forest Preserve District of DuPageCounty, with over 3,000 acres of grassland,marsh, woods and open water. Waterfowl,shorebirds and songbirds use the propertyduring migration. Summer offers suchrare species as Yellow-headed Blackbird,Common Moorhen and Sandhill Crane.Wintering birds have included Shorteared Owls and Northern Shrikes.20KANE COUNTY16A19DU PAGE COUNTY641859Butterfield Rd56Warrenville Rd355213488Cass Ave225330235534fowl, gulls and occasionally eagles are present along thisstretch of the river even during the coldest winter weather.16 FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILThis wooded trail runs the length of KaneCounty and passes through excellenthabitat for migrant land birds and waterfowl. Two particularly good places to birdare the portions south of the South Elginbridge and south of downtown Batavia.ubon Society about scheduled walks throughout the year.HOURS: Sunrise to sunset.DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Routes 64 and 31,TELEPHONE: (630) 232-5980WEBSITE: www.co.kane.il.us/Forest/index.htmBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: Mid-April through late Mayand mid-August through early October. However, waterAmerican GoldfinchDIRECTIONS: From intersection of Routes 64 and 31,travel south on Route 31 until reaching Batavia (about 4miles). Continue through Batavia to Union Avenue. Turnleft (east) to just beyond Quarry Park. Continue drivinginto the overflow parking lot until it ends. Take the bikepath, walking south.16B3116 B. BATAVIA BRANCHORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Contact the Kane County AudACCESSIBILITY: Paved trails provide easy access.16 A. SOUTH ELGIN BRANCHtravel north on Route 31 to Spring Street in South Elgin(stop light). Turn right (east) on Spring Street and turnright (south) on the first street past the fire station (do notcross the river). Continue south to the parking lot. Walkto the trail next to the river.ADDRESS: Powis Road, Wayne, 60184DIRECTIONS: From Army Trail Road and Powis Road,travel north on Powis Road to the Preserve parking lots.The entrance to the east lot is a gravel road that leads to aculvert under the railroad tracks. Just beyond the tracksand to the left is the parking lot. Walk south from the lotalong the marsh and into the dog run area to view thelarge marsh on the north side. To view the marshes westof Powis, park in the Prairie Path lot on the north side ofArmy Trail Road, just east of Powis Road. Walk northweston the path.HOURS: 1 hour after sunrise to sunset.TELEPHONE: (630) 933-7200WEBSITE: www.dupageforest.comBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: May through August.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Check with the Forest PreserveDistrict and DuPage Birding Club.ACCESSIBILITY: Some habitat is accessible fromparking lot.Wood DuckChestnut-sided Warbler

10KANE AND DUPAGE COUNTIESJOHNSON’S MOUND FOREST18 PRESERVEJohnson’s Mound, a part of the ForestPreserve District of Kane County, is thehighest spot in the county. In addition toelevation, its attributes include 185 acresof woods and grassland and a host ofmigrating and breeding birds. Summeringspecies have included Barred Owl, Dickcisseland Tufted Titmouse.ADDRESS: Hughes Road, Elburn, 60119DIRECTIONS: From I-88, go north on KirkDrive/Farnsworth Avenue for 5 miles to Fabyan Parkway;turn left (southwest) to Hughes Road and then right (west)2 miles past Bunker Road to entrance on right (north).ADDRESS: Nelson Lake Road, Batavia, 60510DIRECTIONS: From downtown Batavia, take Main Streetwest to Nelson Lake Road (about 3 miles). Turn south onNelson Lake Road and travel about 0.5 mile until youreach the parking lot on the right (look for large silo nextto the parking lot).HOURS: 8:00 am to sunset.TELEPHONE: (630) 232-5980WEBSITE: www.co.kane.il.us/forestBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: Mid-March through earlyJune and mid-August through November.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Kane County Audubon Societyand the Forest Preserve District of Kane County havescheduled walks throughout the year.ADDRESS: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, 60532DIRECTIONS: From I-88 going west, north on Route 53ACCESSIBILITY: Limited; trails are bark and dirt.HOURS: 8:00 am to sunset.TELEPHONE: (630) 232-5980WEBSITE: www.co.kane.il.us/forestBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: Early April through lateMay and mid-August through mid-October.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Kane County Audubon Societyand the Forest Preserve District of Kane County havescheduled walks throughout the year.ACCESSIBILITY: Limited.DICK YOUNG FOREST PRESERVE19 (NELSON’S LAKE MARSH)Dick Young Forest Preserve (Nelson’s LakeMarsh) is an Illinois Nature Preserve ownedand managed by the Forest Preserve Districtof Kane County. Open water, several kindsof wetlands, shrubland and woods combineto attract a large variety of birds. WhitePelicans have shared the lake with numerouswaterfowl in the spring, while terrestrialhabitats harbor warblers, sparrows andother songbirds during periods of migration. Summering species have includedVirginia Rails and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.21 MORTON ARBORETUMThe Morton Arboretum encompasses 1,700acres of diverse habitat, including restoredprairie, deciduous woods and evergreenplantations. Several lakes dot the property,and two creeks meander through it. It is awonderful place to view migrant songbirdsin spring and fall, and Yellow-throatedWarblers have stayed to nest in recentyears. The extensive conifer plantings oftenattract Pine Siskins or crossbills and usuallya Northern Saw-whet Owl or two.20 RED OAK NATURE CENTERThis facility is part of the Fox Valley ParkDistrict. The 40 acres of woods stretchalong the east bank of the Fox River formore than a mile. It is used heavily bymigrant songbirds, particularly warblers.It also affords excellent views of the river,and thus many species of waterfowl can beobserved. The Fox River Trail goes throughthe property.ADDRESS: North River Road, North Aurora, 60542DIRECTIONS: On west side of Route 25, 1 mile north ofButterfield Road (Route 56) and 3 miles south of WilsonAvenue in Batavia.to entrance on right (east). From I-88 going east, exit atNaperville Road, go south to Warrenville Road. Turnleft (east) to Route 53; turn left (north) to entrance.HOURS: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm CST and 7:00 am to5:00 pm CDTTELEPHONE: (630) 968-0074WEBSITE: www.mortonarb.orgBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: Mid-April through lateMay and September through February.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Call (630) 719-2468 orcheck website.ENTRANCE FEE: Call for per-person fee.ACCESSIBILITY: Facilities and some paved trails arehandicapped accessible.AMENITIES: Excellent facilities including a visitor center,restaurant, library and museum store.HOURS: Weekdays 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; weekends10:00 am to 3:00 pmTELEPHONE: (630) 897-1808WEBSITE: www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.orgBEST MONTHS FOR VIEWING: Early April though lateMay and mid-August through mid-October.ORGANIZED BIRD WALKS: Contact Kane CountyAudubon Society.ACCESSIBILITY: Limited to a portion of bike path.AMENITIES: Staffed nature center (call for hours).Brown Thrasher (juv)Canada WarblerProthonotary Warbler

11Addresses with an asterisk (*) are approximate addresses to be used for internet map searches22 SPRINGBROOK PRAIRIEOf all the holdings within the Forest PreserveDistrict of DuPage County, SpringbrookPrairie is probably the best area to viewsuch breeding grassland species as SedgeWrens, Henslow’s Sparrows, Dickcissels andBobolinks. Migrant land birds forage inthe woods along Springbrook Creek, whileRough-legged Hawks and Short-eared Owlspatrol the fields in winter.ADDRESS: *82nd Place, Naperville, 60565 (PlainfieldNaperville Road, one-quarter mile south of 75th Street)DIRECTIONS: From I-88, take Route 59 south; turn left(east) on 75th Street to Naperville-Plainfield Road; thensouth to main parking lot on west side of road.HOURS: 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.(The preserve is named for a former countycommissioner, Bud Waterfall, so don’texpect any Niagaras!)ADDRESS: *9100 South Cass Avenue, Darien, 60561Cerulean Warbler(Cass Avenue, south of I-55)DIRECTIONS: From I-55, exit south on Cass Avenue.The main parking is off Northgate Road on the westside of Cass Avenue. To access the Sawmill Creek area,continue south on Cass Avenue and park at the junctionof Cass Avenue and Old Bluff Road.HOURS: 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.America

This guide focuses on birding sites in the Northeastern Illinois counties closest to Chicago and includes a few spots in nearby Indiana counties that offer great birding opportunities. Even though the guide highlights specific sites, (several of which are designated as Illinois Important Bird Areas [IBA] ), during