Who says you have to go birdwatching alone? Plenty of Chicagoans are gathering to search for birds together. Here are a few groups on our radar.
The group has been organizing bird walks across Chicagoland for decades. This month, they have outings at Jackson Park’s Wooded Island, Graceland Cemetery, and Bemis Woods. You can also join a work day to remove non-native vegetation to help birds better eat and nest.
Founded more than 100 years ago, COS invites Chicagoans to learn about local birds and how to protect them. Birders can spot hawks at Steelworkers Park and other birds from canoes. Become a volunteer and lead a field trip or contribute to the Chicago Birder magazine.
Birders of color are invited to events like a big sit in McKinley Park or a bilingual walk in Humboldt Park. Chicago BIPOC Birders is also politically active, advocating for policies to prevent bird collision and raising awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
A birder at Jackson Park in 2020. (Youngrae Kim / Chicago Tribune / Getty)
Founded in 2018, the Chicago chapter of the Feminist Bird Club connects birders and organizes around social issues. Masks will be required and should be on hand at upcoming fall migration walks — including at the Rosehill Cemetery walk next month.
Break out the small binoculars: Illinoisans ages 9–18 can go on monthly field trips and attend an annual symposium with this organization.
