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Chicago Bird Photography Contest winners and submissions

Congratulations to our winners in the Chicago Bird Photography contest! Many gorgeous photos were submitted and you can view the talent in our community (and beautiful birds) on the photo contest page here.

 
 

2024 is the Year of the Peregrine Falcon!

Twenty-five years ago, the Peregrine Falcon became the City of Chicago’s official bird. Join us as we celebrate this milestone with falcon themed trips, programs, and media all year long while highlighting an incredible species with a long and important history in our city.

And be sure to show your peregrine pride by checking out our awesome new Peregrine Falcon merch in the shop!

Upcoming Events

 
Field Trips and Events
Humboldt Park Birdsgiving Stroll
Nov 28
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park Birdsgiving Stroll
Humboldt Park

RSVP Required

Join us for a slow-paced outing at Humboldt Park. In late November this park is bustling with late migrants, including Fox, White-throated, and Swamp Sparrows, as well as winter residents such as Cooper's Hawks, American Tree Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos.

Humboldt Park
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Dec 1
LaBagh Woods Grove #1
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
LaBagh Woods Grove #1

Join us for a habitat restoration workday at COS’s flagship stewardship site LaBagh Woods, and help bring back critical bird habitat.

LaBagh Woods Grove #1
Hegewisch Marsh Owl Prowl
Dec 4
Hegewisch Marsh
Hegewisch Marsh Owl Prowl
Hegewisch Marsh

RSVP Required

Join COS for an owl prowl at Hegewisch Marsh.

Hegewisch Marsh
Family Owl Prowl at North Park Village
Dec 5
North Park Village Nature Center
Family Owl Prowl at North Park Village
North Park Village Nature Center

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, come and learn about the raptor of the night- the owl! This interpretive program and guided walk will lead participants through the preserve in search of owls.

North Park Village Nature Center
Hegewisch Marsh Owl Prowl
Dec 9
Hegewisch Marsh
Hegewisch Marsh Owl Prowl
Hegewisch Marsh

RSVP Required

Join COS for an owl prowl at Hegewisch Marsh.

Hegewisch Marsh
Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village
Dec 11
North Park Village Nature Center
Family & Adult Owl Prowls at North Park Village
North Park Village Nature Center

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, come and learn about the raptor of the night- the owl! This interpretive program and guided walk will lead participants through the preserve in search of owls.

North Park Village Nature Center
76th Lisle Christmas Bird Count and Dinner
Dec 15
76th Lisle Christmas Bird Count and Dinner

RSVP Required

Join COS for the 76th Annual Lisle Christmas Bird Count and Dinner! Every year on a wintery Sunday in December, birders sally forth to count birds and contribute their sightings to the oldest continuously running citizen science project in the world.

North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
Dec 18
North Pond Casting Pier
North Pond Wednesday Bird Walks
North Pond Casting Pier

In cooperation with Third Coast Birding and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, COS is proud to continue our long tradition of Wednesday morning bird walks at North Pond!

North Pond Casting Pier
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
Dec 21
LaBagh Woods Grove #1
LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday
LaBagh Woods Grove #1

Join us for a habitat restoration workday at COS’s flagship stewardship site LaBagh Woods, and help bring back critical bird habitat.

LaBagh Woods Grove #1
Lakefront Christmas Bird Count
Dec 25
Lakefront Christmas Bird Count

RSVP Required

Join COS for the annual Lakefront Christmas Bird Count! Every year on Christmas day, birders sally forth to count birds and contribute their sightings to the oldest continuously running citizen science project in the world.

Snowy Owl Irruption!
Jan 11
Big Marsh Park
Snowy Owl Irruption!
Big Marsh Park

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society for an in person program as we explore and take a deep dive into everything we know about Snowy Owl irruptions!

Big Marsh Park
Snowy Owl Irruption!
Jan 18
North Park Village Nature Center
Snowy Owl Irruption!
North Park Village Nature Center

RSVP Required

Join Chicago Ornithological Society for an in person program as we explore and take a deep dive into everything we know about Snowy Owl irruptions!

North Park Village Nature Center

The Chicago Birder Blog

 
Blog
Quantum Computers and Birds

After a series of high profile announcements and guarantees of funding from federal, state, and local governments, the all but guaranteed project was touted as finally bringing economic development to the vacant land. Anyone familiar with birding in the Calumet region however, knows that the area is anything but vacant of life and is home to countless species and an ecosystem not found anywhere else in Chicago.

2024 Chicagoland CBC Guide
2024 Chicagoland CBC Guide

It's Christmas Bird Count season! With well near a dozen counts happening throughout the Chicagoland area, how does one get started? We've got you covered!

Field Trip: Riis Park
Field Trip: Riis Park

COS Board Member Robyn Detterline recaps the field trip to Riis Park on Oct. 13, 2024.

Field Trip: LaBagh Woods Beginning Birder Walk
Field Trip: LaBagh Woods Beginning Birder Walk

COS member Lauren Kostas recaps the beginning birders walk at LaBach Woods on Oct. 21, 2024.

The 2024 Chicago Bird Debate
The 2024 Chicago Bird Debate

Kris Hansen recaps the great Chicago Bird Debate held at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on October 29, when five bird candidates faced off for the title of unofficial bird of Chicago.

Field Trip: LaBagh Woods
Field Trip: LaBagh Woods

Jon Evans recaps the bird walk at LaBagh Woods on Sept. 23, 2024.