Duck Sit at River Park

Event Description: Feminist Bird Club Chicago and Out in Nature are collaborating on this event to provide you with time and space to gather, sit and enjoy resident ducks as well as the visiting waterfowl that the winter season gifts us here in chicago. You may join at any time and for any duration during the 9-12pm window.

What is a duck sit? A bird or duck sit in this case is when birders sit and see what birds happen upon them instead of walking or travelling distance to see what birds the birder can find. Bird sits tend to be a more accessible option for folks and in the case of this event we are planning on sitting along the river and hoping to see what weird winter ducks or waterfowl happen by!

Group Descriptions:

Feminist Bird Club Chicago is dedicated to promoting inclusiviy & safety in birding for everyone especially LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC & disabled folks and women.

Out in Nature provides an accessible, positive environment for all LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect, explore, and experience nature and the outdoors.

Logistics:

The sit spot will be at near the Kayak/Canoe Boat Launch on the west side of the river. You can cross the river at Argyle street if needed.

Biking:

We will be in the River Park Natural Area, where there is a multi use paved path that cyclist may utilize to access the sit spot it connects from major streets including Foster to the North and Lawrence to the South both of which intersect with Kedzie and Western. The N Shore River Channel Trail can also connect you to River Park from the Skokie to the North (cross at Argyle or Foster to be able to meet us at the sit spot on the westide of the River. Don't believe there is any bike racks near the sit spot but there is a waist height black metal fence that runs throughout the park that one could utilize as well as other standard structures and poles.

Nearby Transit:

CTA bus #81 stops 7 minute walk or .3 miles from the meetup spot at Lawrence & Sacremento.

CTA bus #92 stops 8 minute walk or .4 miles from the meetup spot at Foster & Kedzie.

The brown line is the closest train, stop at Fransisco, then about a 11 minute walk to the meetup spot of .5 miles.

For more transit info including timing and options please visit: https://www.transitchicago.com/

Parking:

There is free parking along W Argyle street between the North Branch Chicago River and N Albany Ave. On the northside of the street is 45 degree angle parking and on the southside of the street is parralel parking. This is a 1-3 minute walk or .1-.2 mile route paved accessible path, handicap parking spots available.

Accessibility & Terrain:

The paved path in the natural area is ADA accessible. Bathrooms should be available at the River Park fieldhouse during their open hours, which on Sunday are 8:30-4:30pm; it does have a ramp to enter the building. The fieldhouse is about a 6 minute walk or .3 miles from our sit spot or a 1 minute car ride or bike ride away from our sit spot.

Families are encouraged to attend. You do not need to register any children under the age of 18. Adults must accompany any children and are responsible for them at all times.

Other info:

Dress for the weather, we recommend layers, for example wool, cotton, fleece layers and a water proof shell if applicable. There are two metal benches at the sit spot but we recommend bringing a chair or seat that you will be comfortable with - organizers will bring a few stools and things for those who do no have a seat to bring. We also recommend bringing a blanket, hand warmers or anything else you may want to stay cozy. Bring your own water and snacks and any other supplies you may need to stay comfortable throughout the sit. You are welcome to puruse the natural area path and the rest of the park on your own accord during the event, organizers will stay put so everyone can find us.

Pets are not allowed in the natural area per park rules.

Binoculars available to borrow and community scopes to use on site if needed.

In the case of inclement weather that not even birds want to be out in, we will reschedule for one of the two following weekends.

PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER IF YOU ARE NOT ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND.

CANCEL YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE.

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW: Feminist Bird Club's Birding Code of Conduct prior to attending this event.

Code of Conduct can be accessed on our website FeministBirdClub.org/Resources or by following this link:

Host or Publisher Feminist Bird Club Chicago