Evening Woodcock Walk at Marian Byrnes Natural Area

(FBC) is dedicated to promoting inclusivity & safety in birding for everyone especially LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC & disabled folks and women.

Join FBC in search of the elusive American woodcock (aka the timberdoodle). Woodcocks perform courtship displays after dusk in the Chicago area in late March and early April -- searching for them is a unique and fun birdwatching experience. Marian Byrnes Natural Area is one of the only transit and accessible places in the city of Chicago to witness these fascinating displays.
Meet at the south parking lot off 103rd at 6:30pm. We will have some time to walk the paved path and look for birds at dusk and make our way to the new boardwalk to socialize and chat - there are two benches at the end of the boardwalk. Around 7:30 we will make our way back to the paved path to listen quietly for "meeps" and hopefully see some woodcocks display by flying up into the dusk sky.

No prior experience with birdwatching is required. This is a beginner friendly event and organization. Families are also welcome to join (children do not need to RSVP). Binoculars will be available for loan upon request.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Getting There: Marian Byrnes is located at 2200 E. 103rd St. Chicago, IL 60633 there is a bus stop just outside the entrance where the CTA bus #15 #26 and #J14 stop to find more visit https://www.transitchicago.com/. There is a free parking lot with an entrance off of 103rd, mind the curb, the entrance ramp faces east not south might you like assume when you are driving. If you would like to carpool join our discord and post in the #carpool channel.

Accessibility & Terrain: The parking lot is crushed gravel but the paths are mainly paved there is one mulched path and a short boardwalk, be prepare to walk about a mile. Bathrooms are not available so plan accordingly.

Dress: Please dress in comfortable weather appropriate clothing and lots of layers. March can be muddy so please bear this in mind with your choice of footwear. Waterproof shoes/boots and long pants and socks for tick prevention are recommended.

Cover photo by Matt Zuro (permission attained).
Please do not register if you are not sure that you can attend or cancel your ticket well 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