Bird Walks at Volo Bog and McHenry Dam

Bird Walks at Volo Bog and McHenry Dam

The Ok-a-lee of red-winged blackbirds is a most welcome sound after a long winter! Their calls join those of migrating sandhill cranes, Canada geese, and a variety of ducks returing with the release of winter's icy grip. Hawks are paired up and repairing nests. Owls are already feeding youngsters. As the wetlands continue to warm, shorebirds and rails begin to return. Bluebirds are already back, joining the hardy cardinals and chickadees now singing a welcome to the lengthening daylight. The warmer days have brought flying insects along with swallows and flycathers to eat them. When the oaks leaf out, warblers too will return. So, bring a friend, binoculars and field guides - or borrow from us - and enjoy spring's migration on our bird walks!

All walks begin at 8 a.m. Walk times vary with weather and luck with the birds.

Saturday, March 27 at Volo Bog
Saturday, April 3 at McHenry Dam
Saturday, April 10 at Volo Bog
Saturday, April 17 at McHenry Dam
Saturday, April 24 at Volo Bog
Sunday, May 9 at Volo Bog
Saturday, May 15 at McHenry Dam
Saturday, May 22 at McHenry Dam
Saturday, May 29 at Volo Bog
Saturday, June 5 at McHenry Dam
Sunday, June 13 at Volo Bog
Saturday, June 19 at McHenry Dam
Sunday, June 27 at Volo Bog (followed by Friends of Volo Bog Annual Membership Picnic - www.FriendsofVoloBog.org)

Our walks are geared to all levels of birding experience with veterans helping novice birders. Adults & attentive kids 7 years and older are welcome.

Volo Bog walks meet in the parking lot on Brandenburg Road in Ingleside.
McHenry Dam walks meet at the south end of McHenry Dam parking lot off River Road in McHenry.

Walks are co-sponsored & led by McHenry County Audubon - visit www.McHenryAudubon.org
Reservations are requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov - Limited drop-ins are welcome but program may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior.