Become acquainted with the host of birds that nest and breed in Northern Illinois. Observe breeding, foraging, and nesting behavior; discuss food choices and nesting habits; and learn bird songs and calls. After the first classroom session, the class will visit different birding hotspots to seek out a diversity of summer birds that live in our different local habitats.
Participants will:
- Learn to identify resident and migratory birds
- Learn to see key field marks for identification
- Learn what behavioral clues to watch for to help in identification
- Discuss feather arrangement and physical topography
- Review daily checklists from the prior field days
- Meet fellow birders
This program meets in person.
Instructor: Denis Kania, birding instructor
Age: 16 and older
Course number: O603
Instructor
Denis Kania, birding instructor
Denis Kania has been teaching ecology and bird-related classes for The Morton Arboretum since 1997. He is a founding member of the DuPage Birding Club and leads outings nationally and abroad. When he is not teaching, he is monitoring birds at Fermilab or traveling to the friendly corners of the world in search of birds that he has not seen before.
What to Know
This program is held mostly outdoors. Please dress for the weather and for hiking on uneven terrain.
Several sessions will meet off-site; driving directions will be provided in class.
The recommended text, Sibley’s Birding Basics by David Allen Sibley, is available at The Arboretum Store.
Bring a water bottle, snack, binoculars, and field guides. Sunscreen and insect repellent may come in handy.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following three times.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Off-site
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Off-site
