Adult Programs

Field Study: Birds of Winter

Learn techniques for accurately identifying the winter birds of Illinois.

Content Detail

Learn where to look for species of birds that are in the Chicago area during the winter and observe the migratory species that overwinter in this region.

In addition to outdoor exploration, class time will be spent indoors developing field identification skills; discussing, choosing, and using birding equipment; reviewing daily checklists; and learning calls and field identification marks.

This program meets in person at The Morton Arboretum and offsite at regional sites of birding interest. There will be outdoor winter explorations in each session.

Instructor: Denis Kania, birding instructor

Age: 16 and older

Course number: O601

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 meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Some sessions will take place away from the Arboretum; driving directions will be provided.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots appropriate for winter weather and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.

Bring a set of binoculars and your favorite field guide.

The recommended text, Sibley’s Birding Basics, $15.95, is available in The Arboretum Store.

Program Schedule

This program includes the following two meeting dates and times.

Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side

Some sessions will take place away from the Arboretum; driving directions will be provided.

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