Beginner Bird Walk: Montrose Point

Location: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago. Date: Friday, 9/11/26 Time: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m THIS TRIP IS SPECIFICALLY FOR BEGINNING BIRDERS! Please sign up for another COS walk if you are an experienced birder. We will focus on birding basics and identifying both common and less common birds found in Chicago during fall migration. Early September is one of the best times of year to start birding because migration is in full swing, and Montrose Point is one of the premier stopover sites in the entire Midwest. Warblers, vireos, and flycatchers funnel through the Magic Hedge and surrounding shrubs and often at close range. The lakefront also brings shorebirds, sparrows, and raptors. Depending on conditions, we may encounter uncommon or even rare migrants, offering a real taste of why Montrose draws birders from across the region every fall. Leader: Chris Cochrane Pre-registration is required. Please contact Chris Cochrane ([email protected]) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions. Accessibility: Total trip distance is approximately 2 miles. The majority of the trip will take place on paved trails with minimal incline and to a lesser extent on well-worn dirt paths. We may leave the trail at times to walk through grassy areas for a better view of the birds, and we may walk on a sandy beach. Any recent rain or snow may create muddy or slippery conditions. Restrooms are available at parking lot portable toilets. Weather/Attire/Other: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a coat, hat, and gloves. Bring your own binoculars. Loaner binoculars will also be available. The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Metered parking is available on Montrose Harbor Drive and free parking is available on Montrose Avenue. Montrose Bird Sanctuary is accessible by public transit via the 78 bus. Bike racks are available on site. Respiratory Illness Precautions: COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear a mask.