Bird the less-traveled trails west of Brandenburg Rd. at this beautiful state natural area. Last year the group tallied nearly 70 species. Expect about a 2.5 mile hike (about 3 hours) through old fields, woodlands, prairie, and bogs. Target birds include flycatchers, bluebirds, and late migrants. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot at the Visitor Center on Brandenburg Rd., west of Rt. 12. Bring along water and bug repellent. After the hike participants can visit the Visitor Center and bird additional trails. Leader: Margo Milde.

Ryerson Conservation Area Join these early morning trips to help start your work day. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Ryerson in front of Brushwood (the old visitor's center)off Riverwoods Rd. between Rte. 22 and Deerfield Rd. As you drive in off Riverwoods Rd., make the first left at the white wooden gates. Leader: Nan Buckhardt.

Tucked between the 1st and 2nd holes of the Sunset Valley Golf Course, Foley Pond is encircled by a woodland path and is a good rest stop for migrants. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at approximately 1268 McDaniels Ave. in Highland Park. From Green Bay Rd., turn left on Bob-O-Link Rd. and then left on McDaniels. A sign for Foley Pond is about 100 feet on the right. Park on the street. Trip will last about an hour. Leader: Donnie Dann.

In a unique program, we have assembled a panel of local birders each representing a different approach to this captivating activity. Panel members will discuss many topics including the allures of birding, tactics for finding birds, and how birding has changed over the years. Hosted by Joel Greenberg, the panel will be comprised of Walter Marcisz, Sebastion Patti, and one more person yet to be named. Audience participation is encouraged so come prepared for a lively discussion on everyone’s favorite obsession.

Paul Clyne knows the birds of Jackson Park better than anyone, and in a rare north side appearance, he shares his knowledge and experiences birding this remarkable park on Chicago’s south side. Designed by Fredrick Olmstead as the setting of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, this park consisting of woods, grasslands, and lagoons is one of the great birding locations in the region. And Paul has studied its avian life with meticulous care, amassing detailed notes of his decades of birding here. His insights and anecdotes will provide the perfect tonic for those who can’t wait for the start of spring migration.

Reservations with the leader required by January 18, 2010. View all ages of bald eagles at Lock and Dam 13. Additional areas will be visited to see a variety of duck and other winter birds. Carpooling is encouraged! Leader: Tim Wallace, tgwdvm@aol.com, 847-548-2654.

Join this all-day trip to see a variety of fall migrants. We will also visit other sites in the area. Trip ends at JPFWA at dusk at the elevated viewing platform to see thousand of sandhill cranes. Participants can meet at the home of Joel Greenberg at 6:30 a.m. or in Miller, IN at 7:30 a.m. Contact the leader for more details. Leader: Joel Greenberg, ckerchmar@earthlink.net, 630-725-9416.

Reservations with the leader required. A great spot for hawkwatching is Sailing Beach. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Sailing Beach entrance shelter off Camp Logan (17th Street in Zion). If hawkwatching is slow the leader will decide to bird elsewhere. Leader: David B. Johnson, djohnsoda@comcast.net, 847-459-3989

Join us as the Evanston North Shore Bird Club celebrates its 90th birthday. We encourage members to bring pictures of their nature outings (no more than 10, please) to share with the club. In addition to presentations, Board Members will provide desserts to share. If you are presenting a slide show, please come early for loading it. And/or, be sure to arrive early for grazing.