A Dave Johnson specialty! Loads of loons and lots of lakes. Expect other birds as well.  Record numbers of migrating loons are often seen on this trip as well as White Pelicans. Meet at 8:30 a.m at Diamond Lake Rd at Diamond Lake across from Mundelein boat launch at Gale Street Inn Restaurant parking lot. Lunch out at local lakeside eatery. We will travel by van or bus, so the cost will be $24 for a 5 hour trip.  RSVP by email: djohnsoda@comcast.net. Maximum 30  Leader: David B. Johnson

Air Station Prairie Woodcocks. Come out to see the spectacular aerial displays of the American Woodcock at dusk! The Air Station Prairie in Glenview is a great location for these displays and we may even spot a woodcock on the ground. Meet on the deck of the interpretive center at 6:45 pm. Leader:  John Leonard 847-845-5563.

6th Annual Memorial Ralph Herbst Duck Trip. Bird the lakes and ponds of the Palos region for a variety of spring waterfowl. Meet at 7:30 a.m. From I-55, exit south on to US Rte. 45/LaGrange Rd. Head straight south to the McGinnis Slough parking lot on the west side of LaGrange Rd. Leader: Jeff Sanders. (Important Note: Contact Jeff Sanders -- yellowstart5@yahoo.com, or 847-657-6431 the night before if you have questions about whether the ponds are frozen and whether the trip will be on as scheduled.)

The Gull Frolic is a unique winter event at Illinois’ premier gull-watching hotspot: North Point Marina. Bring your binoculars, scope and cold weather gear, and join birders outside of the yacht club to enjoy close study of some of our harder-to-find winter species such as Thayer’s, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls!  A variety of waterfowl typically make an appearance too (scoters and other diving ducks), along with the occasional raptor, owl, or winter finch. Birders wearing bright orange hats will be available to help answer questions along the “boardwalk”.  Start time is 9:30 a.m. ENSBC is one of the sponsors. To learn more and to register:

http://www.illinoisbirds.org/16th-annual-gull-frolic/

Waukegan Christmas Count
Compiler: Joel Greenberg, 630-725-9416

Chicago Lakefront Christmas Count
Compiler: Joel Greenberg, 630-725-9416

Roberta Asher will present This a multi-media presentation about an IOS-sponsored trip to Cuba.  Cuba is one of the most important countries for neotropical migratory birds.  A total of 370 species have been recorded on the island.  Cuba has 26 endemic bird species and 25 endemic subspecies including the small, but spectacularly colorful, Cuban Tody, the elegant Cuban Trogon, and the Bee Hummingbird (the tiniest hummingbird in the world).   This presentation will highlight many of the birds seen on this trip.  In addition, Cuba is an island full of 50’s nostalgia, enchanting scenery, rich culture, friendly people, spectacular architecture, and alluring music. Experience the sights and sounds of today’s Cuba, from the street scenes and music of Havana, to pastoral countryside.   Learn what to expect when you go birding in Cuba – birds and then some.

Weekend Getaway NEW TRIP. The Mighty Mississippi. Savanna, Thomson area of Carroll County, Illinois along the Upper Mississippi River NWR area.  November 14-15. Target species include Bald Eagles and 100s of Tundra Swans and other waterfowl and lingering land birds.  Overnight in Savanna Saturday only.  Travel early Saturday morning.  Return Sunday afternoon. Dinner in Galena Area. $25 deposit.  $50 double occupancy. $100 single occupancy. Limited to 12 participants.  RSVP with Leader David Johnson at djohnsoda@comcast.net.

With the Northern Saw-whet Owl as her “spark bird”, Alexandra Forsythe has taken a special interest in owls.  Many of us have extensive life lists, but we know very little about owls. These creatures of the night have unique adaptations, abilities and behaviors that have rarely been studied, each owl species different from the next. Learn more about these special birds of prey during this highly entertaining and interactive presentation by Alexandra Forsythe. She is an experienced raptor rehabber for Soarin’ Hawk, and a long-time participant in Project Owlnet. She is the author of the Indiana Audubon Society’s “Bird of the Month” articles, and Youth Advisor for Indiana Audubon Society. At just 15, she is Indiana’s first Young Birder of the Year and a highly sought-after speaker. She will be introduced by Joel Greenberg. NOTE: CHANGE OF VENUE!! THIS MEETING WILL BE AT THE LEVY CENTER IN EVANSTON, 300 DODGE, IN THE LINDEN ROOM.  PLENTY OF PARKING.  SAME TIME: 7:30