Joel Greenberg will introduce the birding life of Nathan Leopold. Of all the people born in the United States who went on to study birds, Nathan Leopold is arguably the most famous. Unfortunately, however, Nathan’s fame rests on his participation, with Richard Loeb, in the 1924 murder of young Bobby Franks. All previous accounts have glossed over Leopold’s passion for birds. This talk emphasizes Leopold's ornithological work, which did influence aspects of the crime and facilitated his arrest. He was eventually paroled and served at a hospital in Puerto Rico, where he published "The Birds of Puerto Rico."

41st Annual Jeff Sanders’ Fall Specialty Trip! North Shore lakefront – Northwestern, Gillson Park, Maple Park, Tower Road Park, Park Ave., Rose Beach in Highland Park, and other areas as time permits. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Northwestern University beach. Go east on Lincoln St. from Sheridan Rd., turn south past the giant fitness center, then turn east (left) and go almost to the end. Bring scopes and dress for cold lake wind. Leader: Jeff Sanders.

Rick Remington, speaker at the September program on Jo Davies County, will lead a weekend trip to his favorite spots near Galena. There should be plenty of birds and beautiful fall color. For information, contact Libby Hill, 847-475-2096 or libbyhill@comcast.net, and/or watch for announcements on the website and on IBET.

Hawkwatch at Illinois Beach State Park, North Unit. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the hawkwatch shelter. Directions: Take Rte 94 or 41, exit at Rte. 173, continue west to Sheridan Rd, turn north, go for a couple of blocks to 17th St., turn right, and continue into the park. Turn right at Sand Prairie Day Use Area. Leader: Dave Johnson. Call or email leader: djohnsoda@comcast.net or 224-567-9650.

Hawkwatch at Illinois Beach State Park, North Unit. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the hawkwatch shelter. Directions: Take Rte 94 or 41, exit at Rte. 173, continue west to Sheridan Rd, turn north, go for a couple of blocks to 17th St., turn right, and continue into the park. Turn right at Sand Prairie Day Use Area. Leader: Dave Johnson. Call or email leader: djohnsoda@comcast.net or 224-567-9650.

This night is for members to share their birding memories with the rest of the group. If you’d like to show your pictures/videos from your latest birding trip, please contact Brian Herriott at wrybill@sbcglobal.net. Each presentation is limited to 10 minutes.

Meet at 7:30 a.m. at McDonald’s at Rt. 132 and Sheridan Rd. in Waukegan to see a variety of land and lake migrants. Leaders: Ari Rice and Joel Greenberg.

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.