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.

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.