Birding @ MGPL

Bird is the word this April at the Library! Here are some birding-related events and resources, plus a fun way to join our community flock of bird lovers.

Calling all birders! Pick up a Bird Bingo card from the Info Desk (or print your own) to use while you spot birds in your backyard and beyond.

Return your completed Bingo card (or complete it online) for a chance to win a pair of bird-watching binoculars. Limit one entry per person.

Local Birding Areas

The best birding locations are quiet, tree-lined paths near a water source. Here are some local options to help you complete your Bird Bingo card:

• Linne Woods
• Miami Woods
• North Shore Channel Trail
• Algonquin Woods

Backyard Birding
Tuesday, April 5, 7-8 pm

Learn how to identify popular backyard birds, their unique behaviors and calls, and the differences between males and females with Alyse Burman from Wildbird Shack.
 

Tech Talk: Birding Apps
Thursday, April 7, 10-10:30 am

Learn about free apps for bird identification and birding.
 

Bird Walk
Sunday, April 24, 10-11 am

Josh Engle from Red Hill Birding leads a walk through Linne Woods to spot local and migratory birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, but you do not need them to participate.

The Cornell Lab: All About Birds

A comprehensive database for all things North American birds. Identify birds by name, location, or characteristics. Each bird’s profile includes pictures, bird calls, and information about their diet, habitat, migratory patterns, and so much more. 

Cook County Forest Preserve Birding Checklist

A printable PDF that highlights birds in the area, with a breakdown of their habitat types, nesting preferences, migratory patterns, and relative abundance in the area during different seasons.  

Cook County Birding Events

Whether you're a beginner or veteran birder, the Cook County Forest Preserve has a number of different birding events for people to join, both in person and virtually.  

Chicago Audubon Society

A great resource for anyone looking to bird-watch in the area. This particular link shows birding hotspots in the Chicagoland area.

Birdwatching.com

A great resource for honest reviews on binoculars and scopes from people who have tried them personally, as well as tips and tricks on birding.

Apps

Audubon Bird Guide

With detailed descriptions of over 800 North American birds, this app can help you identify birds and keep track of the birds you have seen. (Apple, Android)

eBird by Cornell Lab

Record the birds you see in the field and link your observations with eBird, a global online database used for scientific research, education, and conservation. (Apple, Android)

Song Sleuth

This birdsong-recognition app recognized the voices of more than 200 common bird species. Each time you make a recording, Song Sleuth will show you the three most likely bird species that it found. (Apple, Android)

Books