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Birdwatching for Beginners

Chicagoland-style

Have you ever wanted to try birding but didn't know how? This is your chance to get started!

You may not know it but the Chicago area is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. Every spring and fall, several hundred species of birds pass through Chicago on their ancient migratory routes. Many of these birds can be easily seen in our local parks, and some of them might even spend a few days right on your block or even in your back yard. 

In this session, Chicago birdwatcher and photographer, Scott Judd, will provide all the information you need to start finding and identifying birds right here in our beautiful urban paradise. Scott will address these questions and more in a fun, informal and easy-to-understand style: Do I need binoculars? Where should I look? How will I know what I’m looking at? Can I identify a bird based on its song? What if I want to take pictures? Are there any online resources I can access to learn more?

Join us in the aptly named Falcon Room to learn how to get started with this rewarding and fun hobby. 

But...there's more. On Saturday morning, May 18, Scott will lead us on a bird walk to put our new knowledge to use. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather. Check the library calendar to register and for more information. 

If you want to learn more about Snowy Owls and about Scott, here's a link to a CBS news segment Scott did with a staff member from the Lincoln Park Zoo. https://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/3780290-snowy-owl-sightings-in-illinois-on-the-rise/

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