SPOTS FULL - World Migratory Bird Day Paddle – North Branch

Chicago Ornithological Society, Friends of the Chicago River and the Forest Preserves of Cook County are teaming up to offer a unique way to experience the magic of migration in honor of World Migratory Bird Day! Join COS and Friends’ expert canoe guides for birding by boats down the Chicago River in search of migrant warblers, waterfowl, swallows, and much more. Enjoy looking for birds on the river in a completely new way as wildlife often only seen from afar can be encountered up close in the low canopies and shorelines of the wild Chicago River. All are welcome, from beginning to expert birders/paddlers! Friends’ trusty canoe guides will help everyone safely load in and out of the canoes, answer questions about the river along the way and act as safety monitors on the water. We provide all equipment, paddling instruction, and safety talk. Trips start and end from the same location, rain or shine! Space is limited, registration required. Please dress for the weather, hats and closed toed shoes encouraged. Please bring your own water. Personal items like sunscreen, sunglasses, cameras, etc, are welcome, a watertight bag is encouraged. Friends is grateful for the support of the Forest Preserves of Cook County who are sponsoring this trip, ensuring everyone the opportunity to paddle. To accommodate as many people as possible, we are booking spots for paddle spots and spots to sit in the middle of the canoe. Participants will take turns paddling as needed for everyone who wants to paddle to get a turn.