World Migratory Bird Day Paddle - Calumet

Tags: Volunteers, Attend, CREW opportunities, Ticketed events, River education, and Canoe Program

World Migratory Bird Day Paddle

October 4, 2025

10a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kickapoo Woods, 14500 S Halsted St, Riverdale, IL 60827

Register HERE

Free – in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County

 

Chicago Ornithological Society and Friends of the Chicago River team up to offer a unique way experience the magic of migration! Join COS and FOCR's expert canoe guides for birding by boats down the Little Calumet River in search of migrant warblers, waterfowl, swallows, and much more. Enjoy birds on the river in a whole new way as wildlife often only seen from afar can be encountered up close in the low canopies and shorelines of the wild Little Calumet River. All are welcome, from beginning to expert birders!

No experience necessary. 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. Bring personal items like sunscreen, sunglasses, water, cameras, etc. We recommend paddlers are at least 10 years old and all minors paddle with a guardian. Younger river lovers from 5-10 years old are invited to enjoy the event with their family by sitting in the center of the canoe (no need to register them).