World Migratory Bird Day Paddle - North Branch

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

World Migratory Bird Day Paddle

October 4, 2025

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Linne Woods, W Dempster St, east of Lehigh Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053

Register HERE

Free in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County

 

Friends teams up with Chicago Ornithological Society to offer a unique way experience the magic of migration! Join COS and FOCR's expert canoe guides for birding by canoes down the Chicago River in search of migrant warblers, waterfowl, swallows, and much more. Enjoy 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!

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.