Deer Grove is the Forest Preserves’ first land acquisition in 1916. It features old-growth forest (many oaks) and the suite of birds that favor woodlands for breeding can be found in this preserve including Broad-winged Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl and an array of more common birds. Deer Grove-West is a large preserve but so is Deer Grove-East which was converted from agricultural fields to a prairie habitat with the addition of several ponds. Deer Grove-East also features a high-quality oak woodland as well which is well used by woodland birds. There is a fairly large population of red-headed woodpeckers in a swampy area in this preserve. The trip will entail a fair amount of walking on flat paved trails in Deer Grove-East, our first destination, and hilly dirt trails in Deer Grove-West.

Cost for event entry is $10. Urban Birding Festival registration is $30.

Note: This Forest Preserves of Cook County staff-led event is part of the Urban Birding Festival, a celebration of avian wildlife within the city of Chicago and neighboring areas, offering a unique opportunities for birdwatchers of all experience levels to learn and connect with birds and their habitats in unexpected ways.