World Migratory Bird Day

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 Chicago 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 Chicago-Calumet River system. All are welcome, from beginner 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. Trips start and end from the same location, rain or shine! All participants must sign waiver provided in confirmation email, guardians need to sign on behalf of minors. Friends members get $5 off per person, use discount code: Members.

All paddlers receive a complimentary one-year Friends’ membership! Friends’ membership includes:

Free entry to the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Discounts on Friends paddles and other events
Invitations to special events
Free subscription to our River Reporter newsletter
Monthly Volunteer E-Newsletter and Bi-weekly Friends E-Newsletters.
You can unsubscribe from any communications easily, just hit the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email!

Trip costs may be refunded up to a week in advance. Any cancellations within 7 days of the trip are non-refundable. If trips are cancelled due to weather and/or hazardous conditions, participants will be offered the option of rescheduling or will be fully refunded. Click here for other trip FAQs. For questions, contact Annette Anderson at aanderson@chicagoriver.org.