Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper at Helmick Nature Preserve in July
Event Type: Bird Walk
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Helmick Nature Preserve
Address: Central Ave south of U.S. Rt 30, Matteson, IL Map
Hope you can join us for the July “First Sundays at Helmick” walk to enjoy the diversity of birds that changes with the seasons. We’ll explore the preserve’s marshland, open water, grassy areas, and wooded sections for birds and other creatures.
In July, we’ll be looking for:
Breeding summer birds, from eastern kingbirds and indigo buntings to brown trashers and catbirds
Wood ducks and mallards swimming in formation with ducklings and fledglings sitting on branches begging for food
Herons, egrets, cormorants, and kingfishers fishing for breakfast
Eagles, ospreys, and other raptors looking to snag a meal
Bullfrogs, turtles, snakes, and butterflies
We also hope to see or the hear the small group of pheasants that nest here each year and find the many other birds that spend the summer here
We’ll meet in the parking lot for the South Suburban Humane Society facility at 21800 Central Avenue. Map.
The bird hike is on a paved path. There’s a porta potty where the trail crosses Ridgeland Ave; however, the walk will not go that far west.
The bird walk is free and open to everyone. New birders are welcome! No registration required.
Leaders: Diane Hicks & Pat Andersen
Last minute event changes: If weather or site conditions, such as a flooded path, necessitate a last minute cancellation, the information will be posted at the top of this page. If the weather is iffy, check this page before coming. Alternately, use the form below to sign up for an event change notification. We’ll email you if this bird walk has to be cancelled.
Questions? Send an email to: thorncreekaudubon@gmail.com