Event Type: Bird Walk
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
7:00 am - 8:00 am Muffins & coffee in the cabin
Location: Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve
Address: 1100 Ridge Road, Homewood, IL (map)
The Village of Homewood is again celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at the Izaak Walton Preserve. Join us for a bird walk to celebrate this year’s theme: “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”
Lakes, woodlands, ancient sand dunes, native prairie, and wetlands make up the 193 acres of this preserve. We’ll explore several habitat areas looking for spring migrants, incoming summer nesters, and year-round residents.
Meet in the parking lot next to the main meeting cabin. The walk is on natural surfaces (dirt trails and wood chip and gravel paths). Rest rooms are available at the cabin. Leader: Judy Johnson
New birders are welcome!
This event is sponsored by the Homewood Public Works Tree Committee in partnership with Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve and Thorn Creek Audubon.
Birding at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve
What we could see: List of species reported in May at the preserve > Species List pdf
All species reported year-round > Species List pdf
Map of the preserve trails and activity areas > Preserve Maps
This event supports the Village of Homewood’s Bird City Illinois certification status.
Learn what actions sustain this honor for Homewood >
“Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”
The global Partners behind WMBD chose this 2026 theme to highlight the important role of community science (also referred to as citizen science) for the conservation of migratory birds.
The 2026 celebration shines a spotlight on people-driven efforts that are essential for bird conservation and science, highlighting how individuals, communities, and organizations around the world are helping to build the knowledge base to better conserve migratory birds across borders.
By focusing on the contribution of individuals, participatory science and public bird monitoring efforts, the campaign celebrates the millions of bird enthusiasts around the world who are contributing to the data and knowledge that inform policy decisions and are essential for bird conservation – through each recorded observation.
Volunteers contribute to numerous citizen science programs in Homewood including:
Christmas BIrd Count - National Audubon
Spring Bird Count - University of Illinois
Breeding Bird Survey - Bird Conservation Network
Chicago Area Nighthawk Project - Chicago Ornithological Society
Black-crowned Night Heron Project - Coalition of six Illinois organizations
For kids:
+ World Migratory Bird Day poster to color > Download
Artwork: World Migratory Bird Day 2026 Artist Luisa Lacerda