Cape May Warbler at Helmick Nature Preserve in September
Event Type: Bird Walk
Date: Sunday, September 6, 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 September “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 September, we’ll be looking for:
Migrating warblers, including Cape May, Magnolia, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, and Blackpoll.
Green herons and soras before they head south
Spotted and solitary sandpipers and maybe migrating sandpipers.
The small number of Black-crowned Night Herons that hang out here after they leave the breeding colony at Lincoln Park Zoo until they head south for the winter.
Tree, northern rough-winged, and barn swallows as they gather ahead of migration
Early arriving winter waterfowl
Bullfrogs, turtles, snakes, and butterflies
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: TBD
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
Merlin at Helmick Nature Preserve in September