Bald Eagle at Helmick Nature Preserve in winter
Event Type: Bird Walk
Date: Sunday, January 3, 2027
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 January “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 January we’ll be looking for:
Wintering sparrows
A variety of waterfowl that spend the winters here if the water is open
Raptors looking to snag a meal
Year-round residents, including woodpeckers and chickadees
Maybe a cackling goose and any surprise winter visitors
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
Depending on snowfall and freeze/thaw conditions, the path can occasionally become too icy to be suitable for a bird walk. We’ll check the path a few days before. If the conditions aren’t favorable, a cancellation notice will be posted at the top of this page. Also, you can use the form below to sign up for an email notification. We’ll email you if the walk has to be cancelled.
Questions? Send an email to: thorncreekaudubon@gmail.com