February 15th 2020
Start Time – 9:30 a.m.
The Gull Frolic is a unique winter event at Illinois’ premier gull-watching hotspot: North Point Marina. Bring your binoculars, scope and cold weather gear, and join birders outside of the yacht club to enjoy close study of some of our harder-to-find winter species such as Iceland (Thayer’s Iceland and Kumlien’s Iceland) and Glaucous Gulls! A variety of waterfowl typically make an appearance too (scoters and other diving ducks), along with the occasional raptor, owl, or winter finch. Birders wearing bright orange hats will be available to help answer questions along the “boardwalk”.
Whenever you need a break from the cold, retreat indoors to the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club that’s just a few feet away from the shore. Birders from all corners of our state come to mingle, relax and drive away the winter doldrums. Coffee, tea and hot-chocolate will be available all day to help us warm up. There will be a presentation in the conference room that’s offered twice (Session A & Session B).
Talk/Speaker: JUSTIN PETER, Director, Programs and Tour Leader at Quest Nature Tours
Birds of the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are often touted as a laboratory of evolution by natural selection, and some of the archipelago’s birds are among the best-studied organisms anywhere. In this talk illustrated with photographs from his three expeditions there, Justin will help us get acquainted with some of these birds. We’ll see what they look like, how they behave and interact with fellow Galapagos denizens, as well as gain insights into their origins through some of the latest research findings stemming from decades of research.
The $35 registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch (including “Sea Gull” stew,) vegetarian chili and more. The registration fee helps defray facility expenses. Any surplus raised will go to the IOS Grant Program which provides money to local researchers and projects that benefit Illinois birds and birding.
REGISTRATION:
SPONSORS: The Gull Frolic is hosted by the Illinois Ornithological Society, with sponsorship help from many local bird clubs, organizations and individuals. If your organization or club is interested in sponsoring, please contact Amar. There are a limited number of information tables for sponsoring organizations.
If you would like to help IOS keep the Gull Frolic, and other events and programs running, please consider adding a donation to your registration:
DIRECTIONS: To reach the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club take the I-94 toll road north toward Milwaukee. Exit east (turn right) at Route 173. Continue east and turn left on Sheridan Road (Rt. 137). Proceed north and turn right on 7th Street. Follow the North Point Marina signs to the yacht club. There is plenty of parking and parking is always free!
Registration fills fast so don’t delay. All are invited. We look forward to seeing you at this fun and enjoyable annual event!