|
The Wonderful World of Bird Behavior

New! Unravel the mysteries of the secret lives of birds through a historic lens. Explore a variety of birds as they sleep, eat, sing, and dance, with an emphasis on midwestern species. Using historical texts, examine the unique behaviors of various species and come away with a better understanding of these often overlooked, but fundamental, aspects of the avian life cycle. The course will conclude with an optional bird walk on November 16 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. around the Garden to examine migratory birds exhibiting some of the behaviors you studied.
4 Mondays, October 19 – November 9, 2026, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Bob Dolgan, filmmaker and bird enthusiast
Classroom 6, Learning Center
|
Not Available
|
|

This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
|
Not Available
|
|

New! Where do the bees go as the seasons change? Learn about the lifecycle of Illinois native solitary bees, including what happens to them as temperatures cool in fall and winter. Discover how you can help support native bees at home through your landscaping and gain a new appreciation for the little creatures that make our world go round.
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Classroom 1, Learning Center
|
Not Available
|
|

This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
|
11/7/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
|
|
Wintering Bees in Cold Climates

New! What happens to your beehive in winter? Beehives can be a challenge to overwinter, especially in northern climates. Troubleshoot with an expert beekeeper and learn care tips that will help you maintain a healthy bee colony year-round.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon
Wil Pilipauskas, head beekeeper, Willie's Honey Company
Classroom 6, Learning Center
|
Not Available
|
|
Beginner Bird Walk Dixon Prairie

Take a peaceful afternoon walk through the beautiful Dixon Prairie as we search for waterfowl and raptors during the tail end of fall migration. This is a beginner-friendly event, though all levels of experience are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. A map will be sent. Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Shida Evaluation Garden
|
11/10/2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
|
|
Birding the Barbara Brown Nature Preserve

This fall, take a walk in the Garden’s Barbara Brown Nature Reserve and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Some of the species we will seek include warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, and perhaps ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A map will be sent.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Barbara Brown Nature Reserve
|
Not Available
|
|

This fall, take a walk in the Garden and learn to identify birds in their sometimes-confusing fall plumage. Earlier bird walks will highlight warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, while later ones will feature ducks, sparrows, and hawks. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
|
11/21/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
|
|
Beginner Bird Walk Main Island

Join us on an afternoon bird walk through the Garden as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary! Dress for the weather.
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bridget Kiernan, birder and horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Meet at Visitor Center
|
12/1/2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
|
|

Welcome to the whimsical world of beetle pinning. Embark on an enchanting journey to preserve the beauty of these incredibly varied creatures forever. Learn expert techniques that turn you into a skilled entomologist as you position, pin, and preserve these specimens. With hands-on practice, you will create a museum-quality pinned specimen to display in your home. Beetles are ethically sourced. All supplies included. Class registration will close on November 25. Cancellations after November 25 are not eligible for a refund.
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon
Insect Asylum, non-profit vintage taxidermy and insect museum
Classroom 5, Learning Center
|
12/2/2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
|
|

New! Explore the Garden in its winter glory and discover our early winter bird residents. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have one.
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Alan Anderson, Chicago Audubon Society
Meet at Visitor Center
|
12/5/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
|
|
Winter Bilingual Bird Walk

New! Join bilingual birder Daniela Herrera on this winter bird walk where she will guide you through the wonders of winter birding. On the walk, you will look for winter birds around the Garden. All levels are welcome. This walk is open to all and intended for members of the BIPOC community and Spanish-speakers. A map will be sent. Offered in partnership with Daniela Herrera, @latina.birder on Instagram.
Acompaña a la pajarera bilingüe Daniela Herrera en esta caminata invierno, donde te guiará por las maravillas de invierno. En el recorrido, buscaremos aves invernales en el Jardín. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos. Esta caminata está abierta a todos y dirigida a la comunidad BIPOC e hispanohablantes. Se enviará un mapa. Ofrecido en colaboración con Daniela Herrera, @latina.birder en Instagram.
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 – 4 p.m.
Daniela Herrera, bilingual birder
Meet at Visitor Center
|
12/12/2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
|
|
|
|