Rookery Walks Offer Peek at Birds During Off-Limits Breeding Season

The most interesting time to bird watch at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery is between March and mid-August, the breeding season for the myriad birds who call the nature preserve home.

Unfortunately, the 320-acre preserve is closed to the public during that time so the birds are not disturbed.

The only way to get a peek is if you sign up for one of two guided migratory bird walks held at 8 a.m. this Saturday and next or for one of the twice-weekly guided bird watching hikes -- 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 8 a.m. Saturdays -- that begin May 2.

Lake Renwick is a nesting spot for herons, egrets and cormorants, but it also attracts many kinds of waterfowl and migratory birds that stop at the preserve en route to other locations. 

The nature preserve, part of the Will County Forest Preserve District, opened in 1992, and at the time was home to five endangered or threatened species of birds. Today, only one of those birds -- the black-crowned night heron -- is still considered threatened, according to the forest preserve Web site.

The free hikes are led by Will County Audobon volunteers, who talk about the history of the rookery and the species that use it to nest. Viewing scopes provide close-up view of newborn birds. Participants are urged to dress for the weather and for hiking on uneven terrain and to bring a bird guide and binoculars, the Web site said.

To register for a walk, call 708-946-2216.