Birding one of many Willowbrook programs

The group edges quietly up the path, binoculars at the ready, to get a closer look.

There, on the side of a tree, is their target: a yellow-bellied sapsucker.

For this group of beginning birders, it's a victory of sorts - one of 23 different types of birds they spotted during a recent walk at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.

Sixteen people participated in the Birding at Willowbrook walk, which is held on four Thursdays every spring and led by naturalist Ron Skleney.

On this day, the group also came across a red-bellied woodpecker, a red-eyed vireo, a Baltimore oriole and an eastern wood pewee.

Skleney has been leading such walks for the past three years, mostly helping beginners learn about identifying feathered creatures.

"I try to show people little hints and tips to help improve their identifications skills," he said.

With that in mind, he helps participants learn about the behaviors of different birds, including how they feed, fly and react to danger. The birders also look for a bird's size, habitat and color.

"I watch birds for their behavior," said Dasos Ghikas of Hanover Park. "For me, it's the most important thing."

Ghikas was a veteran member of the group with experience in birding "on and off" for about 30 years. He said he has visited about half the forest preserves in DuPage County.

Paula Moon of Naperville, who also was on the walk, says she's new to bird watching and wants to know how to recognize birds by their sound.

"I have always wanted to do this," she said. "Now I have the time. I love nature and this is another way to enjoy nature."

This is the second year of birding for Jeanne Lizik of Glen Ellyn.

"It's just very relaxing," she said. "It's great to be out in nature."

The bird walks are over for this year, but Willowbrook Wildlife Center offers other nature programs. For information, call (630) 942-6200 or visit willowbrookwildlife.org.