by NIAS | Jan 27, 2025
Spring Bird Count
May 10th
Once again, NIAS will be participating in the annual Spring Bird Count on May 10, 2025. The Spring Bird Count (SBC) is a yearly bird count sponsored by the Illinois Natural History Survey, and consists of volunteers conducting bird counts on the Saturday that falls between May 4 and May 10. The counts are conducted in all 102 counties in Illinois. This count has been going on for over 50 years! The website for more information is: https://spring-bird-count.inhs.illinois.edu/
NIAS has been participating for several years, compiling the Stephenson County count. For those familiar with the Christmas Bird Count, where the count boundary is a circle, the SBC boundary is the entire county. However, the process is the same, count every bird you see, so we can see where the trends are going in Stephenson County.
This year, I am looking for experienced birders who can devote at least 6 hours to the count. Depending on how many volunteers I get, I will split up the county accordingly so there are no overlaps and we can get as much coverage as possible. However, if you live in Stephenson County and would like to be a Feeder Counter, let me know, as that data will help as well.
Thank you!
Carol Beatty, Compiler
Stephenson County Spring Bird Count
[email protected]
630-284-1134
by NIAS | Apr 28, 2024
Field Trip – Spring Bird Walk
May 29 – Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m.
Leader: Mary Blackmore (815-938-3204)
NIAS Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve and the Bald Hill Prairie, rural Leaf River. We’ll walk the mowed trails (uneven ground in some places) of Silver Creek’s woodlands and grasslands. For the last hour we will visit the nearby Bald Hill Prairie where we should be treated to displaying Bobolinks. Carpool at 7:15 a.m.
by NIAS | Apr 28, 2024
Field Trip – Spring Bird Walk
May 20 – Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m.
Leader: Juliet Moderow (201-233-0946)
Krape Park, Freeport. We’ll meet in the parking lot by the dam and walk the paved path along Yellow Creek and then on some of the road shoulder downstream to the pedestrian bridge. Restrooms are in the park.
by NIAS | Apr 28, 2024
Field Trip – Spring Bird Walk
May 17 – Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m.
Leader: Richard Benning (815-865-5279)
Harry and Dorothy Espenscheid Forest Preserve northeast of Freeport. A variety of habitats will be explored including forest, savanna and the riparian areas of Rock Run Creek. There are a few steep portions of the mowed trail and the surface can be uneven. Carpool at 7:30 a.m.
by NIAS | Apr 28, 2024
Annual World Migratory Bird Day Event – INSECTS
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Co-hosts: Freeport Park District, University of Illinois Extension, and Freeport Public Library
Join us for a fun, family-friendly event at Oakdale Nature Preserve. This location provides wonderful opportunities for finding birds, but also early spring insects! We will have activities for all ages and abilities.
In an open-house style event in and around the Oakdale Pavillion, we will have many hands-on activities including crafts, games, insect identification, bird-watching, and obstacle course that fits this year’s theme. We will have giveaways while supplies last.
On each hour at 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m., there will be three outings to take the trails to bird watch and look for insects as well. Please meet at the Pavilion to join one of these outings led by NIAS members and Park District members.
We will ensure that the accessible trail be used for each of these outings before taking other trails.
Oakdale Nature Preserve also provides accessible parking and restrooms. There are benches along many of the trails.
Please wear appropriate footwear, in case we explore the water for aquatic insects. Bring binoculars if you have any and we will have some available to borrow.
This is a rain or shine event and hope to have plenty of shelter in case of rain.
