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.
by NIAS | Apr 27, 2024
Field Trip – Spring Bird Walk
May 9 – Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m.
Leader: Mary Blackmore (815-938-3204)
NIAS Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, rural Forreston. We’ll walk the mowed trails through grasslands, woodland and wetlands. The trails have some steep sections and the ground is often uneven. Carpool at 7:30 a.m.
by NIAS | Apr 27, 2024
Spring Bird Count
May 4th
Once again, NIAS will be participating in the annual Spring Bird Count on May 4, 2024. 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 27, 2024
Field Trip – Spring Bird Walk
May 2 – Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m.
Leader: Mary Blackmore (815-938-3204)
Wetland Areas of Eastern Stephenson County. This outing has little walking as we drive to each wetland area and often view the birds from our vehicles. Carpool at 7:45 a.m.
by NIAS | Mar 29, 2024
Enjoy The Spring Migration!
April 27 – Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve, Freeport.
Some parts of the trail are steep and the ground can be uneven. Meet in the parking area of the Newell Tract, the part of Oakdale on the west side of Crane’s Grove Rd. Restrooms are available in the parking area.
Leader: Anne Straight (815-938-3263)
All of the walks will begin at 8 a.m. And conclude at 11 a.m. Feel free to join or depart the group anytime during those three hours. Those who wish to will gather for lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant. If the weather is questionable or you need further directions to the site, please call the listed leader. We hope you can join us!
