by NIAS | Jan 27, 2025
Event: Woodcock Watches
Wednesday, March 26, 7:00 pm
Happy Equinox!
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore
815-938-3204
Join us for any or all of these evening outings to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display.
The woodcock’s “Sky Dance” itself is part ground-strutting and part zig-zagging flight, barely visible in the early evening sky. More fascinating perhaps are the sounds that go with it, the repetitious vocal “peent!” followed by the twittering and chirping sounds made when air rushes through primary flight feathers during the bird’s flight. On a quiet evening, it is pure audio magic.
In the past we have had 3-6 woodcocks performing their twilight display for about 3-4 weeks. When and if this begins is an educated guess, so be sure to call the listed leader to register in advance and to receive confirmation that the birds have returned and the weather is suitable.
The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd.
Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.
– Mary Blackmore
by NIAS | Jan 27, 2025
Event: Woodcock Watches
Saturday, March 15, 7:00 pm
Happy Equinox!
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore
815-938-3204
Join us for any or all of these evening outings to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display.
The woodcock’s “Sky Dance” itself is part ground-strutting and part zig-zagging flight, barely visible in the early evening sky. More fascinating perhaps are the sounds that go with it, the repetitious vocal “peent!” followed by the twittering and chirping sounds made when air rushes through primary flight feathers during the bird’s flight. On a quiet evening, it is pure audio magic.
In the past we have had 3-6 woodcocks performing their twilight display for about 3-4 weeks. When and if this begins is an educated guess, so be sure to call the listed leader to register in advance and to receive confirmation that the birds have returned and the weather is suitable.
The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd.
Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.
– Mary Blackmore
by NIAS | Jan 27, 2025
Event: Woodcock Watches
Thursday, March 20, 7:00 pm
Happy Equinox!
Coordinator: Mary Blackmore
815-938-3204
Join us for any or all of these evening outings to watch and listen for American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship display.
The woodcock’s “Sky Dance” itself is part ground-strutting and part zig-zagging flight, barely visible in the early evening sky. More fascinating perhaps are the sounds that go with it, the repetitious vocal “peent!” followed by the twittering and chirping sounds made when air rushes through primary flight feathers during the bird’s flight. On a quiet evening, it is pure audio magic.
In the past we have had 3-6 woodcocks performing their twilight display for about 3-4 weeks. When and if this begins is an educated guess, so be sure to call the listed leader to register in advance and to receive confirmation that the birds have returned and the weather is suitable.
The preserve is located about 3 miles southwest of Forreston in the southeast corner of West Grove and Freeport Roads. The parking lot is off of West Grove Rd.
Make time to experience this unique avian harbinger of spring. The joy will be all yours.
– Mary Blackmore
by NIAS | Apr 28, 2024
Full Moon Campfire at our Silver Creek Biodiversity Preserve
We will take a leisurely stroll to observe blooming plants and resident birds at 7 p.m.; the campfire will start at 7:30. S’mores will be provided. Bring a lawn chair, flashlight and water (if desired).
The preserve is located about 2 miles south of Leaf River (S. Main St. in Leaf River becomes Leaf River Rd.). The preserve parking lot is just off of Leaf River Rd. If the weather is questionable call Mary at 815-938-3204.
Carpool from the Harbor Freight parking lot in Freeport at 6:15 p.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.
