








The spring migration is here! Every year, our chapter schedules bird walks to observe, enjoy and learn about the birds that migrate into our area each spring. Although most of the walks are designed for adults, consider this special Nature Walk that includes activities that kids will enjoy...exploration in nature at its best!
Meet in the parking area of the Newell Tract of the Oakland Nature Preserve (as described in the newsletter in the May 12 birdwalk) at 9:00 a.m. Kids will look for birds and other "neat stuff" until 10:30 a.m.
Leaders are Carol Redmore (kid expert extraordinaire) and Keith Blackmore (bird expert extraordinaire). If you would like to ask them more about the walk, you can call them. To reach Carol, call 815-721-3375 and to reach Keith, call 815-938-3204.
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
If you do a web search for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (an excellent resource for learning all about birds) and look up the Eastern Meadowlark, you will read that “...sweet, lazy whistles of Eastern Meadowlarks waft over summer grasslands and farms in eastern North America. The birds themselves sing from fenceposts and telephone lines or stalk through the grasses probing the ground for insects with their long sharp bills. On the ground, their brown-and-black dappled upperparts camouflage the birds among dirt clods and dry grasses. But up on perches, they reveal bright-yellow underparts and a striking black chevron across the chest.”
Here are some fun facts about the Eastern Meadowlark:
Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire
Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks
Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library
Freeport Outdoor Experience Events located in Freeport and Stephenson County
Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families
Jane Addams Recreation Trail Ride or Hike the beautiful Jane Addams Trail
Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources
NASA Climate Kids to tell the story of our changing planet through the eyes of NASA missions studying Earth and provides games, activities, and articles that make climate science accessible and engaging for children
National Audubon for Kids provides resources for classroom curriculum, DIY activities, and bird activities for children at home
National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine
Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.
Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.
World Migratory Bird Day Learn about the importance of migratory birds and how to celebrate birds any day of the year!
Give each child a blank notebook and some colored pencils. Observe your backyard birds over a period of a few days.
Then have each child choose a favorite bird; that child will watch his bird carefully, both with and without binoculars, paying attention to the bird's behavior as well as every detail of its appearance. Have the child draw her bird; then check a bird book (but not until the child has done her own drawing!) and see if anything was missed.
AFTER the child has carefully observed the bird, watched its behavior, and has drawn it, then try some photography. But, hold the picture-taking until the observing and free-hand drawing have been done.
Check out our full calendar of activities, events, and educational opportunities. You're sure to find something to interest you. Please join us!
Events include:
For more details, see the current newsletter.
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023
Program: Hidden Prairie: Photographing Life in One Square Meter...
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Christmas Bird Count...
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Beginning Birder Club- Bird Movement - REGISTRATION CLOSED - Contact for waitlist...
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024
Program: Birds and Beauty in Arizona...