








This edition, we are focusing on trees and their relationship to our feathered friends. Beginning Birder highlights the Northern Flicker, a bird that uses trees to nest in and also to drum on when they want to “talk” to other birds in the area.
Consider joining us for the Membership Meeting on September 1st at 6:00 p.m. where Lee G. Johnson will present information about the Sand Bluff Bird Observatory. You will learn cool facts about banding birds and why habitat (trees!), especially along migration routes, is so important. The meeting will be held at St. John United Church of Christ. See the August-September newsletter for more information. This meeting is a potluck, so you also get a chance to eat some amazing food provided by all participants!
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Northern Flickers are large brown woodpeckers. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you would expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly, you’ll see a flash of color in the wings — yellow if you are in the East and red if you are in the West — and a bright white flash on the rump.
Taken from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website; you can explore sounds and videos of Northern Flickers from the Cornell Lab of Ortnithology’s Macaulay Library archive.
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!
Touch a tree; rub your cheek on the bark. Is it rough or smooth?
Is this tree alive?
Can you put your arms around it?
Is it older than you are?
Can you find plants growing on it?
Do you see or hear any birds in the tree?
Any squirrels?
From Sharing Nature with Children, Joseph Cornell
What are some plants and animals that depend on trees?
What do trees provide for these plants and animals?
Can you see signs of life on the trunk, branches, roots, and leaves?
How is a tree affected by the plants and animals that live on it?
From Project Learning Tree, Forest Foundation
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.