








An Audubon member hosts a monthly series called Wildlife Wednesdays at the Freeport Public Library. The program begins with a special story time followed by an activity related to the theme.
Meet at the Mogle Center at Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road.
We will take a short walk to collect aquatic organisms and bring them back to the Mogle Center to look at them with microscopes and magnifying glasses. Along the way, we will try to catch flying insects to observe as well.
Open to kids of all ages. Parents must be present with the children during the event. Kids should dress appropriately for the weather and should wear shoes or boots that can get wet. Sign-ups are required. Contact leader Juliet D’Souza at 201-233-0946 to register and/or if weather is questionable.
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
The smudge-gray Chimney Swift nimbly flies over rooftops, fields, and rivers to catch insects. This little bird spends almost its entire life in the air. When it lands, it cannot perch like most other birds so it clings to vertical walls inside chimneys or in hollow trees or caves. We don’t have a lot of chimneys in use any more so this little bird is not as common as it used to be in the United States.
* Information taken from Cornell Lab of Ornithology site All About Birds.
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!
Go on a family outing to Union Dairy at dusk – what could be more pleasant? – and with ice cream in hand go around to the back to watch the chimney swifts gather and circle, then swoop down into the chimney. If you are early risers, you can go back at dawn to see them emerge for a new day.
You can have kids check the items off on a list or just put them in a bag – except in the case of something alive.
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...