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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/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Events located in Stephenson County, IL
Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families
The Great Backyard Bird Count for Kids Sponsored by the Audubon Society and other partners
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
National Audubon website Use “Get Outside” and “Family Time” prompts
National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine
Paddle the Pecatonica River Water Trail Enjoy Illinois’ “Friendliest Paddle” on the Pecatonica River
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.
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.
Saturday, Apr. 17, 2021
Annual Crane Count...
Thursday, Apr. 22, 2021
Bird Walk: N. Jane Addams Trail and Orangeville Wetlands...
Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2021
Bird Walk: Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve...
Tuesday, May. 4, 2021
Zoom Program: Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight...