








Join a leisurely stroll on some of Oakdale’s trails after the sun has set and darkness rules. It can be a fascinating experience as we learn to adjust our sensory awareness. There is no guarantee of hearing owls or other nocturnal residents, but it is a possibility. We will witness how darkness affects our sense of sight and how to sharpen our other senses. If the sky is clear, we might look for some of the constellations.
The program will start in the Mogle Center.
For questions about this program, call Richard Benning at 815-865-5279.
With an adult, visit Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity preserve to watch and listen for American Woodcocks’ performing their amazing courtship display. The “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 birds’ descent. On a quiet evening, it is pure audio magic.
For questions about the March 15 and March 26 program, call Mary Blackmore at 815-938-3204; for March 20, call Anne Straight at 815-938-3263
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Take a look out the window at your feeders this month, kids. Do you see a small bird with a smart-looking black and white head, pale beak and crisp gray breast? This is a White-crowned Sparrow and is a winter bird for us in northern Illinois. When I see the White-crowned Sparrow at my feeders, I know we are in the midst of a seasonal change. They like the sunflower and other seeds at your feeder but might seem to prefer eating off the ground on the seeds other birds have dropped.
* Sources include www.allaboutbirds.org and www.wildbirdhabitatstore.com.
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!
If there is still snow on the ground, take a trip outside to make snow angels (or snow birds)! Lay down on your back in the snow, then move your arms and legs side to side.
While you make your snow angels, look up at the sky to watch for any birds flying by. In the evening, go outside with your family and you might hear some owls!
Go outside and try to spot the American Woodcock. This is the best time of year to find one! When the American Woodcock flies, it looks like a nerf bullet! While you are trying to find one, you can take a walk and look for animal tracks in the snow.
Since Valentine’s Day is in February, a fun craft to do would be to make a heart owl. Carefully cut out a heart-shaped head, feet, and a set of wings from construction paper, then glue them on to the edges of a paper plate so that it resembles an owl. You can use googly eyes or just draw your own eyes on, and write a clever phrase, such as “Hoo loves you?” in the middle.
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...