








Family Scavenger Hunt at Oakdale Nature Preserve (Map)
4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd., Freeport, IL 61032
Saturday, October 3, 2020
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Coordinator Richard Benning: 815-865-5279
This scavenger hunt is perfect for kids and families who love to explore, but also in the safety of COVID-19 guidelines. Meet at the parking lot near the Mogle center between 10 and 11:30am to receive your scavenger hunt list. You will then go with your family unit on your own and find things on your list. When in close proximity to other family units, please maintain social distancing and/or wear masks. Please see our calendar page for more details. Please call Richard Benning to register to ensure that the number of total participants is appropriate for safe scavenger hunting!
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl may be small, but it is just like any other owl. It is a bird-of-prey, with sharp talons and a sharp beak. There are two types: the Gray morph and the Red morph. Both of them are excellent at camouflage, with feathers that match the tree bark they are roosting in – you might have walked right by one and not know it! These owls are nocturnal, so they sleep in tree cavities during the day; therefore, with their eyes closed and motionless bodies, they are masters at hiding in plain sight.
They have “ear” tufts, similar to the larger Great Horned Owls, which also helps with looking like branches of a tree. While the name says “screech,” their calls actually sound more like a horse whinnying.
Fun fact:
Eastern Screech-Owls are predators. They consume other animals including insects, rodents, and other birds. Then they regurgitate the undigested materials (fur, bones, and feathers) in an owl pellet. If you find one, take it apart and see what is inside (wear gloves and wash your hands afterward!)
* Thanks to allaboutbirds.org.
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!
Search for hidden creatures!
Is that leaf really a leaf? Or is it a butterfly or a katydid? Is that stick really a stick? Or is it a walking stick insect? Autumn is a time for animals to start migrating or preparing for winter. As plants start to turn brown and many leaves fall to the ground, many creatures use them for shelter and hiding places. As you explore, slowly and carefully look under twigs, rocks, tree bark for hidden creatures. Also look for animals hiding in plain sight. Many animals stay quiet and motionless until you walk away from them. Look high and low for these creatures and learn about camouflage and mimicry along the way. When you are done, play hide-and-seek with your family members!
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.
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