










On Saturday, December 14, 2019, the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society will participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count! People will travel all over Freeport, but we also need people to help with the “Feeder Counts” portion.
On that day, watch your bird feeder anytime throughout the day for at least four hours (you don’t need to be glued to the window!) and keep track of the total number of each species you see that day. Make sure you record the time that you saw the bird and the total of that particular species.
For full instructions or if you have questions, contact Richard Benning at 815-865-5279.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Take a walk to the closest park near you or body of water. What types of birds do you see? You are most likely to see a lot of geese! You probably hear their honking too!
Canada Geese are one of the largest geese that belongs to Family Anatidae, which include ducks, geese, and waterfowl. When they fly, they fill the sky with long V formations, with the more experienced geese in the front. The V formation improves aerodynamics and saves energy for most of the flock as they take turns as the lead.
As human populations are growing and creating more development such as homes that include front lawns and town parks, the Canada Goose population tends to increase as well. They tend to accumulate on lawns because they can digest grass and can see predators easily as well. They are staying year-round in these suburban and urban areas. They can also be found in harvested corn fields foraging for food.
Canada Geese can be aggressive. It is best not to approach them, especially during breeding times.
* 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/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.
A fun activity you can do with your family and friends as it starts to snow is to go sledding! Bundle up with all your buddies, grab a sled, and find the biggest snowy hill outside to sled down!
As we go into winter and get closer to Christmas, a fun project you can do with your family and friends is to make reindeer food! You’ll need a bowl, something to store your food in, oats, bird seed, and peanuts. Mix two cups of oats, one cup of bird seed, and one cup of peanuts in your bowl. Save your reindeer food until Christmas eve, then sprinkle it in the yard for when Santa and the reindeer come, so the reindeer will have a snack, too!
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, Jan. 19, 2021
Virtual Discussion of the film The Story of Plastic...
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021
NIAS Newsletter Deadline...
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021
Meeting: NIAS Conservation Committee...
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021
Meeting: NIAS Board Meeting...
Previous Issues