








Beginning Birder Club
Third Saturday of the Month – September 2023 through April 2024
10:30 to 12:00 p.m.
Led by Juliet Moderow
Registration required – Contact us at nwilaudubon@gmail.com to register or get on the waitlist for the program.
Freeport Public Library, Youth Services Program Room
100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL 61032
This will be a fun, educational program for youths to learn about different topics about birds. Lessons will be tailored for ages 6-10, but younger/older children are welcome. An adult must be present during the entire program. All sessions are independent from each other, so you are welcome to attend any that you are able.
Each program will be held at 10:30 am to approximately 12:00 pm on the third Saturday of the month. Sessions will be held at the Freeport Public Library in the Youth Services Program Room, but we will try to end the session outside to look for birds. Please dress appropriately for the weather as well.
Topics:
Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
Mourning Doves are a common bird in North America, related to Rock Pigeons. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including backyards. They are primarily seed eaters and will feed on the ground. They may visit bird feeders for any fallen seed, especially millet. They are often seen perching on telephone wires in pairs, easily recognized by their silhouette.
Mourning Doves have a small head with thin, black bills and a plump body. They have pale peach-colored feathers, with gray on top. There are scattered black spots on the wings with pink iridescence and sometimes a small black mark on the neck can be seen.
They are recognizable for their sad, mournful “coo coo” song that gives them their name. When in flight, they make loud whistling sounds and may clap their wings, which could help to scare a predator or give warnings to other birds.
After a Mourning Dove forms a pair bond for the breeding season, they will build a flimsy nest. Nests can be found typically in trees and grounds, but can also be formed in gutters and eaves of houses. They will lay two eggs, but multiple times during a breeding season.
To help protect Mourning Doves and any other bird, please leave your cats indoors. Ground-dwelling birds are easily caught and killed by cats. We can help birds by keeping our cats inside.
* 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!
Family Activity
What do birds eat and how do they eat it?
Look at some bird pictures and point out the beaks, explaining that every bird has a beak that is shaped to help it find and eat its own food. Then you can try out these techniques:
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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