by NIAS | Apr 27, 2024
Spring Bird Count
May 4th
Once again, NIAS will be participating in the annual Spring Bird Count on May 4, 2024. The Spring Bird Count (SBC) is a yearly bird count sponsored by the Illinois Natural History Survey, and consists of volunteers conducting bird counts on the Saturday that falls between May 4 and May 10. The counts are conducted in all 102 counties in Illinois. This count has been going on for over 50 years! The website for more information is: https://spring-bird-count.inhs.illinois.edu/
NIAS has been participating for several years, compiling the Stephenson County count. For those familiar with the Christmas Bird Count, where the count boundary is a circle, the SBC boundary is the entire county. However, the process is the same, count every bird you see, so we can see where the trends are going in Stephenson County.
This year, I am looking for experienced birders who can devote at least 6 hours to the count. Depending on how many volunteers I get, I will split up the county accordingly so there are no overlaps and we can get as much coverage as possible. However, if you live in Stephenson County and would like to be a Feeder Counter, let me know, as that data will help as well.
Thank you!
Carol Beatty, Compiler
Stephenson County Spring Bird Count
Cjbeatty17@gmail.com
630-284-1134
by NIAS | Apr 27, 2024
Field Trip – Spring Bird Walk
May 2 – Bird Walk, 8-11 a.m.
Leader: Mary Blackmore (815-938-3204)
Wetland Areas of Eastern Stephenson County. This outing has little walking as we drive to each wetland area and often view the birds from our vehicles. Carpool at 7:45 a.m.
by NIAS | Mar 29, 2024
Enjoy The Spring Migration!
April 27 – Newell Tract, Oakdale Nature Preserve, Freeport.
Some parts of the trail are steep and the ground can be uneven. Meet in the parking area of the Newell Tract, the part of Oakdale on the west side of Crane’s Grove Rd. Restrooms are available in the parking area.
Leader: Anne Straight (815-938-3263)
All of the walks will begin at 8 a.m. And conclude at 11 a.m. Feel free to join or depart the group anytime during those three hours. Those who wish to will gather for lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant. If the weather is questionable or you need further directions to the site, please call the listed leader. We hope you can join us!
by NIAS | Mar 29, 2024
Enjoy The Spring Migration!
April 18 – Northern Jane Addams Trail and the Orangeville Wetlands.
Walking will be on the hard, level surface of the Jane Addams Trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead in Orangeville where we begin. Carpool at 7:30 a.m.
Leader: Somer Elgin (815-275-0719)
Expected trail conditions are described above. Restrooms are not available unless noted. We’ve resumed carpooling from the Harbor Freight east parking area on Freeport’s south side adjacent to the McDonald’s along HWY 26. For walks where there is a carpool option, the departure time is indicated.
All of the walks will begin at 8 a.m. And conclude at 11 a.m. Feel free to join or depart the group anytime during those three hours. Those who wish to will gather for lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant. If the weather is questionable or you need further directions to the site, please call the listed leader. We hope you can join us!
by NIAS | Mar 29, 2024
Enjoy The Spring Migration!
April 12 – Duck’s Misery and the southern Jane Addams Trail.
During most of this outing we are walking on the level, hard surface of the Jane Addams Trail. Some observations will be made from the shoulder of Winneshiek Rd. Carpool at 7:40 a.m.
Leader: Laura Dufford (815-541-8958)
Expected trail conditions are described above. Restrooms are not available unless noted. We’ve resumed carpooling from the Harbor Freight east parking area on Freeport’s south side adjacent to the McDonald’s along HWY 26. For walks where there is a carpool option, the departure time is indicated.
All of the walks will begin at 8 a.m. And conclude at 11 a.m. Feel free to join or depart the group anytime during those three hours. Those who wish to will gather for lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant. If the weather is questionable or you need further directions to the site, please call the listed leader. We hope you can join us!
