It's never too late to start birding

[May 13, 2013]  DECATUR -- An Adult Beginning Birders (18 and over) program will be offered by the Illinois Raptor Center on Sunday, May 19, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Jacques Nuzzo, program director for the Illinois Raptor Center, will lead adult participants through their first steps to birding and bird identification.

Participants will learn how to use and care for binoculars and identification guides. Participants will also practice birding with setup scenarios using the IRC's Wildlife Ambassador live birds of prey. Winding up the event will be a birding hike into the Sangamon River flood plain.

The cost is $35, which includes a field ID guide.

Proceeds from the event support the Illinois Raptor Center's wildlife hospital.

To register, call 217-963-6909 or email [e-mail].

The event will take place rain or shine. Participants should dress according to weather conditions and expect to be outside part of the time. No sandals or sleeveless shirts should be worn. Participants should bring binoculars if they have them.

The Illinois Raptor Center is at 5695 W. Hill Road in Decatur.

For information on other summer programs, visit http://www.illinoisraptorcenter.org/public.html.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Raptor Center]