Elkhart Historical Society to host two birding events
Dinner Lecture April 12th and banding demonstrations April 27th will feature Professor Tony Rothering

[April 01, 2019]   Professor Tony Rothering will lead what is possibly the first bird banding demonstration ever held on Elkhart Hill. Rothering who is Professor of biology at Lincoln Land Community College and a representative of the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders, has been involved in bird banding for more than seven years, working closely with Vern Kleen, retired Illinois Department of Natural Resources Avian Ecologist.

The strict protocols established by the North American Banding Council insure the safety of the captured bird, while data is recorded, and the uniquely numbered aluminum band is applied to the bird’s leg prior to its release. LLCC has had its own Bird Banding Station since 2012, the purpose of which is to record both resident and migrant bird populations during the spring and fall migration seasons, while providing educational opportunities for both students and members of the community.

During the month of April, The Elkhart Historical Society hosts its annual flower and bird walks every Saturday, with other dates available for groups of 10 or more by reservation. The bird banding demonstrations on will be on Saturday April 27, and will be an all-day event.

In addition to the banding demonstration, Rothering is offering a dinner lecture on “Adventures with Birds” a subject which will include more information about bird banding, learning to identify birds and much more.

The dinner lecture will be at 5:30p (doors open at 5 p) on Friday April 12, at the Wild Hare Café in Elkhart, Illinois. The entrees include a herb crusted chicken breast with alfredo sauce, or beef bourguignon - - the complete menu and reservation form is available on the website: elkhart historicalsociety.org  The cost of the lecture includes the meal, tax and tip and $10 for the Elkhart Historical Society program.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of the early spring flowers and enjoy the end of winter! Look for the Nature Walks reservation form for the day time activities, and the “Adventures with Birds” reservation form for the dinner lecture on the website, and call 217 947 2238 to make reservations.

[The Elkhart Historical Society]