Birdwatching station at Kickapoo Creek Park to feature Master Naturalist volunteers on Saturday's in April & May
 

[April 11, 2023]   During the months of April and May, the birdwatching station at Kickapoo Creek Park will be manned periodically by experienced birdwatchers to help visitors identify the many birds that visit the nearby feeders. University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers will be on duty from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon every Saturday.

Observers are likely to see not only the familiar cardinals, blue jays and chickadees, but also red-winged blackbirds, nuthatches, titmice, goldfinches and house finches on the feeders. Mourning doves and the departing juncos gather on the ground to catch the fallout. The feeders are within 20 feet of the station’s large windows, so binoculars are optional, though they provide spectacular close-ups. Nature photographers also like to take advantage of such cooperative subjects.

When Master Naturalists Mark Tebrugge or Pam Moriearty are on duty on Saturday mornings, the station’s sign will display a special “Birdwatcher on Duty” panel.

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At other times, species identification is aided by large colored posters on the walls. “I especially enjoy the returning grosbeaks and orioles,” says Master Naturalist Bev Noble, “And of course the red-headed, downy and red-bellied woodpeckers are favorites all year long.”

The station, enclosed on three sides and with benches next to the windows, was constructed a few years ago by Extension Master Naturalists. It is always accessible and a fun stopping point for all ages. Located near the park’s office and machine shed on the main road, the feeders are regularly stocked by park staff with a wide variety of food offerings.

[Jennifer Fishburn]