Birdwatching
station at Kickapoo Creek Park to feature Master Naturalist volunteers on
Saturday's in April & May
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[May 01, 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. [to top of second
column]
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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]
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