Master Naturalists to man bird watching station at Kickapoo Creek Park through May
Visit the station on Saturday's from 8 a.m. to noon

 

[April 02, 2024] 

During the months of April and May, the bird watching 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 a.m. to noon each Saturday. The station is enclosed on three sides and features benches next to the windows.

When Master Naturalists Mark Tebrugge or Pam Moriearty are on duty, the station’s sign will display a special “Birdwatcher on Duty” panel. “We usually see and hear between fifteen and twenty species in the course of a short visit,” says Moriearty, “and we will be able to answer questions about other birds in the park, such as Canada geese, bluebirds, owls or wild turkeys.”

Observers are likely to see not only the familiar cardinals, blue jays and chickadees, but also red-winged blackbirds, at least three species of woodpecker, nuthatches, titmice and finches, among others. Colorful orioles or rose breasted grosbeaks also stop by occasionally. Though the feeders are within 20 feet of the station’s large windows, volunteers will also provide extra binoculars on loan for close-up views and can demonstrate the use of cellphone apps in identification.

The bird watching station is open year-round and is always an accessible and fun stopping point for all ages. Large colored posters and checklists of common species help with identification. 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. Kickapoo Creek Park is located at 2000 Jefferson Street, Lincoln

[Jennifer Fishburn
Horticulture Educator
Logan-Menard-Sangamon Unit]