John Wesley Powell Audubon

JWP Audubon: Field Trips & Bird Walks

JWP sponsors several outdoor events throughout the year.  These outings provide an opportunity for participants to see nature through the lens of an experienced birder and, therefore, observe wildlife otherwise overlooked or unknown. Bird calls are also identified and many interesting discussions always arise.  Come, bring a friend, grandchild or neighbor, and find out what you’ve been overlooking.  Although binoculars are not required they will enhance your appreciation of the wildlife identified and are highly recommended.

Spring/Winter 2010

Starved Rock State Park   Saturday, January 16, we will return to Starved Rock State Park to do some winter birding.  We will meet at Fairview Park in Normal, Illinois at 8 a.m.  We will watch Bald Eagles, gulls and ducks as they feed in the Illinois River at the lock and dam and visit the bird feeders at the Starved Rock Visitor’s Center.  Last year we had great views of a Red-shouldered Hawk as it scanned the feeders trying  to find an unlucky bird for lunch.  If the weather permits, we might also hike one of the canyon trails to look for a Pileated Woodpecker or if it stays frigid, we’ll search for frozen waterfalls in the canyons. Remember to dress for the weather.  We will be outside most of the day.  Last year the temperature was around 10 degrees most of the day.  Bring water and something to snack on.  We will go into Utica for lunch and to warm up. We’ll meet at Fairview Park in Normal at 8 a.m. and carpool from there to Starved Rock.  I would plan on being gone most of the day.  Of course if you drive your own car, you can leave whenever you wish.

Funks Grove    Saturday, February 20, we will head out to Funks Grove for a winter bird and nature hike.   We will meet at Highland Park Golf Course in south Bloomington, Illinois at 8 a.m.  We will start the morning by checking-out the bird feeders at the Sugar Grove Nature Center, and then do some hiking.  If we’re lucky, we may see an owl or some winter finches.  We should be back to Bloomington by noon. 

March 13, Saturday   Evergreen Lake / Comlara Park – Meet at 8 a.m. at Fairview Park, Normal, Illinois.

April  11, Sunday      Weldon Springs State Park – Meet at 7 a.m. at Highland Golf Course, Bloomington, Illinois.

April  25, Sunday      Moraine View State Park – Meet at 7 a.m. at K-Mart parking lot, E. Empire, Bloomington, Illinois.

May 16, Sunday         Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie – Meet at 6:30 a.m. at Menards parking lot, north

Veteran’s Parkway, Normal, Illinois.

June 5, Saturday       Mason County Trip (Sand Prairie – Scrub Oak Nature Preserve and Revis Hill Prairie)

Meet 6:30 a.m. at the west side Wal-mart, Bloomington, Illinois.

Ewing Park Bird Walks   January 24 - Sunday, at 2 p.m. – Meet at the Ethel Parkway parking lot, Ewing Park III.  Margaret Hollowell will lead this winter bird/nature walk.  All other Ewing Park bird walks are at 8 a.m. and will begin at the parking lot off of Towanda Avenue.  They are all on Saturday mornings, except the May 9^th walk, which is a Sunday morning.  Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.  Good waterproof walking shoes or boots are also recommended.   The park can be quite wet and muddy in the springtime.  The walks are open to anyone and are a good introduction to bird watching.  Here are the dates for the rest of the walks.  March  27, April  3, 10, 17, 24, May  1, 9, 15