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.

SATURDAY, September 4, 2010: First Fall JWP Audubon Society Field Trip: Funks Grove

Our first fall field trip will be to Funks Grove.  It will be the same day as Sugar Grove Nature Center’s Hummingbird Festival and Pollination Celebration.  We will meet at Highland Park Golf Course in Bloomington at 7:00 a.m. and spend the first part of the morning exploring Funks Grove for resident birds and early fall migrants.  When we’re done with our bird watching we will head over to Sugar Grove for some of the festival activities.  Here’s what the Sugar Grove web site has to say about the day’s events:

“Buzz on over to join us as we celebrate hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees! Learn from local experts about the important pollinators by participating in programs, seminars, hikes, and more. Enjoy entertainment, food, and fun!   

Vernon Kleen, from Springfield, Illinois, is one of the few licensed hummingbird banders in the United States.  We are excited to welcome his return for the third year of hummingbird banding at Sugar Grove Nature Center.   Participants will have a chance to feel the heartbeat of a hummingbird and are invited to "adopt" one of these winged wonders.

Learn all about Monarch tagging from McLean County Master Gardeners as well as tips and tricks to attract these beautiful insects to your yard. Wild Birds Unlimited will offer Hummingbird Seminars, resources, & products. Honey bee programs, kid’s activities, & garden tours are also part of the fun! This event is sponsored by the Illinois Audubon Society, Wild Birds Unlimited of Normal, Wendell Niepagen Greenhouses, & Sugar Grove Nature Center.”

If you’ve never seen a Ruby-throated Hummingbird being banded, you definitely shouldn’t miss this opportunity.  The festival is free and always a lot of fun.  We recommend you wear good hiking boots and long pants, use sun protection and bring water – food will be available at the festival.  We hope you can join us for our first fall outing.

Directions from Bloomington to Sugar Grove if not carpooling:  Take I-55 South (toward St. Louis).  Take the Shirley exit (the first exit) #154.  Turn right at the top of the off-ramp, on County Road 34.  Turn left at the T-intersection onto Old Route 66.  Proceed approximately 4.5 miles to Funks Grove Road.  Turn right and go over railroad tracks, and take first left.  At this point, there will be signs for Sugar Grove Nature Center.  Follow this road. At the Dead End sign, continue straight.  The road will open up to prairie and you will see the nature center buildings on your right.  When you come to the gravel lane, turn right, and proceed to the parking lot.

Field Trips

Saturday, September 4 – Funks Grove / Sugar Grove Nature Center - Meet at 7 a.m. at Highland Park Golf Course, Bloomington.

Saturday, September 18 – Parkland’s Woodrum Tract / Mackinaw River Valley – Meet at 7 a.m. at Fairview Park, Normal.

Saturday, October 2 – Schroeder Nature Sanctuary / Centennial Park, Heyworth - Meet at 7 a.m. at Highland Park Golf Course, Bloomington.

Saturday, October 23 – Illinois River Valley – Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the west side Wal-mart, Bloomington.

Sunday, November 14 – Cooper’s Park / Forest Park, Peoria and the John James Audubon Exhibit at Lakeview Museum - Meet at 8 a.m. at Fairview Park, Normal.

Ewing Park Bird Walks

The bird walks this fall will alternate between Saturday mornings and Sunday mornings, so note the dates before you come out. Otherwise, everything else is the same. We meet at the Towanda Avenue parking lot and the walks start at 8:00 a.m. The walks usually last until 9:30. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. The walks are open to anyone and are a good introduction to bird watching. Here are the dates for the walks.

Saturday - August 28

Sunday - September 5

Saturday - September 11

Sunday - September 19

Saturday - September 25

Sunday - October 3

Sunday - October 9