Restore Habitat, Restore Birds – Migratory Bird Day – May 9, 2015
Join us as we celebrate our 19th Annual Migratory Bird Day. All programs and tours will be held at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL.
Begin the day at 8:00 for a guided bird walk – Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Meet with experienced birders as they help you identify birds by sight and sound. Participants are to meet at the visitor center and will leave promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will return by 10:00 a.m. Dress for the weather so you don’t miss the fun!
Take a Golf Cart Tour at 8:00 a.m. and see the refuge from a different perspective. The tour follows the Great River Trail that goes through the Refuge. Participants will learn about the history, management techniques and even be able to identify various species of birds. Participants are to meet at the Learning Center and will leave promptly at 8:00 and will return by 10:00 a.m. Space is limited to 7, call 815-273-2732 to pre- register.
Programs begin at 10:15 at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. This will be a perfect time to grab some refreshments and sit back and learn about Sandhill Cranes and the Nachusa Grasslands.
10:15 a.m. Sandhill Cranes—Refuge Ranger Pam Steinhaus
11:15 a.m. Nachusa Grasslands – Hank Hartman
Nachusa Grasslands is located between Oregon, Dixon and Franklin Grove, IL that consists of 3100 acres of prairie remnants, restorations, and reconstructions. Remnant prairie knobs were protected from the plow by an unfarmable overlay of St. Peter Sandstone. Starting in 1986 with the purchase of 250 acres, The Nature Conservancy has gradually recreated a vision of 1800 Illinois’ mosaic of prairie, savanna and wetlands. Come and learn about the bird that saved the grasslands.
Join us for an afternoon of birding in Lost Mound (formerly Savanna Army Depot). Participants are to meet at the Lost Mound Office parking located at 3159 Crim Road, Savanna, IL at 1:45 p.m. and will return around 5:00 p.m. There is no fee, but seating is limited. Please call 815-273-2732 to pre- register. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera so you don’t miss those “Kodak” moments.