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Birding Tour of the Illinois River
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Dr. Anant Deshwal: Effect of Urbanization on Common Nighthawk Populations in Illinois
Wednesday, February 12 @ 7:00 p.m. Live In-person at Forest Park Nature Center and Live-streamed on Zoom Send email to peoriaaudubon@gmail.com for link to live-stream Join us for an evening with Dr. Anant Deshwal, Asst. Professor of Biology at Bradley University as he enlightens us on the Common Nighthawk, a bird sometimes heard but not seen in and around Peoria. Dr. Deshwal will be discussing his current research on "The Effect of Urbanization on Common Nighthawk Populations in Illinois." According to the American Bird Conservancy: "The Common Nighthawk's erratic, acrobatic flight style gives the bird its folk name “bullbat.” But the nighthawk is a bird, not a mammal. On long, pointed wings, this dusky hunter jerks and weaves through the air, flashing distinctive white wing patches. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the nighthawk has become a less familiar sight in many parts of town-and-country North America. Nighthawks usually spend their days hidden, sometimes in plain view, thanks to their cryptic gray, brown, and blackish plumage and the birds' squat, “neckless” shape. They often prove difficult to spot even while roosting quietly on a tree branch or fence post."
Common Nighthawk, Resting on Potential Nesting Site (Courtsey: Dennis Endicott)
Meeting is live, in-person at Forest Park Nature Center in Peoria Heights and will be live-streamed on Zoom - Send email to peoriaaudubon@gmail.com for link to live-stream
Keep watching our Calendar of Events for the latest updated information on meetings, field trips and special events.
Peoria Audubon meetings always feature timely topics and everyone is welcome. And, the meetings are always FREE!
---------------------- Public is Always Welcome Meetings are free and open to the public
Monthly meetings of Peoria Audubon Society are held at |
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Peoria Audubon Society Local Natural Areas Open to Public for Birding The Peoria Audubon Society is inviting members and visitors on to its conservation properties. The Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve and the Brimfield Railroad Prairie Nature Preserve are now birding hotspots open for public birding.
The Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve is a 22-acre high quality oak woodlands, savanna and hill prairie in Marshall County. It is located about 4 miles southwest of Henry, Illinois; 2 miles west of Route 29 on County Road 1150N. Dozens of warbler species may be found in the preserve during spring and fall migration. Resident birds such as Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting and Baltimore Orioles can be found nesting on the site. Bird Surveys have shown over 150 species of birds utilize this natural area.
Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve
The Brimfield Railroad Prairie Nature Preserve is a 6-acre restored native prairie in Peoria County. It is a ˝ mile long strip near Brimfield that was once railroad right of way, located at 18320 W Forney Road, Brimfield. The Jubilee Prairie Dawgs, a volunteer group dedicated to native prairie restoration, have partnered with Peoria Audubon Society to help maintain this prairie. It contains over 100 native prairie plant species, which are a critical part of the food web for many species of birds, butterflies and bees.
Black Swallowtail on Thistle at Brimfield RR Prairie Nature Preserve
Both of these high quality habitats are listed as protected lands by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to assist with the protection of high quality natural areas and habitats of endangered and threatened species. Peoria Audubon Society is committed to long term conservation of these areas and is excited to share them with the public.
Peoria Audubon Society encourages visitors to record their bird sightings on these properties at eBird.org. Both nature preserves are listed as public birding hotspots. The nature preserves are open for hiking, viewing and enjoying the natural areas. No camping, no fires, no hunting or fishing, no collecting, and no restroom facilities are available. Visitors are asked to follow “Leave no Trace” principles when visiting Peoria Audubon properties, or any natural area.
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Keep watching the Calendar of Events for details on Peoria Audubon and other local activities. The public are always welcome! We would like to see you there!