Follow our grand prairie bird alliance Page on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.
summer bird outings
Summer is breeding bird season in Central Illinois. Join us to appreciate the birds who call McLean County home in the summer months.
Sunday, June 28, 8:00 a.m. at Merwin (North Gate) - SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS
Saturday, July 11, 7:30 a.m. at Maxwell Park (307 N. Parkside). Come take a bird walk with Mercy! Did you know that Maxwell Park is a bird hotspot in McLean County? Many bird species build nests and raise fledglings at Maxwell. No prior knowledge about birds is required! You just have to enjoy taking a walk outside. Several pairs of loaner binoculars will be provided to share. Parking is available just north of the tennis courts. We will meet in the pavilion.
Saturday, July 18, 7:30 a.m. at Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary (100 W. Sycamore). Join retired IWU Professor Given Harper for a leisurely bird outing through the park to see why Hidden Creek is so special for birdwatchers. Given is a birding expert who has done extensive research into the birds that breed across Normal-Bloomington. The Town’s recent efforts to restore the natural areas at Hidden Creek have greatly improved the bird habitat. On this outing, you will see birds that nest in Normal and birds that call Normal home year-round. This activity is appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. No prior knowledge about birds is required! You just have to enjoy being outside. Several pairs of loaner binoculars will be provided to share. Nearby on-street parking, well-maintained trails, and numerous benches make this an excellent bird walk for those with mobility limitations.
Parklands foundation Nature Quest: Bird outing
When: Sunday, June 28 starting at 8:00 a.m. (will last about 2 hours)
Cost: FREE. Registration is required. Sign up will be posted on the Parklands Foundation events page.
Where: Parklands Foundation Merwin Nature Preserve - NORTH gate. Directions can be found online.
What: Dr. Pirmin Nietlisbach, an ornithologist at Illinois State University and board member for the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance, will lead this exploratory bird outing. This outing is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. Members of the local Grand Prairie Bird Alliance will be available during the outing to give you some tips, or participants can just walk along with us as we appreciate the birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. If not, we will have a few pairs available for you to borrow. You may also want to bring a camera. Please wear close-toed shoes and appropriate hiking attire. Bring water and bug spray. There is a porta potty at the entrance to the preserve. The walk will include some hills and uneven terrain and will last about two hours.
If you want to participate in ParkLands’ Nature Quest, please come with the eBird and/or iNaturalist app already downloaded on your phone. Pirmin will be using the eBird app and will show attendees how to use it. ParkLands members will be available
to help those using the iNaturalist app.
Here are the instructions for how to use the eBird app:
https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48001158707-get-started-with- ebird
Here is information to get you started using the iNaturalist app:
https://help.inaturalist.org/en/support/solutions/folders/151000552105
Join us for “night Bugs!”
Saturday, July 18, 9-10:30 p.m. at Underwood Park (north parking lot - 900 S. Linden). Help us celebrate our local biodiversity by joining us for our “Night Bugs!” event co-sponsored by the Urban Butterfly Initiative and Normal Parks & Recreation Department. We’ll have lights to attract night-flying moths, beetles, and other insects and microscopes set up to help view them closely. We’ll also have hands-on instruction on how to use the iNaturalist app to identify and record insects for those who are interested!
Educational talks and Expert Speakers
Over the years, we have been able to bring in some wonderful speakers to share with us their studies and expertise in many different areas including conservation, environmental legislation, local projects, and world events. Join us for these complimentary programs in the spring and fall, open to the community. For up-to-date information, please join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance page on Facebook.