Barrington lake is for the birds

Citizens for Conservation and Audubon invite residents to join the celebration of Baker’s Lake Saturday, May 21, as an Important Bird Area.

The event, which begins at 2 p.m. at Baker’s Lake in Barrington, will include talks by Barrington Village President Karen Darch; Forest Preserve of Cook County Superintendent Arnold Randall; a representative from Audubon and others.

Scopes on the lakeshore will provide close-up views of the heron rookery. Nature walks, to view wildflowers, will be conducted through the savanna.

Important Bird Areas, designated by Audubon, are sites that provide essential habitats for one or more species of birds. Audubon designated Baker’s Lake an Important Bird Area for wading birds, namely the black-crowned night herons, great blue herons, great egrets and double-crested cormorants nesting in the island rookery.

Meet at Baker’s Lake Savanna in Barrington by the parking lot on Highland Avenue, south of Hillside Avenue. RSVP to Citizens for Conservation at (847) 382-7283.