Stillman Nature Center plans bird activities
During weekends in October, Stillman will host five different bird activities. From the Big Sit to the ever-popular Raptor Sunday, there will be something for bird students of all ages. So, depending on the day, bring your binoculars, camera, or just your curiosity and our expert guides will help you celebrate Stillman’s second annual OcktoBIRDfest!
The Big Sit: 3 p.m.-sunset Saturday, Oct. 5. With the help of Prairie Woods Audubon, Stillman is happy to once again host the “Lazy Birder’s” field trip. No walking is required. Sit by the lake and let the birds come to you. Age: 10 years and up. Fee: None.
Bird Banding Open House: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Oct. 6. Watch Mark Spreyer (a licensed bird bander) measure, weigh and record data about our resident and migratory birds. Catching birds is not always predictable, so come prepared to hike the trails. If it’s raining, the activity will be canceled.
Did you know the German ornithologist Johannes Thienemann pioneered bird banding and established the world’s first bird observatory? Fee: None.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. Mark Spreyer will lead a morning bird walk. Binoculars and field guides are a must. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, Stillman does. Those who join us for this walk wearing lederhosen will receive a year’s free membership to Stillman Nature Center. Age: 10 years and up. Fee: None.
Raptor Sunday: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. Now’s your chance to meet the great horned, barred, barn, and screech owls. Stillman staff will also present a peregrine falcon, broad-winged hawk, and red-shouldered hawk. Stillman will bring the birds out so you can see them up close. Kids will have a chance to dissect owl pellets. Bring a camera and a friend! Drop by anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. Fee: $10/car.
Backyard Bird Feeders: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, Stillman volunteer Jim Kaltsas invites you to try your hand at making log-style suet feeders. Suet specialist Becky Menich will also be on hand to share her recipe for the best suet. Trust me, we’ve used her suet and it’s outstanding! There’s no better way to add color to your winter yard than by attracting birds to your own feeder. Call (847) 428-6957 to make reservations.
Stillman Nature Center, 33 W. Penny Road, in South Barrington is an 80-acre, nonprofit nature center which serves the public. Open to drop-in visitors from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays, Stillman is on Penny Road, between Bartlett and Algonquin roads.
During the week, Stillman is available to groups by reservation. Visit the center or Stillman can bring its raptors to your meeting place.
For information or to register for programs, call (847) 428-6957 or email atstillnc@wildblue.net. Visit www.stillmannc.org.
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