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Brushwood Center to look at cold weather avian visitors

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, will host a program from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, focusing on birds that come to Illinois during the coldest season.

When winter comes, veteran birder Steve Bailey heads outdoors to find short-eared owls, northern shrikes, snow buntings and other birds that live in Illinois only during the colder months.

"I love going out in the snow and cold to look for those hardy birds that come down from the north to spend winter here," said Bailey, an ornithologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. "It's the only time of year you can see them in Illinois, and they are fascinating to watch and study."

Bailey will talk about common and less common birds, accompanied by a slide presentation offering ways to identify and find these birds. Bailey will also take a short walk outdoors to search for winter birds such as dark-eyed junco, as well as some of the hardy birds that make Ryerson Woods their home year-round.

A birder for more than 40 years, Bailey recognizes the signs of these winter visitors. Northern shrikes, for example, impale their prey - typically a vole - on a thorn, he said. "It's like their personal pantry in the winter," he said. "They're such fascinating creatures, and shrike numbers are declining worldwide."

Bailey can also identify the chips and sounds of many species, including yellow-rumped warblers, which might still be in the area in November.

"By being outdoors in winter for many years, I've learned to not only look for, but listen for birds," Bailey said.

He uses his hearing skills when working on the Critical Trends Assessment Program for the Illinois Natural History Survey.

"I record many, many birds by song alone in summer, because they are keeping hidden near their nests," he said.

Bailey has also given owl prowl programs at Brushwood Center, where he manages to call in a barred owl nearly every time he's out with the group. Bailey will also offer information on where to see wintering birds that can be found in other local forest preserves.

"Getting outside in the brisk air and enjoying what nature has to offer this time of year is a perfect way to start the holiday season," said John Barrett, program manager for Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. "Steve Bailey's nature hikes are always well-attended."

Dress for weather wearing hiking boots and warm gear. This fee-based program is presented in partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.brushwoodcenter.org or call (847) 968-3345.

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