Lake County Audubon Society organizes winter bird watching series

Lake County Audubon Society’s new bird watching series, called Bird Lake County, kicks off today with a visit to North Point Marina and socializing over coffee afterward at It’s All Good café in Zion.

The bird watching program will continue as a monthly series for the rest of 2024.

Charlotte Pavelka, treasurer and bird walks leader for the society, said the series is an opportunity for beginners to learn more about bird watching and a way to bring people together to enjoy nature.

“We are interested in conservation and birds. Birds are the most watchable wildlife in our area,” said Pavelka. “If we can get people out there enjoying nature, they end up becoming supporters. I think you can't love nature and support nature unless you actually go out and feel it yourself.”

Pavelka, along with society President Glen Moss and board members Carolyn Lueck and Diane Rosenberg who all helped plan the program, built in social time to the program to take place after bird watching, including a bonfire, coffee shop outings, picnicking and more where participants can bond over their experiences.

According to the society newsletter, participants who travel to at least six of the designated locations will receive a special recognition and a gift from 2024 Bird Lake County at the end-of-year celebration in November.

Pavelka emphasized that anyone is welcome to join the event, even nonmembers and those with no bird watching experience. She encouraged participants to register online so they can plan accordingly in case of cancellation or inclement weather.

“If you've never been out birding or whether you go out every day, we still welcome people to just get out and enjoy nature in general. The most watchable wildlife is birds, they’re fun,” Pavelka said. “Lake County is a wonderful birding location because of the mix of habitats that we have. You probably can’t find a better location.”