Learn about winter birds during free program

Not all birds head south for the winter.

Learn about "Winter Birds" and which ones may be showing up at your feeders this month, in a free program from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

How can you tell a goldfinch from a house finch? Why doesn't a red-bellied woodpecker have a red belly? Get answers to these and other bird questions.

From the warmth of the Nature Center, participants will observe birds at the outdoor feeder stations. Weather permitting, they also will walk through the woods to catch the avian action. Bring binoculars if you have them; a limited number are available for loan.

"Winter Birds" will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve in St. Charles. The program is free, but call (847) 741-8350, ext. 10 to register. The district may add or cancel programs depending on attendance estimates, so let them know if you plan to attend. All ages are welcome.

Tekakwitha Woods is at 35W076 Villa Maria Road, off Route 25, one mile north of Army Trail Road in St. Charles. For information on Tekakwitha Woods, the Nature Center, or other forest preserve district programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.