Kane County Audubon Society holds bird walk in Batavia

Nine avian enthusiasts doused themselves with bug repellent and, binoculars in hand, took to the trail around Nelson Lake at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia on Saturday morning with binoculars in hand.

Aurora resident Terry Murray of the Kane County Audubon Society leads the walks the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. Bob Andrini of St. Charles, the current president of the society, was also on the hike.

Most in attendance said they were regulars from local towns, but Phil Doncheck came from Rockford. Doncheck, who brought a powerful viewing scope, said he is a member of several birding clubs in northern Illinois. And though Carolyn Nystrom of St. Charles said she's not an avid or experienced bird-watcher, she likes to join the group a couple times a year.

"I figured I could go to the gym or go to Nelson Lake and walk with the birders and get an education," she said.

The walks are free and the public is welcome. For information, call Terry Murray at (630) 896-3219 or visit kanecountyaudubon.org.