For the first four weekends in October, Stillman will host five different bird activities. From our new Birds, Beaks, and Behavior 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 first OktoBIRDfest!
For answers to the OktoBIRDfest crossword puzzle found in the newsletter... <HERE>
BIRD BANDING OPEN HOUSE
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 cancelled. Did you know the German ornithologist Johannes Thienemann pioneered bird banding and established the world’s first bird observatory?
Date: Sunday, Oct. 2
Time: 9:00AM to Noon
Fee: None
THE BIG SIT
With the help of Prairie Woods Audubon, we’re happy to once again host the “Lazy Birder’s” field trip. No walking is required. We will sit by the lake and let the birds come to us.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
Time: 3:00PM until sunset
Age: 10 years and up
Fee: None
SUNDAY MORNING BIRD WALK
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 October’s bird walk wearing lederhausen will receive a year’s free membership to Stillman Nature Center.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 9
Time: 8:00AMFee: None
Age: 10 years and up
BIRDS, BEAKS & BEHAVIOR
This activity will teach kids about beak and feet adaptations in birds. From a woodpecker’s chisel bill to a nuthatch’s tweezer beak, each “tool” reveals what a bird eats and in what habitat you might find it.
With any luck we’ll have a few small webmasters (better known as ducks) on the pond to help us with the program.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 16
Time: 2:00PM Age: 7 years and up
Fee: None
DON’T MISS RAPTOR SUNDAY!
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. We 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 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 23
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Fee: $5/car
