Field Notes: GBBC Update & Getting Ready for Woodcocks

Great Backyard Bird Count hikers. Photo by aerin tedesco

By aerin tedesco, CCAS Field Trip Chair

Late January brought us many birds of the goose variety, and February started with a surge of other waterfowl, including ducks and swans. The odd early bird will turn up at feeders, as eager as we are for migration to start up a few weeks later.

Sixteen hearty souls braved the low temps to join CCAS and the CCFPD for the Great Backyard Bird Count hike at Homer Lake Forest Preserve on Monday, February 17. Despite the chill, we had a bright, beautiful walk through peaceful woods. Our best find by far was a pair of Trumpeter Swans near the boat launch! When we circled back to the visitor center, the feeders were teeming with Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, and three species of woodpeckers. Lots of new birders got some great looks at our resident winter birds.

Looking ahead, it’s time for March of the Woodcocks! We’re offering two Woodcock Walks at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana on March 14 and March 17.

We’re keeping the group size small to help ensure folks get good looks and hear these amazing creatures as well as possible. So sign up soon! If they fill up, don’t worry—CCFPD is also hosting a woodcock walk at Buffalo Trace Prairie (Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve) on March 12 and the Urbana Parks Department is hosting one at Meadowbrook Park on March 19, so you’ll have plenty of chances to check out these one-of-a-kind birds!

And, of course, our Sunday Morning Bird Walks at Crystal Lake/Busey Woods return on March 2nd.

Plenty of birds to see as we March forward to migration!