The Meadowlark Messenger
Check out the latest news and announcements from Champaign County Audubon Society and our partners!
For decades, our print newsletter, The Meadowlark Messenger, has informed our members about the latest news and events. We’re pleased to now bring you all the info you count on through our online blog too!
Bird of the Month: American Woodcock
There are many special birds that come to our area in March, but this sky-dancing, forest-dwelling shorebird is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn more about the American Woodcock and where you can watch their dusk mating dance this month.
Field Notes: Spring’s On Its Way!
March is a great month to see a wide array of species, including the last of our wintering ducks, Northern Harriers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Fox Sparrows, Eastern Phoebes, and Eastern Towhees!
Citizen Science: 36th Annual Bald Eagle Survey
CCAS Vice-President Roger Digges and his partner, Cathy Digges, have participated in the official midwinter Bald Eagle survey since 2018. Learn about their experience searching for these amazing birds along their assigned survey route by the Illinois River .
Bird of the Month: Downy Woodpecker
February’s bird of the month is the smallest woodpecker in North America but easily confused with its cousin the the Hairy Woodpecker.
Location of the Month: River Bend Forest Preserve
Large quarry lakes, shrubland habitat, and bottomland forests make this property an ideal spot to see a wide array of species. February and March are particularly great for waterfowl!
Field Notes: Christmas Bird Count Results
Despite poor weather, 23 participants found 70 species during the 2023 Champaign County Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on December 16.
Bird of the Month: Cooper’s Hawk
You may see January’s bird of the month at your backyard feeder, although it’s not there for any of the seed, nuts, fruit, or suet you’ve provided.
CCAS Supports Middle Fork Dark Sky Trail
Our Board voted this week to donate $250 to the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation in support of the creation of a new Dark Sky Trail at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Illinois’ first and only International Dark Sky Park.
Bird of the Month: Northern Cardinal
December’s bird of the month is one of the most iconic winter birds in North America, often found on greeting cards this time of year, beautifully contrasted with white snow .
Field Notes: A Rare Hummingbird Sighting
In early November, a Broad-tailed Hummingbird visited a local backyard and was recorded as a first sighting in Champaign
County!
Location of the Month: Kaufman Park
This park in Champaign can be worth a stop anytime, but late summer and winter are the two best periods of the year to visit to see plenty of birds.
Bird of the Month: House Finch
November’s bird of the month arrived to Illinois in only the 1970s and is now a common visitor to backyard feeders year-round. The species is vulnerable to an illness that affects its eyes, and we encourage you to help stop the spread.
Urbana High School Students Learn the Joy of Birding
This past Thursday, CCAS Conservation Chair Zak Sutton led a bird walk for Urbana High School’s new Outdoor Adventure Club, using the new binoculars recently purchased by CCAS for guided bird walks.
Location of the Month: Weaver Park
This unique Urbana park features multiple habitat types in a small area, with forest, prairie, and wetland supporting migratory birds who use the park as a crucial stopover site.
New: Community-Supported Fund for Research, Education, and Conservation
Each year, CCAS funds grants to support bird research, education, and conservation. To simplify accounting and increase flexibility, we are merging existing separate funds into a single fund.