Spy a red cardinal in the bare branches of a tree and count the sparrows huddled for warmth when the St. Charles Park District participates in the Great Backyard Bird Count this February.
The St. Charles Park District, in partnership with the Kane County Audubon will be participating in the annual multi-day Bird Count, explained Emily Shanahan, nature programs supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
The idea is simple and important, in helping to document birds that migrate as well as those wintering in the area.
“The birds haven’t yet started their spring migration,” Shanahan said. “We can also see what birds remain in the area for their winter residence.”
The global program takes place Feb. 14 through Feb. 17 and invites everyone to take 15 minutes to identify and tally the birds in a location, whether its in their backyard, a park or a natural area. It’s the perfect excuse for getting out and taking a walk and a great family activity that can be enjoyed.
To highlight the event the St. Charles Park District is inviting guests to come and count at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, next to the James O. Breen Community Park from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Guests can head out to the walking trails next to the center or step up for viewing next to the large windows inside the center.
“People can go outside on the trails or sit in the comfy chairs and look outside the windows where we have bird feeders,” Shanahan said.
People can identify and record their bird sightings in the app eBird, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This app holds the data from the bird count from around the world, explained Regina McNulty, publicity for the Kane County Audubon. She said the app is easy to use from one’s phone or computer.
There’s more bird watching and plenty of fun with the active Kane County Audubon. McNulty said there are bird walks nearly every week, as well as events and monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. The website has list of walks for the next month and everyone is welcome to check out the organization, she added.
While most walks are local, the group also plans special trips. This spring members are heading to central Illinois and Main for some bird watching, she said. The Kane County Audubon will also participate in a Spring Bird Count
For the Great Backyard Bird Count, McNulty said there are great spots for bird watching, from one’s backyard to head out along the Fox River, to see water fowl including geese, ducks and swans.
“It’s amazing what you can see when you start looking,” McNulty said.
It’s a great time to catch sight of an Eagle or two, as they fish in open waters like the Fox River. McNulty said the river’s dams can be a great viewing spot, especially in the winter as the eagles hunt for fish.