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Birding Tour of the Illinois River
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Steve Zehner: Optics for Birding
Wednesday, May 8 @ 7:00 p.m. Live at Forest Park Nature Center Local wildlife photographer and birder, Steve Zehner, will be with us to discuss, explain, and answer your questions regarding Optics for Birding. This event will be live at Forest Park Nature Center. "What binoculars (or spotting scope or camera) do you recommend for birding?" is a common question for people interested in nature observation. When posted to birding groups, people usually reply with the manufacturer and model that they use. At this meeting we'll present an approach and resources to help determine needs then discuss features of different binoculars, scopes, and cameras that are aimed at addressing these different needs. Questions from the audience are encouraged as we can all benefit from the answers to the issues that we all may encounter from time to time.
Optics for Birding: Topics Included and Discussed (Graphic by Steve Zehner)
We'll be attempting to have a variety of different sizes, price ranges, and product categories at the meeting to show as examples.
If you have binoculars, spotting scope and tripod, or camera you like for bird observation and photography that you'd be willing to bring to the meeting that we can refer to, please send Steve Zehner an email at stevezalt@gmail.com We would expect that the equipment owners remain in control of the equipment they bring but be willing to show them to other attendees.
Show up for the live presentation at Forest Park Nature Center in Peoria Heights
Keep watching our Calendar of Events for the latest updated information on meetings, field trips and special events.
Peoria Audubon meetings always feature timely topics and everyone is welcome. And, the meetings are always FREE!
---------------------- Public is Always Welcome Meetings are free and open to the public
Monthly meetings of Peoria Audubon Society are held at |
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Peoria Audubon Society Local Natural Areas Open to Public for Birding The Peoria Audubon Society is inviting members and visitors on to its conservation properties. The Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve and the Brimfield Railroad Prairie Nature Preserve are now birding hotspots open for public birding.
The Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve is a 22-acre high quality oak woodlands, savanna and hill prairie in Marshall County. It is located about 4 miles southwest of Henry, Illinois; 2 miles west of Route 29 on County Road 1150N. Dozens of warbler species may be found in the preserve during spring and fall migration. Resident birds such as Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting and Baltimore Orioles can be found nesting on the site. Bird Surveys have shown over 150 species of birds utilize this natural area.
Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve
The Brimfield Railroad Prairie Nature Preserve is a 6-acre restored native prairie in Peoria County. It is a ˝ mile long strip near Brimfield that was once railroad right of way, located at 18320 W Forney Road, Brimfield. The Jubilee Prairie Dawgs, a volunteer group dedicated to native prairie restoration, have partnered with Peoria Audubon Society to help maintain this prairie. It contains over 100 native prairie plant species, which are a critical part of the food web for many species of birds, butterflies and bees.
Black Swallowtail on Thistle at Brimfield RR Prairie Nature Preserve
Both of these high quality habitats are listed as protected lands by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to assist with the protection of high quality natural areas and habitats of endangered and threatened species. Peoria Audubon Society is committed to long term conservation of these areas and is excited to share them with the public.
Peoria Audubon Society encourages visitors to record their bird sightings on these properties at eBird.org. Both nature preserves are listed as public birding hotspots. The nature preserves are open for hiking, viewing and enjoying the natural areas. No camping, no fires, no hunting or fishing, no collecting, and no restroom facilities are available. Visitors are asked to follow “Leave no Trace” principles when visiting Peoria Audubon properties, or any natural area.
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Keep watching the Calendar of Events for details on Peoria Audubon and other local activities. The public are always welcome! We would like to see you there!