Vern Kleen, one of only three licensed hummingibrd banders in the state of Illinois, will conduct the capture and banding of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at two different sites on August 20. Pick one and come learn about the life history of hummingbirds, why they are banded and how one can “adopt” one at these family-friendly events.
LEMONT, ILLINOIS - Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (August 20). The Will County Audubon Society and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County are sponsoring a Hummingbird Festival at the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont, Illinois. The event will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The highlight of the festival will be the capture and banding of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, our smallest North American bird. This hummingbird banding will be conducted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. only. Details of the hummingbird festival can be found at the Illinois Audubon Society (IAS) web site (www.illinoisaudubon.org). As you enter Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, you will experience the hummingbird migration route. If you complete this entire route, you will be given a raffle ticket which makes you eligible to win a hummingbird feeder. There will also be hummingbird arts and crafts for kids, viewing the World of Hummers, the hummingbird slide show, hummer movies and live hummer viewing.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center is located at 12545 West 111th Street, which is 100 yards east of Archer Ave., or four miles west of LaGrange Rd. on Rt. 83 near Lemont, Illinois. Food vendors will not be present at the Hummingbird Festival, but you are welcome to bring snacks and beverages (no alcohol), and water. Clean indoor restrooms are available. The Learning Center phone is (630) 257-2045. Bring family and friends!
BEECHER, ILLINOIS - Plum Creek Nature Center (August 20). This is Thorn Creek Audubon's Annual Hummingbirds Up Close! Learn about Hummingbirds and see them at close range. Hummingbirds will be captured and banded by Vern Kleen. The Hummingbird’s weight, sex and other measurements are recorded, and an official band is attached to each bird’s leg. Banding will take place between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to adopt a Hummingbird by making a $5.00 donation to the Lincolnland Association of Birdbanders. Donors will receive a special adoption certificate with the information about their bird.
The Plum Creek Nature Center is located in Beecher at 27064 South Dutton Road, one mile east of south I-394 on Goodenow (Pauline) Road. Turn north and follow to Preserve entrance. The winding road will take you to the parking area. The Nature Center phone is (708) 946-2216. Bring family and friends!
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