April Bird Club

With a robin busily building its nest on a bench in front of the Nature Center, Bird Club members discussed upcoming projects and events. We are eager to attend CEI Bird Club member Jim Van Hoof’s “Bird Photography” presentation on Saturday April 18th. Several members are participating in the Midwest Crane count also on Saturday, April 18th and hopefully our entire group will assemble April 25th at 10:00 a.m. at the Nature Center for the semi-annual adopt-a highway trash cleanup along Highway JJ.

Wonderful news! The osprey are back and rebuilding their nest on top of the tower. Last year repeated high winds destroyed the nest and, for the first time in a number of years, we did not fledge osprey from the nest. Crossing our fingers for better results this year. The purple martins will be returning soon so nest preparations have begun for them . The bluebird boxes have been cleaned along the Nature Center Trail . No potential renters have been sighted as yet.

We had a very interesting discussion of which birds to watch for in their spring migration with a reminder to try “pishing” to attract more players. Hummingbird and oriole feeders need to be prepared and should be placed outside no later than May 1st. The recent sightings of a once in a lifetime golden eagle over the Collins Marsh by several birders has attracted lots of interest. We will keep our eyes peeled!