CHICAGO AUDUBON SOCIETY ARTICLE ARCHIVES
BIRDATHON! 2007. The 8th Annual William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge.
The Chicago Audubon Society’s Dr. William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge was held May 19 and 20. The proud winner of the Cup was the Field's Flickers Team with a total of 147 species. The Movable Feast Birders came in second with 143 species; Steel Belted Kingfishers came in third with 111 species; the Blue Collar Birders reached 98 species; and the Past Presidents Posse came in fifth with 71 species. By eliminating overlapping sightings between teams, the grand total came to 165 species, which is eight more species than sighted last year. We wish to thank everyone involved in the extraordinary team efforts and everyone who has contributed or will be contributing to this most important fund raising event.
>> DOWNLOAD THE BIRDATHON! 2007 PLEDGE FORM HERE
CAS Award Banquet – a Most Enjoyable Evening!
The CAS Awards Banquet on April 14 was a most enjoyable evening and CAS would like to thank all the guests and award recipients who attended. Very special thanks ... READ MORE>>
Both the grand and the intimate aspects of nature can be revealed
in the expressive photograph.
Ansel Adams (1902-1984)
Chicago Audubon Society Award Winners
On April 14th, the Chicago Audubon Society (CAS) will hold its 29th Environmental Awards Banquet. The CAS Board of Directors considered many excellent nominees for each category. Many people and organizations have ...READ MORE>>
THE CAS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS BANQUET
The Chicago Audubon Society will hold its biennial Environmental Awards Banquet to honor those who have made contributions to conservation and birding in the Chicagoland area. We hope our members and others join us at the Banquet to celebrate ... READ MORE>>
Eagle Optics Open House.
Saturday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SAVE THE DATE! North Park Village Nature Center. This is the annual visit of Wisconsin-based Eagle Optics, the largest independent sports optics dealer in the U.S. Try out top quality binoculars and scopes in all price ranges.
There will be a free seminar demonstrating how to select binoculars and scopes. Light refreshments. Free parking available. A portion of the sales are donated to the Chicago Audubon Society. If you have any questions, please contact CAS office: (773)539-6793.
Birding Field Trip. Bald Eagle Sighting.
February 24, 2007. One-Day Trip. During the winter, more bald eagles can be seen along the Mississippi River in Illinois than anywhere south of Alaska. Hundreds of eagles spend the winter feeding around the locks, dams, and other open water areas of the Mississippi River and roosting in the bluff areas around the river. At the Lost Mound ... READ MORE>>
Wild Things 2007 Conference, Saturday, March 3
Northeastern Illinois University. You are invited to a daylong conference that brings together the region's best experts, most dedicated volunteers, and anyone interested in nature. Technical presentations and interactive workshops will explore the latest ... READ MORE>>
Take Aim at a New Record for the Great Backyard Bird Count!
February 16-19, 2007 are the dates for the 10th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count.The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon are challenging people everywhere to “count for the record” by participating in greater numbers than ever before. Greater participation provides more information about bird population trends and helps to better inform conservation.
Cornell needs your help to make the Great Backyard Bird Count a success. You can visit their website at www.birdsource.org/gbbc for more information.
Birding Field Trip. Bald Eagle Sighting.
February 24, 2007. During the winter, more bald eagles can be seen along the Mississippi River in Illinois than anywhere south of Alaska. Hundreds spend the winter feeding around the locks, dams and other open water areas of the Mississippi River and roosting in the bluff areas around the river. At the Lost Mound National Wildlife Research Center ... READ MORE>>
2007 6th Annual Gull Frolic
The 6th annual Gull Frolic will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and the registration fee is $10.00.
Come see all the gulls and ducks! Plus, there will be extensive refreshments: pizza, coffee, cookies, and the almost world famous Seagull Stew (no seagulls were harmed in the making!). Gull experts will be available to help with difficult identification challenges, such as describing the differences between a 1st winter Thayer's Gull and the Herring Gull next to it.
Last year's bird highlights included Thayer's Gulls, a "Kumlien's" Iceland Cull, Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, Glaucous Gulls, and a Great Black-Backed Gull. Scooters, Long-tailed ducks, and Harlequin ducks are possible among the variety of waterfowl typically observed in the harbor.
A program on "Winter Raptors in Illinois" by Steve Bailey, Illinois Natural History Survey Ornithologist, will be presented in the morning and afternoon. A display of winter raptor specimens will be available to examine up close and personal, thanks to Doug Stotz of The Field Museum. Our renowned gull experts will again be available to answer questions.
To reach the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club take the I-94 toll road north towards Milwaukee. Exit at Route 173. Turn right (east) and go to Sheridan Road (Rt. 137). Turn left and proceed to 7th Street. Turn right on 7th Street and follow the North Point Marina signs to the yacht club. DO NOT SPEED on 7th Street! It is actively patrolled by the Winthrop Harbor police.
Volunteers are still needed. Sponsors are also needed. Contact Denis Bohm at 847/235-2738.
CAS February Program
Thursday, February 1, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at North Park Village Nature Center at 5801 North Pulaski Rd., Chicago.
"Chicago Area Bird Monitoring Results," is the program, to be presented by Eric Secker, Consultant and Data Analyst for the Bird Conservation Network (BCN). Eric will present results gleaned from a database of more than 100,000 records developed by BCN in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Field Museum with funding provided by Chicago Wilderness, National Audubon Society, the Field Museum, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Eric's report, covering eight years from 1996-2004, concentrates on birds of the grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands and includes information on estimated annual decrease or increase in species populations, current conservation status of species, as well as the overall population trend of species.
The program opens with light refreshments at 7:00 p.m. and the presentation starts at 7:30 p.m. Free; open to members and non-members of the Chicago Audubon Society. To register, contact CAS at 773/539-6793, or e-mail cas@chicagoaudubon.org.
Christmas Bird Count Season is Upon Us!
Below are a few of the local Chicago area Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs), of which Chicago Audubon helps co-sponsor two (Indiana Dunes and Chicago Urban). A CBC count circle is 15 miles in diameter. Field observers and 'feeder watchers' are both needed... 
Winter Photo Safari: Images of East African Birds
January 4, 7:00 p.m.
Location: North Park Village Nature Center
Speaker: Todd Gustafson, award-winning wildlife photographer.
Free, but registration is required. To register, please call 773-539-6793 or email Chicago Audubon at cas@chicagoaudubon.org.
Aerotecture's Bil Becker Gives Presentation on Urban Wind Power
On Thursday, October 12, Bil Becker, CEO of Aerotecture International Inc., gave a presentation at the monthly board meeting of the Chicago Audubon Society. Becker's company, among other things, makes innovative wind turbines that can generate electricity. The turbines are unique in that they are not propeller-type wind turbines, but instead, are helical, either upright or horizontal wind turbines...
Great Lakes Restoration Conference
November 4-5, Brookfield Zoo - Brookfield, IL (Chicago area). Hear Representative Dan Lipinski of Illinois' Third District speak about what Congress is doing to restore the Great Lakes.
Join Audubon chapter leaders, volunteers, activists, speakers, and staff at the Great Lakes Restoration Conference. An updated agenda is below. Travel stipends are available to assist participants who need them. Apply through our registration form. ...
ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR - November 11, 2006
Featuring an all day SPEAKERS SERIES - FREE - Public Invited - The Hoffman Estates Environmental Commission and the Village of Schaumburg Environmental Committee co-present a day of environmental enrichment...
Book Review: Birding in Babylon
Birding Babylon: A Soldier's Journal from Iraq; By Jonathan Trouern-Trend; 64 pages, b/w illustrations
Dale Pontius, Chicago Bird Watcher and Centurion
Dale Pontius is a long-time Chicago birder and retired political science professor at Roosevelt University. He has been birding in and around Chicago, and his Hyde Park neighborhood since 1947. Pontius shared his stories with Carolyn Marsh ...
The Chicago Audubon Society's Dr. William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge was held May 20 and 21. There were 158 species seen by all teams in total, with 130 species seen in Chicago. As always, every team had species that ...
VIEW LIST OF SPECIES HERE
SWAMP Birdbanding 2006 Season Report: Breaking Records and Breaking Hearts
The end of May marked the fifth season of the SWAMP Birdbanding project, a season which produced record breaking numbers reports Professor Caleb Gordon, Project Manager and Assistant Professor of Ecology, Ornithology ...
New Important Bird Areas Designated
The State Line-area Hammond Bird Sanctuary in the Calumet region, in addition to nearby George Lake and Wolf Lake/Forsythe Park, are the first locations in Lake County to join the National Audubon Societys list of ...
The Beauty of Birdbanding at the SWAMP
This year I decided to volunteer one morning for the SWAMP Birdbanding Project. Professor Caleb Gordon and some of his Lake Forest College students open the mist nets at the Skokie River Nature Preserve ...
May 6, 2006 Cook County Spring Bird Count Results
Grant Park Conservancy Looks for Humane Ways to Solve the Goose “Problem” in Butler Field
At a well-attended meeting at the Grant Park field house this past March, about 40 people gathered to hear a lecture about poop, a.k.a. “droppings,” “bombs,” “pellets,” “you know what,” or, more abstractly, “blank.” ...
Flint Creek Northerly Island Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Opened April 1
Facility is the only rehabilitation center within Chicago city limits
On April 1, an injured bird’s chance of survival in the Loop jumped exponentially with the opening of Flint Creek Northerly Island Rehabilitation ...
Twenty-one Birds Move In, Redecorate North Park Village Nature Center
On March 18th, just in time for spring migration, the Chicago Audubon Society formally dedicated “Birds of North Park Village Nature Center,” a permanent photo ...
Wolf Road Prairie Faces New Threats from Developers
Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve, recognized as the largest and best-quality remnant of original prairie habitat east of the Mississippi River ...
Use Your Birding Skills to Help Out With the Cook County West Nile Virus Study
Why did West Nile virus spread so quickly in 2002, especially in Illinois, which led the nation in incidences of the virus and associated deaths? What will happen ...
Fall Birding Seminar: Mysteries of Sparrow ID ... Or, How to Figure Out Those LBJs
They dont call them Little Brown Jobs or LBJs for nothing. Sparrows seem harmless enough. Yet trying to identify them in the field can give most birders fits and temper tantrums since the distinguishing features are small and subtle...
Join your fellow birders at North Park Village Nature Center to hear about Illinois’ unique population of Swainson’s Hawks and the Illinois Swainson’s Hawk Project ...
June 10th is Annual Breeding Bird Blitz Day
The 4th Annual Breeding Bird Blitz will focus on shrublands
Between June 9th and 19th, and especially on June 10th, the official 4th Annual Breeding Bird Blitz Day, hundreds of citizen scientists will count the birds ...
Thanks !
Thanks to the following stuffers, gluers and label stickers who helped at the Birdathon mailing party on April 8th. In just over six hours this group stuffed, sealed and labeled almost 4000 envelopes! Alice Gorman, Michael Hillbruner, Carolyn Law, Christine Lee, Stephen Lee, Jacob Lill, Joe Lill, Alex Szewcyzk, Beatrice Szewcyzk, Les Szewcyzk, and Pat Szewcyzk
Garden in a City - America’s only urban garden show
Garden in a City, which debuts in Chicago’s Grant Park May 13-21, is America’s only garden and landscape design show focusing on urban horticulture and community greening. Staged in-ground inside a tent larger than two football fields, Garden in a City will feature more than 40 display gardens ...
Wolf Road Prairie Faces New Threats from Developers
Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve, recognized as the largest and best-quality remnant of original prairie habitat east of the Mississippi River, is again under ...
North Park Village Nature Center Applies for Grant to Enhance Wetlands
Chicago’s North Park Village Nature Center will be applying for a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance the wetlands on the nature center grounds.
Chicago Audubon Society Thanks Recent Donors
The Chicago Audubon Society would like to thank the Estate of Marilyn A. Domer, and the many people who donated to CAS in memory of Charles (Laddie) Follett, a local avid birder who passed away in January. We are grateful for your generous donations which will help our organization continue its programs, provide field trips and educational lectures, produce the Compass and keep our office open and involved in conservation efforts throughout Chicago.
Our sincere thanks!
Chicago Audubon Society is Accepting Nominations for Candidates to Join The Board of Directors
Do you want to become more involved in helping shape environmental policy in Chicago? Do you have some great ideas for educational programs related to birding in Chicago? Are you a new birder who wants to learn more about Chicago’s rich birdin ...
Starting in January, I can be pretty sure that almost every time I open my mailbox, there will be a seed catalog jammed in among the bills and credit card offers and other assorted junk mail. Park Seed, Totally Tomatoes! ...
Volunteers Needed for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show
This year’s Chicago Flower & Garden Show will be held Saturday, March 11 through Sunday, March 19 at Chicago’s Navy Pier. This show draws thousands of gardening enthusiasts and vendors from across the country to ...
Sixteen summer restoration interns and supervisors are needed for the management and restoration of wetlands, prairies, savannas and woodlands in the Cook County forest preserves. Interns will work on a variety of projects developed in ...
Governor Blagojevich Announces Nearly $20 Million for Parks Across Illinois
On January 27, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced nearly $20 million in grants for 58 park projects in Illinois. These projects are being funded statewide through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development ...
Volunteers Needed For Bird-banding Project
Each spring, biology professor Caleb Gordon of Lake Forest College and his team of dedicated volunteers capture and release about 1,000 migratory birds, such as ...
First Illinois "Eagle Day" Celebrated
On Saturday, January 28th, I was fortunate to be present at the first Illinois Eagle Day press conference held at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The event was sponsored by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who has proven to be one of ...
City and State Receive U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services Wetlands Award
On February 1, Mayor Richard M. Daley and Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn accepted $750,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Grant program. The grant will be used to conduct The Hegewisch Marsh Restoration Project ...
Chicago Wilderness and the local Forest Preserve Districts need data about bird use of local preserves to help with their planning, and the Bird Conservation Network (BCN) Census is working with them to provide that data. ...
Volunteers Needed to Help With the Birdathon Mailing Saturday, April 8
Yes, its that time of year again. The time of year when volunteers gather at North Park Village Nature Center to stuff envelopes with crucial flyers announcing the latest season of Birdathon. The 2006 Seventh Annual Dr. William Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge will take place on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21. The Birdathon team with the most species over a one-day period wins!
But there's much more to it than that- rules and registration and such. Help us get this information out by coming to North Park Village Nature Center on Saturday, April 8 for your annual dose of envelope stuffing. The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 3:00 p.m., or until we're done.
Contact the Chicago Audubon Society office for more information and directions to our office.
Birding America VII - March 18, 2006 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover great places, great people and great birds at Chicago Audubon Society’s Birding America VII. This symposium is your opportunity to get the inside information on some of the most rewarding places to bird locally, nationally ...
Chicago Audubon Society Welcomes New Office Manager
After more than two outstanding years of service to the Chicago Audubon Society as office manager, we are sorry to say goodbye to Tracy Heuschel. Tracy diligently fielded phone calls, mailed out the Compass, signed up ...
Chicago Audubon Society is Accepting Nominations for Candidates to Join The Board of Directors
Do you want to become more involved in helping shape environmental policy in Chicago? Do you have some great ideas for educational programs related to birding in Chicago? Are you a new birder who wants to learn more about ...
Chicago Audubon Society Thanks Recent Donors
The Chicago Audubon Society would like to thank the Wohlers Family Foundation, the Estate of Marilyn A. Domer, and the many people who donated to CAS in memory of Charles (Laddie) Follett, a local avid birder who passed away in January. We are grateful for your generous donations which will help our organization continue its programs, provide field trips and educational lectures, produce the Compass and keep our office open and involved in conservation efforts throughout Chicago.
Our sincere thanks!
Volunteers Needed for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show
This year’s Chicago Flower & Garden Show will be held Saturday, March 11 through Sunday, March 19. This show draws thousands of gardening enthusiasts and vendors from across the country to share ideas and products and present lectures and workshops related to gardening and the natural environment.
Results from the 2005 Indiana Dunes Christmas Bird Count
This year, the Chicago Audubon Society co-sponsored the Indiana Dunes Christmas Bird Count with Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society. The following are some highlights of this count compiled by Doris Nitecki. ...
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Get New Director
Annette Prince is the new director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM), taking over from Robbie Hunsinger who has been director since the founding of the organization in 2003. CBCM volunteers monitor downtown Chicago ...
The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) were made aware this past November of an injured female surf scoter spotted by CBCM volunteer Chris Williamson. Chris had observed the bird behaving strangely around the harbor docks and ...
Chicago is known by many names, including the “Second City”, the “city in a garden,” and perhaps most popularly, as the “Windy City.” Whether you believe that Chicago earned its “windy city” designation because of the blusterings of its politicians or because of the frigid blastings that blow off Lake Michigan, ...
Montrose Dunes Designated an Illinois - Natural Areas Inventory Site
The Montrose Beach Dunes (this is the official state name) located on the lakefront at Montrose Beach were recently designated an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) site by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The INAI...
The 9th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place February 17-20. For this special bird count, The National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are specifically asking birders to share their ...
Join filmmakers and curators Cecelia Condit and Carl Bogner as they present “Of a Feather,” a collection of films and videos about birds from around the globe going back to 1968. At once swooping and earthbound, wild and caged ...
Red Tailed Hawk Release Celebration
Come attend a special release party for a red tailed hawk cared for since November 2005 at Spring Brook Nature Center in Itasca, Illinois. The hawk, which had an infected wound (possibly inflicted by a squirrel bite)...
January 21-22 – Trip to Keokuk, Iowa for the 22nd Bald Eagle Festival
The Notebaert Nature Museum has an exciting offer just for Chicago Audubon Members!
Receive 15% off your membership dues when you become a Nature Museum member and sign up for our member trip to Keokuk, Iowa for the 22nd Bald Eagle Festival.
January 21-22, $115 per person, double occupancy
Space reservation accepted through December 15. Call now -- 773-755-5115 to reserve your space! Nature Museum membership is not required for travel.
THE YEAR AT LAKE CALUMET 11.13.2005
by Walter Marcisz - As 2005 draws to a close, it seems an appropriate time to review some of the events that have occurred this year in the Lake Calumet region of southeastern Chicago. The Calumet region has long been appreciated by ...
The article below is courtesy of the National Audubon Society and discusses some of the facts about avian flu. With widespread interest in avian influenza or “bird flu”, Audubon is providing the following information and links as a resourc...
Bird Flu Info from NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
With widespread interest in avian influenza or “bird flu,” Audubon is providing the following information and links as a resource for those who may be concerned about avian influenza, as well as about how birds are involved. Also included are some general precautions for protecting both human and bird health.
The article below is courtesy of the National Audubon Society and discusses some of the facts about avian flu. With widespread interest in avian influenza or “bird flu”, Audubon is providing the following information and links as a resourc...
Chicago Area Christmas Bird Counts 11.13.2005
Here are a few of the local Chicago area Christmas Bird Counts, of which Chicago Audubon helps co-sponsor two (Indiana Dunes and Chicago Urban). If you would like to help count birds for any of these counts, contact the compilers mentioned.
Birding America VII - March 18, 2006 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 11.13.2005
North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Ave Chicago, ILDiscover great places, great people and great birds at Chicago Audubon Society’s Birding America VII. Whether you’re planning a birding trip to the North, East, West or closer to home, Birding America will give you the inside information for the most rewarding birding ...
The October 15th - CAS Art Party 11.13.2005
At the risk of abusing a very old cliché, a splendid time was had by all. Everyone I spoke to at the party and afterwards appeared to consider the evening a success. We were treated to some exceptional photography, sculpture, paintings and drawings. Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks, and several of the guests were very complimentary to me regarding the guitar music.
The members and board of the Chicago Audubon Society would like to express their appreciation to Sharon Parmet for organizing the whole event, to the artists who treated us to their creations, to the staff at Lill Street Art Center, who did a superb job of displaying all the pieces, and most of all, to everyone who attended the Art Party.
"Wild Utah--America’s Redrock Wilderness and The Quest to Protect 9 Million Acres" 11.13.2005
Join us for a breathtaking journey through the famous redrock country of Southern Utah during the Chicago Audubon Society November program, “Wild Utah--America’s Redrock Wilderness and The Quest to Protect 9 Million Acres,” ...
“Lord God”- What a Read! 11.13.2005
by: D.L. Darnell - I remember almost not answering a telephone call one night several months ago as my wife and I were already in bed and it was late. This was early in the year, in the days before the news broke about the re-discovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The call was from a neighbor that we were just getting to know ...
The Lord God Bird Lives! - Ivory-billed woodpecker event 11.07.2005
Date: Wednesday, November 30, Time: 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. lecture
Rare reports of ivory-billed sightings leaked out of Arkansas’ swampy backwaters for decades, spreading hope as they came. Still, most conservationists ...
The Morton Arboretum Ornithology 11.13.2005
Montrose Point Workdays 11.13.2005
Montrose Point, home of the Magic Hedge, needs your help. We are conducting monthly workdays the first Saturday of the month March through November. This is a unique opportunity to garden on the lakefront as we work on ...
Two Short Poems by Marian Byrnes 11.13.2005
CAS Birdathon Party – Oh, What A Night! 09.01.2005
The CAS Birdathon Awards party was held on July 21st, and was an unbridled success; food and drink, company and conversation, and the presentation of the freshly engraved Beecher Cup highlighted the evening. Our first-ever junior Birdathon ...
Chicago Audubon Society Annual Bird Seed Sale - Saturday, October 22nd 09.01.2005
Annual Bird Seed SaleThe Chicago Audubon Society’s Annual Bird Seed Sale will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2005. This sale is only held once a year ...
OCTOBER PROGRAM: Birdbanding At The SWAMP 09.01.2005
Our guest speaker for October has many favorite birding haunts: the Ecuadorian Andes, northwestern Wisconsin, and his own backyard in Lake County. But every May you’ll find him birding, and bird banding, at the SWAMP. ...
Your Help Needed to Save Arctic Refuge! 08.28.2005
The fight over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is heating up -- YOUR HELP IS NEEDED IN AUGUST & SEPTEMBER! Audubon is making a big push to save the pristine wilderness in Alaska from destructive oil drilling, and you can help!
Skokie Residents: Support Your Trees! 08.28.2005
If you care about trees and reside in the Village of Skokie, this is for you! There is an important meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 6, 8 PM in Skokie's Village Hall, 5127 Oakton.
Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup Event – Saturday, September 17th 07.17.2005
Please mark your calendars and join hundreds of volunteers along the shores of Lake Michigan for the annual September Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event to be held on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Morton Arboretum Ornithology Certificate Classes – Fall 2005 07.18.2005
The Ornithology Certificate Program leads you through a study of bird biology, behavior, identification, and conservation. Upon completion you will understand the role birds play in our ecosystem and be able to identify over 100 migrant and resident birds common to northern Illinois. Limited class size gives you the opportunity to interact personally with instructors and fellow students. Our instructors include local bird experts to bring you up-to-date information and experiences.
Audubon Art Party, October 15, 2005 07.17.2005
This coming October 15 please join your peers at the first ever Chicago Audubon Society Art Party.
To be held at the Lill Street studios on Ravenswood Ave. and Montrose, the Chicago Audubon Society Art Party is a chance for all local Chicago birdwatchers ...
BIRDATHON 2005 - Four in a row for the Lake Forest College Team! 07.17.2005
The 6th Annual Dr. William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge was a truly exciting event! Six teams competed for the Beecher Cup, and, for the first time, a Junior team joined in the fun. Along the way, a record 184 different species (plus the exotic Trumpeter Swan) were identified by the combined teams, which surpassed the previous ... 
BIRDATHON Results 07.17.2005
Chicago Audubon's Dr. William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge was held from May 11 - May17. ...
Mayor Unveils First Chicago Region Birding Trail Guide 07.17.2005
With the sun shining, birds singing, and a group of about seventy-five birders applauding, Mayor Richard M. Daley announced the publication of the first Chicago Region Birding Trail Guide, June 4th, during an outdoor press conference at Wooded Island ...
Birdathon 2005 07.17.2005
Journey with us, the PPP (Past President’s Posse) into a new dimension – a dimension of sight and sound but not of place- it’s called the “Pigeonless Zone”.
Our more casual Birdathon team was composed of five: Barbara Kratochvil, Chris van Wassenhove, Michael Hillbruner, Stephen Lee and me, Christine Lee ...
Southeast Side Shuts Down Landfill 07.17.2005
In a stunning show of strength and will, residents of the Southeast Side led by Citizens for Landfill Alternatives, with the tenth ward alderman John Pope right behind them, convinced the City Council to shut down Waste Management’s ...
Presentation and book signing
with Bill Thompson, III and Julie Zickefoose, author and illustrator of IDENTIFY YOURSELF: The 50 Most Common Birding Identification Challenges.
COOK COUNTY SPRING BIRD COUNT - May 7, 2005
View SPECIES list and counts HERE.
MAYOR DALEY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF CHICAGO REGION BIRDING TRAIL GUIDE
A press event will take place at Wooded Island located in Jackson Park at 6401 S. Stony Island Avenue on Saturday June 4, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. The morning hours will provide an opportunity view some of the area's unique birds, of which approximately 80% are a rarity someplace else in the US. On display will be a Peregrine Falcon, Chicago's official bird, from Springbrook Nature Center.
Chicago Region Birding Trail Guide Now Online Here
Spring is here! Each day brings a report of at least one new arrival; birders are dusting off their optics and getting out into the field. Along with spring comes one of the highlights of the season, Birdathon! 2005: The 6th Annual Dr. William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge!
Bird Monitors Needed for BCN Summer Census
The Chicago Wilderness coalition and the local Forest Preserve Districts need data about use of local preserves by wildlife, to help with their planning, and the BCN Census is working with them to provide that data. Local land managers and at least three major studies will use this year's monitoring data.
CAS Awards Banquet – A Most Enjoyable Evening!
A great time was had by all at the CAS Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 16th. CAS would like to thank all who attended, including the guests and all of the award recipients. Another round of thanks goes to Sheryl DeVore and Steve Bailey for their extremely entertaining slide show presentation. Last, but definitely not least, CAS expresses its appreciation to Alan Anderson for organizing the whole event (not an easy job!). See photos on HERE.
Alan Anderson shares the following letter from National Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
The Hammond Bird Sanctuary is on the agenda of the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) board meeting rescheduled for Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at the Garrison Building, Ft. Harrison State Park....
June CAS Program at Lincoln Park Zoo
Please join us for the next Chicago Audubon Society program, "Notes From The Field - Lessons Learned While Chasing Birds for 30 Years," Thursday, June 23rd, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park Zoo ...
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair : : June 17-19 : :
IOS Fundamentals of Birding Seminar
June 3 and June 4, 2005
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Even if you're having a good hair day you'll be happy to sport the latest in CAS fashion: the new CAS hat, featuring a Northern Harrier is now available for only $10.00 (add $3.00 for shipping). Great colors, solid stitching, an adjustable band; what more could you want? Contact the CAS office at 773-539-6973 or cas@chicagoaudubon.org
Thanks to all who helped with Birdathon Mailing!!!
Many thanks go out to the dedicated people who showed up to the Birdathon Mailing Party on April 2nd. Over 3900 envelopes were stuffed with letters and pledge forms, and the mailers were stuffed with donuts and pizza! The highlight of the day was a low-flying Turkey Vulture, which flew straight toward the windows and then veered up and over the building, coming within 20 feet of us.
The Volunteers (in order of appearance) were: Christine Lee, Stephen Lee, Carol Nelson, Patricia Szewczyk, Lester Szewczyk, Alex Szewczyk, Don Darnell, Michelle Kern, and Michael Hillbruner.
-Joe Lill
The Photo Corner
The Photo Corner is a new feature in the COMPASS. Each issue will feature 2 or 3 photographs of birds or bird-related content. We are inviting and encouraging our members to participate.
Spring Birds of Northern Woods & Waters, May 15-21 and Bird Photography, May 22-26 at The Clearing in Door County
The Clearing is an adult “folk school” founded in 1935 by renowned landscape architect, Jens Jensen. Classes in the arts, humanities, and natural sciences range from one and two-day non-resident workshops, to weeklong resident classes.
Birding By The Bay Festival - Munising, Michigan; May 20-22, 2005 - With the vernal equinox just around the corner, Birding By the Bay organizers in Munising, MI, are encouraging birders to “Think Spring!” The weekend event, slated for May 20, 21 and 22, 2005, will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by offering birding and nature recreation field trips, speakers and other events for bird lovers of all ages.
8th International Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference, August 3-5, 2005 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.The Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference is an international conference designed to promote the discussion of issues relating to wildlife affected by oil pollution. The topics covered will include prevention, planning for response to both chronic and catastrophic pollution, and progress in research on rehabilitation of oiled wildlife.
Paid Fieldwork Internships and Volunteer Opportunities Available
The Black-Crowned Night Heron Research Project at Indian Ridge Marsh Needs You - Groundbreaking research begun last summer on the state-endangered black-crowned night heron colony at Indian Ridge Marsh will continue this summer. Research is assessing the impact of recreational activity ...
Birders Needed in Cook County for West Nile Virus Study
Why did West Nile Virus spread so quickly in 2002? What will happen in future years? You are invited to join the University of Illinois, Audubon Chicago Region and the Bird Conservation Network in a three-year study of ...
The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors ...
want to save more birds!! But we need your help!!
Find or Be a “Birding Pal”
Are you taking a vacation or business trip soon? Check out a really great web site called birdingpal.org, where birdwatchers can find local contacts.
Audubon ‘State of the Birds’ Report Reveals America's Birds are in Trouble
Nearly 30 Percent of North America’s Birds are in Significant Decline, Signaling Degraded Environmental Conditions
The National Audubon Society has released the first national “The State of the Birds” report documenting the health and abundance of North America’s birds. Appearing in the October 2004 issue of Audubon Magazine ...
Chicago Bird Migration: Opportunities for Conservation
Presented by Doug Stotz, Conservation Ecologist/Ornithologist, Field Museum of Natural History
Doug has been living and working in the Chicago area for 20 years. He has been very involved in most of the studies and surveys relating to bird conservation and ecology. His presentation highlighted a number of points ...
Effort Underway to Establish Bird Rehabilitation Facility at Northerly Island
Your support is needed!
Robbie Hunsinger, founder of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) program, and one of CCBM’s newest volunteers, Maddy Fields-Gollogly, recently spoke with Bob O’Neill, President of the Grant Park Advisory Council ...
NOTICE: Draft of Birding Trail Map of the Chicago Region Available
Online at www.bcnbirds.org
BCN and the Chicago Department of Environment have produced a birding trail map for the Chicago area. The draft map is available at www.bcnbirds.org. Even though the map is still in production, you can use the information when planning birding trips.
Please double-check the information, including driving directions, for unfamiliar sites. And please, also, send any corrections/ updates to birdingtrail@bcnbirds.org.
Bird Monitoring Workshops
The Chicago Wilderness coalition and the local Forest Preserve Districts need data about bird use of local preserves to help with their planning, and the BCN Census is working with them to provide that data. ...
About "The Birdpeople," film directed by Michael Gitlin
A loosely-knit community of birdwatchers in New York's Central Park; ornithologists with their specimen collections at a dozen different natural history museums; bird banders gingerly extracting birds from mist nets and ...
Chicago Audubon Society Award Honorees
On April 16th, Chicago Audubon will hold its 28th Environmental Awards Banquet. Even though we have only given one person more than one award, we have never run out of worthy people (or organizations) to honor for their work related to the environment and/or birds.
Feathers Flying Over Quiet Sanctuary
Hammond Bird Refuge Battle Brewing
HAMMOND | An angry ruckus is stirring over a peaceful stretch of city lakefront property. City Port Authority officials want to run a $400,000 walking trail through a 9-acre bird sanctuary to open the woodsy parcel to birders and walkers who already use the trails in front of the adjacent casino and marina ...
Alan Anderson received this information from Karen and Harlan Murley yesterday, and thought that many of you who knew her, would want to know of the passing of Margaret Murley earlier this month. Margaret was such a nice person, and accomplished so much during her life for botany education, birding, IAS, protecting the environment, and so much more. The letter follows:
SAVE THE DATE
The CAS Environmental Awards Banquet— Saturday, April 16, 2005
On Saturday, April 16, 2005, the Chicago Audubon Society will hold its Biennial Environmental Awards Banquet to honor those who have made contributions to conservation and birding in the Chicagoland area ...
the Nomination Form Here
Birds of Illinois
Authors to be featured at Awards Banquet, April 16th— Book Signing and Discussion to Follow
Birds of Illinois was written by Sheryl DeVore, Steven D. Bailey and Gregory Kennedy, and published by Lone Pine Publishing. While Birds of Chicago, Lone Pine’s first foray into local bird guides, was clearly aimed at beginning birders, the new book was designed for both experienced and beginning birders ...
Take Action on the Conservation Initiative
Recently, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn announced the Conservation Initiative to provide additional funding for conservation programs, and to restore some funds to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
SPRING TUNE-UP FOR BIRDERS
Get ready for those wonderful warblers by attending the next Chicago Audubon Society program, “Spring Tune-Up for Birders: Sharpening Bird ID Skills,” Saturday, April 23, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago.
POPULATION CONNECTION Events in Chicago
Tuesday, March 1st, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
Northwestern University SEED Conference
Debate on the Relevance of Human Population Size on Current Global Issues
Eagle Optics Day Kicks Off Program Series — Saturday, March 12, 2005
Calling all birding “gearheads.” If you’re in the market for your first set of binoculars, itching to upgrade, or if there’s a spotting scope you’re yearning to try out, stop in during Binoculars and Scopes Demo Day with Eagle Optics ...
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. . : : . . Volunteers NeededChicago Flower Show March 12 - March 20, 2005 Chicago Audubon Society has a table at the Flower Show at Navy Pier. We advertise our organization, sell birding books and other small items and give out our newsletter. If you are interested in helping out at the show or for more information, please call Christine or Stephen Lee at 708-485-8197 or e-mail us at: stephenchris@sbcglobal.net. . . : : . . |
Illinois’ first IBA areas designated!
More nominations sought by February 15, 2005
The first round of Illinois’ Important Bird Areas were announced in October 2004 by the National Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the City’s Department of Environment ...
Great Backyard Bird Count 2005, February 18-21
Last year you were part of the team that tallied 4,304,457 birds across the continent during the Great Backyard Bird Count! As we gear up for this year's event on February 18-21, there are three ways that you can help.
Richard Rhodes Lecture at Newberry LibraryMembers of the Chicago Audubon Society may be interested in an upcoming Newberry Library program, which features Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes talking about his new biography on John James Audubon.
Saturday, December 18 through Sunday, January 2
This years Northeast Illinois/Northwest Indiana Christmas Bird Counts will run from December 18 through January 2. For those new to counting, the information collected at this time is vital for conservation ...
Illinois’ first IBA areas have been designated!
More nominations sought by February 15, 2005
On October 6, 2004, National Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the City’s Department of Environment announced the designation of 48 Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) in Illinois. ...
Birds of Illinois Something for Every Birder
As the title implies, the book Birds of Illinois is intended to serve those discovering Illinois’ birds. It was written by Sheryl DeVore, Steven D. Bailey and Gregory Kennedy, and published by Lone Pine Publishing. While the publisher’s initial foray into bird guides local to our area ...
Fourth Set of Whoopers Set Out for Florida
This is Year Four of the five-year effort to reintroduce a migrating flock of whooping cranes to eastern North America. On Sunday, October 10, fourteen 5-6 month-old whoopers took ...
On Saturday, October 2, National Audubon Society presented the 2004 Audubon Medal to environmentalist, philanthropist and patron of the arts, Harriet Bullitt. A Leavenworth, Washington resident, Bullitt was recognized ...
Medications and doctor’s visits seem to be an ever-increasing part of our lives, particularly as we get older. Maybe a walk in the woods or just spending some time in a lush garden with blooming native wildflowers ...
Friday, November 19 - CAS Program, "Chicago Bird Migration: Opportunities for Conservation"
Join us for the November CAS program as the Field Museum's Doug Stotz presents a fascinating program at the North Park Village Nature Center, Friday, November 19, 2004, at 7:30pm. Refreshments served at 7:00 p.m. This free program is open to members and non-members alike.
2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS –
New Officers and Board Members of the Chicago Audubon Society.
WORLD CLASS BIRDING TRAILS: SOON A REALITY!
NOT ONE, BUT TWO -- THE CHICAGO LAKEFRONT BIRDING TRAIL & THE CHICAGO REGION BIRDING TRAIL
By Don Darnell America's foremost "City On The Lake" will be going from zero birding trails to two trails within the next 12 months. One of them, grand in design, will cover several Chicago area counties. The other, a nifty...
BIRDATHON! 2004 Fifth Annual Dr. William Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge - May 12-18
By Joe Lill - Well, not according to the calendar, but for birders spring certainly feels like the start of the year. Along with spring comes one of the highlights of the season, BIRDATHON! 2004: the 5th annual ...
To all the following people who helped on April 10th's Birdathon Mailing,
Thank You! Jill Anderson, Karen Anderson, Tracy Heuschel, Michael Hillbruner, Christine Lee, Stephen Lee, Joe Lill, Sue Sherman-Martinez, Lester Szewczyk, Patricia Szewzcyk
16th Annual CAS Cook County Owl Count - March 5,6,7, 2004
By Christine Lee - "What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours," is the first line to a song which could have been the theme of this year's owl count. If you didn't go out on Friday night or Saturday morning, you ...
SEEKING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Chicago Audubon Society is looking for new Board Members. If you are a conservation-minded individual who is willing to attend one meeting a month, and participate in events as a volunteer and/or leader, we would love to hear from you. If you know of someone who would like to be considered for the Board, or are interested yourself, please call Christine Lee at (708) 485-8197 or email Chicago Audubon Society.
Supreme Court Upholds Clean Water Act
Everglades Decision Means Cleaner Water Nationwide In a case involving pollution in the Everglades, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that pollutants cannot be pumped into U.S. waters without a Clean Water Act ...
Update on Northerly Island
The coalition of 'green' groups that came together to work with the Chicago Park District on the creation of the park--Northerly Island (formerly known as Meigs Field) has some progress to report. Comprised ...
Tell Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to increase funding for the Open Land Trust Program!
PROBLEM: The Open Land Trust program--a major funding source for open space land acquisitions by local communities, counties, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources statewide--will have its funding cut ...
Literary Tidbits
By Barbara Kingsolver - "In the slender shoulders of the myrtle tree outside my kitchen window, a hummingbird built her nest. It was in April, the sexiest month, season of bud-burst and courtship ...
BIRD NEWS ACROSS THE NATION
New Bird Conservation Alliance Launched - American Bird Conservancy announces the launch of the Bird Conservation Alliance, a new venture to champion bird conservation issues in the Americas. The Alliance is a ...
Illinois Beach State Park Hawk Watch 2004 - Hawk ID Workshop Information
When: Saturday, August 21, 2004 - Time: 10:00AM to 1:00PM - Where: Illinois Beach State Park, South Unit, Visitor/Nature Center - This workshop offers an overview of how to identify hawks in flight by using slides and descriptive discussion. Reservations are required as space is limited.
RECORD NUMBER OF SPECIES SIGHTED DURING BIRDATHON! 2004
A Beecher Cup Threepeat for the Lake Forest College Team
By Joe Lill - The 5th Annual Dr. William S. Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge was a record-setting event in every way. For the first time since 1999 there was good weather all week, and a record number of bird species ...
The Early Birds Project Enters Second Year, Gains in Popularity
More people than ever fall in love with birding
By Gail Goldberger - One year ago, Chicago Audubon launched the Early Birds project designed to meet the needs of new birders. Now in its second year, the Early Birds is proving to be a popular way to introduce novice birders ...
BE A BIRD MONITOR
By Alan Anderson - Chicago Audubon is a member of the Bird Conservation Network (BCN), and one of BCN’s major projects is bird monitoring in area parks, forest preserves and other open spaces ...
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
The Birdathon! 2004 mailing this year could not have happened without the help of the following volunteers: Karen Andersen, Jill Anderson, Tracy Heuschel, Michael Hillbruner, Christine Lee, Stephen Lee, Joe Lill, Sue Sherman-Martinez, Lester Szewczyk, and Patricia Szewzcyk.
Plum Island is SAVED ! ! ! It's OVER !
The three year battle is finally over, Plum Island has been saved from development! Plum Island will become an Illinois Audubon Society Eagle Sanctuary this week. This is an incredible achievement ...
Budget Crisis in Springfield
We all know the State of Illinois is deep in red ink, but one of the remedies proposed by Governor Blagojevich’s in his recent budget message spells disaster for our state’s natural resources.
CHICAGO BIRD COLLISION MONITORS
Helping Migratory Birds Safely Navigate the Loop
By Sharon Parmet - According to Buddhist philosophy, all living things share two common desires: to end suffering and to find happiness. Robbie Hunsinger, founder of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM)...
History of Whooping Crane Reintroduction
Never large in number, the whooping crane population in North America dropped from about 1,400 in the 1860s to around 20 in the early 1940s. The remaining birds were in two flocks, one migratory...
Operation Migration — The Migratory Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project CAS Birding America VI Keynote Address
By Gail Goldberger - This is the third year of the ultralight guided migration project—Operation Migration—that in the first two years resulted in 20 whooping cranes migrating over the eastern portion...
More on that Paper Trail
By Don Darnell - Do you remember the mantra of the IT zealots a decade ago? A Paperless Office! A Paperless Office! Yea, sure, and the world will be a unified and safe place in the 21st century; so much so...
SEEKING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Chicago Audubon Society is looking for new Board Members. If you are a conservation-minded individual who is willing to attend one meeting a month, and participate in events as a volunteer and/or leader, we would love to hear from you. If you know of someone who would like to be considered for the Board, or are interested yourself, please call Christine Lee at (708) 485-8197 or email Chicago Audubon Society.
The American Bird Conservancy Guide to the 500 Most Important
Bird Areas in the United States
The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is delighted to announce the publication of The American Bird Conservancy Guide to the 500 Most Important Bird Areas in the United States. This new book describes...
Dealing with Junk
Junk comes in lots of forms and bedevils our lives in many ways. We are bombarded with an ever-increasing amount of junk mail and at times feel powerless to do anything about it. American manufacturers ...
Doug Anderson and Wooded Island
By Sharon Parmet - Many of us watch birds to relieve stress by engaging ourselves in the natural world around us. The same can be said for Doug Anderson who is heading into his 31st year...
Celebrating 30 Years of Bird Walks!
by Gail Goldberger - On Saturday, April 3, Doug Anderson will lead a special walk to celebrate 30 years of leading walks. He hopes to be joined by some esteemed members of the original group of 15 ...
The Wetlands Protection Bill
By David Cohen - Developers got a reprieve in Springfield, but it may be short-lived. An intense summer of lobbying in the capital culminated in a delay of the vote on the Illinois Wetland Protection Act ...
Possible Change in Status of Peregrine Falcons in Illinois
By Mary Hennen - Sometime ago, Jim Herkert of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection (ESP) Board and I worked on setting up goals for the eventual reclassification and/or delisting of the ...
WORLD CLASS BIRDING TRAILS: SOON A REALITY!
NOT ONE, BUT TWO -- THE CHICAGO LAKEFRONT BIRDING TRAIL & THE CHICAGO REGION BIRDING TRAIL
By Don Darnell America's foremost "City On The Lake" will be going from zero birding trails to two trails within the next 12 months. One of them, grand in design, will cover several Chicago area counties. The other, a nifty...
BIRDATHON! 2004 Fifth Annual Dr. William Beecher Birdathon Cup Challenge - May 12-18
By Joe Lill - Well, not according to the calendar, but for birders spring certainly feels like the start of the year. Along with spring comes one of the highlights of the season, BIRDATHON! 2004: the 5th annual ...
16th Annual CAS Cook County Owl Count - March 5,6,7, 2004
By Christine Lee - "What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours," is the first line to a song which could have been the theme of this year's owl count. If you didn't go out on Friday night or Saturday morning, you ...
Supreme Court Upholds Clean Water Act
Everglades Decision Means Cleaner Water Nationwide In a case involving pollution in the Everglades, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that pollutants cannot be pumped into U.S. waters without a Clean Water Act ...
Update on Northerly Island
The coalition of 'green' groups that came together to work with the Chicago Park District on the creation of the park--Northerly Island (formerly known as Meigs Field) has some progress to report. Comprised ...
Tell Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to increase funding for the Open Land Trust Program!
PROBLEM: The Open Land Trust program--a major funding source for open space land acquisitions by local communities, counties, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources statewide--will have its funding cut ...
Literary Tidbits
By Barbara Kingsolver - "In the slender shoulders of the myrtle tree outside my kitchen window, a hummingbird built her nest. It was in April, the sexiest month, season of bud-burst and courtship ...
BIRD NEWS ACROSS THE NATION
New Bird Conservation Alliance Launched - American Bird Conservancy announces the launch of the Bird Conservation Alliance, a new venture to champion bird conservation issues in the Americas. The Alliance is a ...
Birding America VI - REGISTER TODAY!
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Discover great places, great people and great birds at Chicago Audubon Society’s Birding America VI. This symposium ...
Dealing with Junk
Junk comes in lots of forms and bedevils our lives in many ways. We are bombarded with an ever-increasing amount of junk mail and at times feel powerless to do anything about it. American manufacturers ...
Update on Plum Island
By Don Goerne - This is the time of year to reflect on what we have accomplished and to be grateful to everyone who has supported our Plum Island preservation efforts. I would particularly like to thank ...
Doug Anderson and Wooded Island
By Sharon Parmet - Many of us watch birds to relieve stress by engaging ourselves in the natural world around us. The same can be said for Doug Anderson who is heading into his 31st year...
Celebrating 30 Years of Bird Walks!
by Gail Goldberger - On Saturday, April 3, Doug Anderson will lead a special walk to celebrate 30 years of leading walks. He hopes to be joined by some esteemed members of the original group of 15 ...
The Wetlands Protection Bill
By David Cohen - Developers got a reprieve in Springfield, but it may be short-lived. An intense summer of lobbying in the capital culminated in a delay of the vote on the Illinois Wetland Protection Act ...
Possible Change in Status of Peregrine Falcons in Illinois
By Mary Hennen - Sometime ago, Jim Herkert of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection (ESP) Board and I worked on setting up goals for the eventual reclassification and/or delisting of the ...
The 16th Annual Cook County Owl Count
March 5,6,7, 2004
The 16th Annual Cook County Owl Count is coming March 5,6,7, 2004 -- sunset to dawn. Join us once again in surveying the owls of our metropolitan area. All that's needed is a tape ...
The Skokie Lagoons
What Chicago Audubon is Learning from Eight Years of Stewardship
By Gail Goldberger — If you drive along Tower Road in Glencoe by the Skokie Lagoons the second Saturday of months November through March and see smoke rising from the tree line, don’t call 911 ...
History of the Skokie Lagoons
By Gail Goldberger — At the turn of the twentieth century, when Lake Michigan was at its highest level, the area where the Skokie Lagoons now lie was a large bay of the lake. As the water level dropped and the ...
Thank You for Bird Seed Savings Day
Chicago Audubon is grateful to the following volunteers who helped out October 25th on Bird Seed Savings Day.
Thanks to the Evanston crew of Dennis Johnston, Steve Isaac, Joan Ogden, Joy Gerstein, Elmer Skore, and George Szewczyk.
The River Forest crew was ably led by Barb Kratochvil with help from Jill Anderson, Pam Koziol, Chas Swanson, Carl Auersch, Les Szewczyk, Pat Szewczyk and Alex Szewczyk.
Heartfelt thanks also to all CAS members and non-members who helped this fundraising effort by buying seed. — Christine Lee
Chicago is First U.S. City with Bird-Friendly Skyline
Over Ten Thousand Birds Saved Each Year
Mayor Richard M. Daley has issued a mayoral proclamation designating Aug. 25 - Oct. 25 “Lights Out Chicago Days.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided funding through the Urban Conservation Treaty ...
You can still let your legislator know your opinion on this bill. The
final vote will come between November 18-20. Call now!
Take Action NOW
by David Cohen — With a critical vote drawing near in the General Assembly, activists around the state have intensified efforts to rally support for a wetlands protection bill in Springfield. HB 422, which cleared ...
 Black-tailed gull photo by Bob Hughes |
More Rare Sightings at Montrose By Don Darnell - There have been many uncommon to rare bird sightings at Montrose Point over the years – Kirtland’s and Townsend’s warblers, a hooded crow and, most recently, a Grace’s warbler to name a few ... |
Chicago is First U.S. City with Bird-Friendly Skyline
Over Ten Thousand Birds Saved Each Year
Mayor Richard M. Daley has issued a mayoral proclamation designating Aug. 25 - Oct. 25 “Lights Out Chicago Days.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided funding through the Urban Conservation Treaty ...
An Update on Plum IslandBy Don Goerne - As of September 16, 2003, Mr. Wendland, spokesman for the developer of Starved Rock Island, LLC stated that 34 people had placed deposits on a possible 50 Plum Island lots. Wendland also said that required ...
Join Audubon's Bird Walks for Families During Harvest Festival —
OCTOBER 25 & 26
A Project of The Early Birds - The Chicago Audubon Society (CAS) will lead a series of Special Bird Walks for Families during North Park Village Nature Center’s Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26...
Buying Plum Island Would Be Plum Deal for State
by Dale Bowman — Plum Island is the stuff of wild dreams.
Even at 45, I think about pulling a Huck Finn every time I pass it. That's the problem.
For years, developers have envisioned turning ...
READ FRIENDS OF PLUM ISLAND FACT SHEETIntroducing www.chicagoaudubon.org
Chicago Audubon proudly presents its new and improved interactive web site. The web site was developed and designed by Noel Maguigad and edited by Gail Goldberger.
Now you will be able to instantly read the CAS Rare Bird Alert, the latest Audubon Advisory, most recent issue as well as archives of The COMPASS. You will also be able to check out our Calendar of Events, fill out and e-mail forms and registration materials to the CAS office, buy t-shirts, and link to a bevy of local, state and national birding and natural science resources.
Navigate around the site ... enjoy.
Introducing www.chicagoaudubon.org
Chicago Audubon proudly presents its new and improved interactive web site. The web site was developed and designed by Noel Maguigad and edited by Gail Goldberger.
Now you will be able to instantly read the CAS Rare Bird Alert, the latest Audubon Advisory, most recent issue as well as archives of The COMPASS. You will also be able to check out our Calendar of Events, fill out and e-mail forms and registration materials to the CAS office, buy t-shirts, and link to a bevy of local, state and national birding and natural science resources.
Navigate around the site ... enjoy... and send the link to all.
BIRD SEED SALE — Saturday, October 25
If you haven’t ordered— You can still phone your order in by Friday, October 15th, or download and mail the Bird Seed Order form PDF here.
If you have ordered— Remember to pick up your bird seed order between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and Noon on Saturday, October 25th, at the location specified when you phoned or mailed in your order. The two pick-up locations are 1513 Church Street in Evanston and 7820 West Madison Avenue in River Forest.
There is still time to sign up to volunteer to help distribute seed. Call the office (773) 539-6793 and let Karen Andersen know at which location and how many hours you can volunteer. We need volunteers at the pick-up site by 8:00 A.M.
More Rare Sightings at MontroseBy Don Darnell - There have been many uncommon to rare bird sightings at Montrose Point over the years – Kirtland’s and Townsend’s warblers, a hooded crow and, most recently, a Grace’s warbler to name a few ...
Chicago is First U.S. City with Bird-Friendly Skyline
Over Ten Thousand Birds Saved Each Year
Mayor Richard M. Daley has issued a mayoral proclamation designating Aug. 25 - Oct. 25 “Lights Out Chicago Days.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided funding through the Urban Conservation Treaty ...
An Update on Plum IslandBy Don Goerne - As of September 16, 2003, Mr. Wendland, spokesman for the developer of Starved Rock Island, LLC stated that 34 people had placed deposits on a possible 50 Plum Island lots. Wendland also said that required ...
Join Audubon's Bird Walks for Families During Harvest Festival —
OCTOBER 25 & 26
A Project of The Early Birds - The Chicago Audubon Society (CAS) will lead a series of Special Bird Walks for Families during North Park Village Nature Center’s Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26...
Take Action NOW
by David Cohen — With a critical vote drawing near in the General Assembly, activists around the state have intensified efforts to rally support for a wetlands protection bill in Springfield. HB 422, which cleared ...
Buying Plum Island Would Be Plum Deal for State
by Dale Bowman — Plum Island is the stuff of wild dreams.
Even at 45, I think about pulling a Huck Finn every time I pass it. That's the problem.
For years, developers have envisioned turning ...
READ FRIENDS OF PLUM ISLAND FACT SHEETBIRD SEED SALE - Saturday, October 25
The Chicago Audubon's 26th Annual Bird Seed Sale will be held on Saturday, October 25th between the hours of 9:00 AM and Noon. Bird seed prices are lower than last year so you can afford to buy more seed and stock up for the whole year! ...
Wetlands Protection Bill up for Vote in Illiniois Senate
by David Cohen — A major political struggle is forming in Springfield, one that pits Illinois conservationists against a formidable coalition of business and labor interests. The issue is a wetlands protection bill scheduled for a Senate vote in November ...
Buying Plum Island Would Be Plum Deal for State
by Dale Bowman — Plum Island is the stuff of wild dreams.
Even at 45, I think about pulling a Huck Finn every time I pass it. That's the problem.
For years, developers have envisioned turning the wild-island dreams ...
READ FRIENDS OF PLUM ISLAND FACT SHEETCarol Browner, Former Head of EPA, Elected National Audubon Society Chair
Carol M. Browner, the longest serving administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has been elected chair of the National Audubon Society Board of Directors. Browner will be the first woman to chair Audubon, and is one ...
Whimbrels Sighted at Montrose Beach Shorebird Protection Area
Jerry Kumery, tipped off by the posting on IBET, rushed out to Montrose Beach the morning of July 27th from the suburb of Brookfield to see a rarity. Luckily, Kanae Hirabayashi was on the beach by the birds, and they were quickly ... Take A Bird Walk During Migration With Audubon Guides
Birders of all skill levels are welcome at bird walks held at North Park Village Nature Center. Held every Saturday during migration, they are led by Audubon guides.
SEE PHOTOSLandmark Feral Cat Policy Passed
On May 30, 2003, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission unanimously passed a policy….”to protect native wildlife from predation, disease and other impacts presented by feral and free-ranging cats.” The American Bird Conservancy ...
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The Harrier Hat
The new CAS hat, featuring a Northern Harrier is now available for only $10.00 (add $3.00 for shipping). Great colors, solid stitching, an adjustable band. Contact the CAS office at
(773) 539-6793 or cas@chicagoaudubon.org
CHICAGO AUDUBON SOCIETY T-Shirts
Only $10 Each
Available in Green with CAS logo in white.
Adult M, L, and XL
Email us or Call Chicago Audubon Society Office for Details - (773) 539-6793
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