Murphysboro, Ill. – Fall is a wonderful time to explore local nature, especially for birdwatching enthusiasts. Birdwatchers of all levels are invited to join the University of Illinois Extension for the seventh annual Fall Migration “Mini Sit” at the Cache River Wetlands Center on September 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.
During the event, teams of up to ten participants will have chosen an eBird hotspot within the Cache River Watershed and will sit in a 24-foot diameter circle to enjoy fall migration. During the three-hour period, participants will identify as many bird species as possible by sight and sound. After the count, meet up with other teams for an optional picnic outdoors from noon to 1:30 at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center, where you can share your sightings.
Participants lists of bird species will be submitted to eBird, an online citizen science platform managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology which allows birdwatchers to share and archive their checklists. This real-time data-sharing approach informs the birding community and scientists about birds found at a given hotspot.
“Our Mini-Sit data may help local, state, or federal biologists observe fall migration trends,” said Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling. “Knowledge is power. The public can learn where to find a live bird as well as play a role in tracking which species are using habitats in southern Illinois.”
Organizations can sponsor hotspots. If you would like to sponsor a hotspot, contact Kim Rohling at kimrohli@illinois.edu. Sponsors this year include:
North Cypress Access (Southern Illinois Audubon Society)
Northwest Belknap Access (Shawnee Chapter of the Audubon Society)
Lower Cache Access (Massac County Nature Study Group)
Cache River Wetlands Center (Illinois Master Gardeners)
Wildcat Bluff Nature Preserve (Illinois Master Naturalists)
Groups are limited to ten participants per hotspot, and teams must pre-register their hotspot locations by Sunday, September 8. Hotspots are public parking lots designated by a blue spare on the Cache River State Natural Area Map. Maps and directions to your hotspot will be emailed to you. Bring your own binoculars, scope, camera, snacks and lawn chair for a fun-filled morning of bird watching. If you have questions, contact Kim Rohling at kimrohli@illinoi.edu. Register and learn more at go.illinois.edu/MiniSit.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.