Join IOS for an intensive weekend of birding in southern Illinois’ most treasured hot spots!
Leaders: Rhonda Rothrock and Vicki Lang; Please email Rhonda if you have questions; woodthrusheola@hotmail.com
Friday evening:
For those that have the time, travel on your own to Ferne Clyffe State Park for nightJars. For many birders, this is the “go to spot” for Nightjars. Start time and pin will be provided for those that register.
Saturday:
Starting at 6am, we’ll travel thru the western counties of southernmost IL to several locations within the Shawnee National Forest for a plethora of our neotropical migrants. Target birds to include:
cerulean warbler, hooded warbler, Kentucky warbler, Louisiana warbler, prairie warbler, prothonotary warbler, worm-eating warbler, yellow-throated warbler, Mississippi kite, black vulture, fish crow, Carolina wren, Carolina chickadee.
Please bring plenty of water and snacks, a sack lunch (because lunching options are few), and of course your optics. Bathroom facilities are limited and will include outdoor privies. Pin will be provided for those that register.
Dinner can be on your own or join the group for dinner at 17thStreet Grill in Murphysboro for their nationally known barbeque (vegetarian options available there).
Following dinner, we will try for owls and nightjarsat Lake Murphysboro State Park.
Sunday:
Meet at 7:30am on site at the old Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters off IL Rt. 148 for a morning spent on the Refuge scoping the lake front and wetlands for shorebirds and waterfowl.We will finish late morning at the new Headquarters/Visitor’s Center just prior to your departure. Pin will be provided for those that register.
Suggested lodging:
Holiday Inn Express, Murphysboro
Alternative lodging options:
Home2 Suites by Hilton, downtown Carbondale
Hampton Inn, east of Carbondale
Holiday Inn, east of Carbondale
Comfort Inn, east of Carbondale