Calendar of Programs and Events

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MONTHLY WEBINARS

Birds of South Africa: Unique Endemics & Spectacular Diversity

Thursday, December 2nd at 7:00 PM

ZOOM Details:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 826 3951 3162
Password: CCAS

Our December speaker is our very own Program Chair, Alida de Flamingh! Alida will share with us some of her favorite birds from her motherland, South Africa. The diverse ecosystems in South Africa, from deserts and grasslands to dense forests, host many regionally endemic bird species, but South Africa is also well-known among the global birding community for its widespread assemblages of unique and spectacular birds. Join Alida on the 2nd of December at 7pm CST to hear more.

Alida is a geneticist and ecologist specializing in wildlife conservation genetics and ancient DNA research. Alida grew up in South Africa but moved to the USA to pursue a PhD in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, and is now a postdoctoral researcher in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 817 7558 5306

Password: 355827

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for Wild Writings!
CCAS is proud to present a new initiative that aims to unite and connect people that enjoy nature-related literature. Our new reading group – Wild Writings – will officially start up for the fall season on October 21st! Each month, participants will read a short segment of nature-related literature and have an informal meeting (via Zoom) to discuss the reading.

If you’d like to know more about Wild Writings, or if you are interested in joining our reading group, please email our Program Chair, Alida de Flamingh, at alida.ccas@gmail.com.

SUNDAY MORNING BIRD WALKS

Sunday, September 5th to October 31st 2021
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot
Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park


Walks officially last about 1 1/2 hours (though some folks stay later if the birding is good).

*PLEASE READ*
This fall we have decided not to limit sign-ups, but instead, require that all attendees wear face masks (do not attend if you feel unwell or were potentially exposed). 

Please stay up to date with our website and email notifications for any potential changes/sign-ups given changes in CDC COVID-19 guidelines. 
 
**This year we are obviously encouraging people to do things a little differently with COVID-19, however, fortunately, there are no state-imposed limits right now on outdoor activities – limit in person contact and avoid carpooling with others. Meet up at the birding site and practice social distancing and wear face masks. We also unfortunately have to discourage any post count potlucks or gatherings, particularly indoors. Please be smart and be safe to protect our volunteers. **
 
The Sunday Morning Bird Walks started in the 1940’s. Birders of all skill levels are welcome!
We begin every week at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot and then decide whether to walk into Crystal Lake Park or Busey Woods. These parks play host to 36 species of warblers every spring as well as large numbers of vireos, thrushes, orioles and tanagers.
Bird walks are held on Sunday mornings during the spring and fall migration seasons: March-May & September-October 
 
 

SAVE THE DATE


Recurring Events

Sunday Morning Birdwalks
March-May & Sept-Oct
Sundays, 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Our most popular event! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot, 1505 N. Broadway, Urbana, at 7:30 a.m. Walks in the nearby Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park officially last about 1 1/2 hours (though some intrepid birders stay later).

Programs
Feb-May & Sept-Dec
First Thursday of the month, 7 p.m.
Guest speakers present on a variety of topics throughout the year. Programs are usually located at the Urbana Free Library auditorium (no programs January, June, July, August).

Bird Counts
See Bird Count page.

Board Meetings
Third Monday of the month, 7:00pm
Champaign Public Library – Friends Conference Room
(No meetings June, July, December) 
In 2021, we will be meeting via ZOOM. If you would like details on how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org


For more learning opportunities, please see programs and events offered at two local park districts:
Urbana Park District
Champaign County Forest Preserve District