Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Sundays, March 4 – May 27, 7:30-9am
Anita Purves Nature Center
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).

Field Trip to Allerton Park
Saturday, April 21, 9am
The April field trip will be held at Allerton park in Piatt county on April 21st. We’ll meet at the Allerton visitor’s center at 9am and will be checking out Allerton’s newly renovated southern trails. Champaign county residents who want to carpool to the location can meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center Saturday morning. The carpool group will depart for Allerton promptly at 8:30am.

Birds and Breakfast
Saturday, April 28, 9am
CCAS will be hosting an event called “Birds and Breakfast” at Lodge Park in Monticello on April 28th. At this family-friendly event, we’ll enjoy breakfast and coffee while discussing spring migration before heading into the park for a guided bird walk. CCAS will provide coffee and doughnuts. Binoculars are available for borrowing on a first-come first-served basis. We meet in the park at 9 AM and will start the bird walk at 9:30am.

May Program: Chimney Swifts
Thursday, May 3, 7pm 
Urbana Free Library
Presenter: Maureen Hurd, 2017 Kendeigh Grant Recipient
Maureen’s research examined habitat use and foraging behavior of Chimney Swifts, a declining species.
Her project sought to examine the effects of habitat and landscape characteristics on the abundance of Chimney Swifts and on nest success and foraging behavior.
Funding from CCAS helped cover the cost of GPS transmitters to track movements of tagged swifts.
Light refreshments will be served.

Illinois Spring Bird Count
May 5
The Spring Bird Count is a yearly bird count that consists of volunteers conducting bird censuses. The censuses are conducted in all 102 counties in Illinois. The data generated from the Spring Bird Count – over 40 years of data! – can be used to estimate changes in populations of species throughout the state. More info

35th Annual Birdathon
May 6-13
Illinois birds are in trouble – and you can help!
Participate in the count, or pledge a donation! During the Birdathon, teams & individuals eagerly search for as many birds species they can find. Pledge donations are based on the number of species seen by your selected team, or you may pledge a flat amount.  More Info & Pledge Form.  Questions? Contact Beth Chato  by email or phone (344-6803).

Audubon Photography Awards Traveling Exhibit
May 9-30
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, During Regular Open Hours
Today’s best bird photography is a portal into the natural world, and these images from the 2017 Audubon Photography Awards will inspire and inform you. The 12 images on display were chosen from nearly 5,500 images submitted to the National Audubon Society in the Amateur, Professional, and Youth categories.
FREE. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or pleiter@ccfpd.org

Low-mobility Bird Sit
Saturday, May 12, 8-9am
Meet at the Magic bridge parking lot in Crystal Lake park. To find the lot, use the N. Broadway entrance to the park and look for the CCAS event sign. Bring a folding chair and your binoculars, or borrow a pair from CCAS. This event is wheelchair accessible.

CCAS Board Meeting
Monday, May 21, 7pm
Anita Purves Nature Center
CCAS Members welcome.

June Potluck and Swallow-watching
Thursday, June 7, 6pm; potluck begins at 6:30pm
Walnut Hill Shelter, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
Enjoy an evening at beautiful Homer Lake with fellow bird enthusiasts while you watch the Cliff Swallows and many other swallows. Please bring your own table service, your own beverage and a dish to share.