All Events
From guided bird walks to interactive learning sessions and meetings, the Champaign County Audubon Society offers a variety of regular events throughout the year (although we typically take off the summer!).
Great Backyard Bird Count 2026
Join this annual global event counting and reporting birds.
What is "The Great Backyard Bird Count"?
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.
For details on how to participate: https://www.birdcount.org/.
Posted In: Bird Counts
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings are held online via Zoom.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Monthly Program: Birding in Eagle Country: Two Journeys in January
Overview:
Abour our Speaker:
Roger Digges
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
CCAS Woodcock Walk at Meadowbrook Park
Join CCAS on an evening hike to observe the spectacular mating dance of the elusive American Woodcock. All experience levels are welcome on this twilight adventure.
Please dress appropriately for the weather with multiple layers as temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset. Loaner binoculars will be available.
Trails are unpaved often muddy and wet so sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
You must RSVP in advance! Limit: 8 people. Use this link to sign up:
https://forms.gle/tPmzk9489gNjPKbVA
Leader: Mariska Harshbarger. Please email Mariska at mariskaharshbarger@gmail.com if you have questions or if you cannot make it after signing up. The meeting spot will be emailed to participants.
Kendeigh Grant Applications Due
Kendeigh Grant Applications Due
Each year, CCAS funds research projects about the biology, ecology, and conservation of Illinois birds, through our Kendeigh Grants for Ornithology Research. Researchers can apply for up to $2,000 for their project. Preference is given to applied projects or those that advance bird conservation, habitat management, or education.
Since 1982, our S. Charles Kendeigh research grants have funded over $50,000 in research on Illinois birds. After the completion of their proposed research, grantees present their results in writing to CCAS as well as give a presentation at a CCAS general meeting (typically the first Thursday in February through May, September through December, the year following the grant award).
Applications are due March 15, 2026. Notifications of awards will be made in April.
To learn more or to apply for a grant, visit https://www.champaigncountyaudubon.org/apply-for-a-grant.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
CCAS Woodcock Walk at Meadowbrook Park
Join CCAS on an evening hike to observe the spectacular mating dance of the elusive American Woodcock. All experience levels are welcome on this twilight adventure.
Please dress appropriately for the weather with multiple layers as temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset. Loaner binoculars will be available.
Trails are unpaved often muddy and wet so sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
You must RSVP in advance! Limit: 8 people. Use this link to sign up:
https://forms.gle/Kas56fo5J8uzNCNg6
Leader: Mariska Harshbarger. Please email Mariska at mariskaharshbarger@gmail.com if you have questions or if you cannot make it after signing up. The meeting spot will be emailed to participants.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Monthly Program: How Our Noise Affects Red-winged Blackbird Parents
Overview:
Noise pollution is an increasingly pervasive environmental challenge, with demonstrated effects on animal communication and behavior. For Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), male parents providing food is largely influenced by auditory cues from nestlings. I studied whether noise from highways interfered with male provisioning behavior by masking auditory signals from nestlings. These results may also offer insight to highway departments, urban planners, and developers of other human-made structures in designing and routing infrastructure to reduce the effects of noise pollution on wildlife.
About our speaker:
Facundo Fernandez-Duque is a student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a recipient of a 2025 Kendeigh Grant from CCAS.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Monthly Program: Bird Health in Short- and Long-Distance Migrants
Monthly Program: Bird Health in Short- and Long-Distance Migrants
Tara Beveroth
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
February Program: Abundance and Availability of Nocturnal Insects for Aerial Insectivores
Overview:
Aerial insectivores, birds and other animals that feed on insects while flying, are dependent on abundant insect populations to thrive. Accurate measurement of those insect populations and activity allows ecologists to document changes and, recently, dramatic declines of these pollinators and food sources. Further, nocturnal insects, such as moths, are less visible to humans and, therefore, more difficult to study. This presentation will focus on research centered around developing a low-effort insect monitoring device to reliably determine nocturnal insect populations, their pollination activity, and their availability as prey for aerial insectivores. Come to this presentation and learn about nocturnal insect abundance and the birds that feed on them.
About our speaker:
Grant Witynski, PhD student, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will present findings from a 2024 Kendeigh Grant award funded by CCAS.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
CCAS Field Trip: Surveying Eagles Along the Illinois River
Bald Eagle, Photo by Jeff Bryant.
Champaign County Audubon Society (CCAS) is hosting a field trip to the Illinois River to search for Bald Eagles and any other birds that might be in the area. Every year since 2018, CCAS members Roger and Cathy Digges have spent a day in early January conducting a count of Bald Eagles along the river and its backwaters between Havana and Beardstown, Illinois, for the US Army Corps of Engineers. These counts help ornithologists assess the relative health of the population of these iconic birds.
Roger will be leading our field trip, which will follow the same route and stop at the same sites that he and Cathy will survey earlier in the month. On January 17, participants will meet at the north end of the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 am, same place and time we leave for Sunday morning bird walks.
If winter weather interferes, we will try again on January 18 or 24. Participants will be notified of any change. To avoid disturbing the eagles and to ensure that all participants can see them, we will limit participant numbers to how many can comfortably fit into no more than three vehicles, including Roger’s (which seats 4, including him).
Two other participants are needed to volunteer to drive. Vehicles should have a higher clearance (SUV height or higher) and all-wheel drive. There may be snowy, icy, or muddy areas and uneven gravel roads although most of the route is paved.
The search for eagles will begin in Havana, Illinois, which is about 100 miles from Urbana, and drivers should plan on driving an additional 110 miles along our route. We will lunch at Beardstown. There will be an opportunity to gas up if necessary before we leave Havana on our way home. We should return to the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot around 4:30 pm.
Depending on the amount of ice on the river and other factors, based on Roger and Cathy’s counts, we can expect between 8 and 49 bald eagles on the route. The 2024 count was 29. In addition to bald eagles, we may see tundra swans, greater white-fronted and snow geese, northern harriers, owls, ruddy ducks, and even a golden eagle.
Bring binoculars if you have them- (a spotting scope would be helpful). CCAS will provide binoculars for those who need them.
All spots for this trip have been filled.
Christmas Bird Count
CCAS has been participating in National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count for over 50 years!
This year, we will be collecting data for our area on December 20. For more info: https://www.champaigncountyaudubon.org/bird-counts-citizen-science. Contact aerin tedesco aerintedesco@gmail.com to get involved!
River Bend Forest Preserve Bird Walk
Join CCAS at one of the best waterfowl hotspots in Champaign County.
You must RSVP in advance! Limit: 10 people. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/F775tAKvpnFUNez48
Leader: Mariska Harshbarger
Please wear warm clothes! Dress in layers and remember it can get really cold standing in one spot on a damp November day!
Please bring a scope if you have one. The trip leader will have one scope, but the more the merrier! Please bring binoculars if you have them. We will have some pairs to loan.
Please meet in the main parking lot at River Bend Forest Preserve. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wodwy3bftnzsFUZ37
December Program: How Can We Help Declining Grassland Birds?
Hear a presentation by Anahit Amiri, a 2024 Kendeigh Grant awardee, about her research on how predation affects the future of grassland birds. Amiri has spent summers following raccoons at night in Southern Illinois grasslands to determine how they move and forage. Her observations have helped her determine what is known as the “nest line,” where the choices a raccoon makes will determine whether or not a grassland bird will be able to successfully raise a brood of young birds to adulthood or be left with merely broken eggshells and an empty nest. Why is that important? Populations of grassland birds have declined by more than 40% since 1970. Together with desert species, they are the group of birds most in danger of disappearing from the American landscape. The aim of Amiri’s research is to be able to recommend types of grassland management of predators that will improve the prospects of these important birds.
Speaker Bio: Amiri is a doctoral student at Southern Illinois University in wildlife biology. She earned her Masters in cognitive neurosciences at Sorbonne University and her Bachelor of Science from Aix-Marseille University. Amiri attended high school in France after moving with her family from Shiraz, Iran. She believes “that the not-yet-done can be done, and that imagination is the most practical and empathy the most powerful [as] tools for change.” Join us December 4 to meet this remarkable woman.
CCAS Annual Membership Meeting
CCAS Board Candidates for 2026
If you would like to be considered to serve on the CCAS Board for 2026, contact us at mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org. Voting on the slate of candidates will occur during the December member meeting. The following slate of candidates, as well as nominations from the floor, will be voted on:
President: Mariska Harshbarger
Vice President: Roger Digges
Secretary: Nancy Dietrich
Treasurer: Todd Kinney
Members-at-Large: 3 seats.
Other vacancies that serve the Board, including committee chairs, are appointed by the President with approval of the Board. CCAS aims to fill these vacancies as they become open.
We are also seeking chairs and members for Program Committee and Membership Committee as well a newsletter editor. If you are interested in serving in one of these roles or on a committee, learn more at https://www.champaigncountyaudubon.org/. To volunteer or reach out to the Board at mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Birds and Brews
Join other local birders to shoot the breeze about birds and birding. All are welcome.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Annual Sandhill Crane Migration
Join us for our annual trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Sandhill Crane Migration! Every fall, tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes descend on the fields of Jasper-Pulaski for their evening roost.
Check out this video for a glimpse of what to expect!
You must RSVP in advance. Submit this form to sign up: https://forms.gle/Qw2xsZQJjkVJiz3k9
Field trip leader: CCAS President Mariska Harshbarger;
Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 1:30 PM to carpool/caravan to the preserve to watch the Sandhill Cranes fly in. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from the Nature Center to Jasper-Pulaski.
Please dress for the weather. Wear layers, as it can get very cold standing still on a November day in Indiana!
November Program: The Natural History of Brazil’s Pantanal: Birds and Other Animals
Overview:
Retired University of Illinois Professor Fred Delcomyn will talk about birds and other wildlife he encountered while visiting Brazil’s wetland region. View Fred Delcomyn’s spectacular photos from the world’s largest tropical wetland.
About our speaker:
Dr. Delcomyn retired as professor emeritus of the School of Integrative Biology at the university in 2008. He is a photographer, speaker, and freelance writer who lives in rural Urbana where he and his wife are involved in creating and maintaining a prairie restoration. His special interest since retirement has been nature and travel photography. You can view more of his photos at his website https://delcomyn-photo.smugmug.com/ or on Facebook at Delcomyn Photography.
CCAS Insect Collection Tour
Take a tour of the Illinois Natural History Survey’s insect collection, led by Michelle Kohler. This visit will last between 30 and 60 minutes.
Insects are not just part of our natural environment. They play a key role in the lives of birds we enjoy. Did you know that 96% of all terrestrial birds are dependent on eating insects at least some point in their lives? Or that the population of insects is falling far faster than that of birds, whose decline is concerning enough?
Roger Digges, CCAS Bird of the Month blogger, has arranged this tour for CCAS. Come join us in learning more about the lives and variety of these small animals that play such an important part of our native habitats.
Leaders: Michelle Kohler and Roger Digges
You must RSVP in advance! Limit: 15 people. https://forms.gle/LwkzPiq5j6GjQpgk7
The meeting spot will be emailed to participants.
Owl Night
University of Illinois students will be presenting data on the migration and behavior of Saw-whet Owls in central Illinois. The event will feature indoor information stations, activities for kids, and outdoor demonstrations of tools used to capture and track owls. Drop in anytime during the event to learn about owl lift history, ecology, and behavior. For more info: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/owl-night-2025
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Birds and Brews
Join other local birders to shoot the breeze about birds and birding. All are welcome.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Weaver Park Bird Walk
Join CCAS at the best wetland habitat in Urbana! We will try to find the coveted Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrows and see plenty of other great fall sparrows and other birds in the process. We may stop before 9:30 AM if it is no longer birdy. If it is birdy, we may go a bit longer.
You must RSVP in advance! Limit: 10 people. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/F775tAKvpnFUNez48
Leader: Mariska Harshbarger
Please wear warm clothes and rubber boots or shoes that can get very wet!
Please bring binoculars if you have them. We will have some pairs to loan.
The meeting spot will be emailed to participants.
CCAS Table at Urbana's Market at the Square
Find our table at Urbana’s Market at the Square to learn about birds, the natural areas in Champaign County and surrounding area, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved!
(And pick up some cool bird-themed coloring pages and bookmarks!)
Want to volunteer at the CCAS table? Please email CCAS Vice-President Roger Digges at rogerdigges49@gmail.com.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Weaver Park Bird Walk
Join CCAS at the best wetland habitat in Urbana! We will try to find the coveted Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrows and see plenty of other great fall sparrows and other birds in the process. We may stop before 9:30 AM if it is no longer birdy. If it is birdy, we may go a bit longer.
You must RSVP in advance! Limit: 10 people. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/RWFqmNyujcx2DARZ7
Leader: Mariska Harshbarger
Please wear warm clothes and rubber boots or shoes that can get very wet!
Please bring binoculars if you have them. We will have some pairs to loan.
The meeting spot will be emailed to participants.
Bike with a Naturalist
Join an engaging 6.7-mile bicycle tour of the trail and stop along the way to discuss local natural and cultural history. For more info, see event URL below.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Where the Whip-poor-wills Still Sing: What Shapes Habitat Use
Holly Coates, PhD student at the University of Illinois.
Overview:
Holly Coates, University of Illinois, will talk about the iconic Eastern Whip-poor-will, its loss of habitat, and effects of forest management on this bird. Join us for this CCAS monthly program.
About our speaker:
Holly Coates is a PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researching the effects of forest management on Eastern Whip-poor-wills (co-advised by Dr. Mike Ward and Dr. T. J. Benson). Originally from Pasadena, California, she completed her BS degree in wildlife, fish, and conservation biology at University of California—Davis (2016). Before starting graduate school, Holly happily spent seven years working across the US on bird conservation, including studying Wood Duck personality development in California, tracking Dusky and Greater Sage-Grouse in Nevada, and monitoring wading bird colonies in the Everglades. She is an avid birder.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
IOS Big Sit Competition
A Big Sit, similar to a Big Day, is a competition where a team of bird watchers count as many species as possible within a 24-hour period. Join other birders for the annual Illinois Big Sit Competition. For details on how to participate in this citizen science event: https://illinoisaudubon.org/illinois-big-sit/.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
CCAS Table at Urbana's Market at the Square
Find our table at Urbana’s Market at the Square to learn about birds, the natural areas in Champaign County and surrounding area, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved!
(And pick up some cool bird-themed coloring pages and bookmarks!)
Want to volunteer at the CCAS table? Please email CCAS Vice-President Roger Digges at rogerdigges49@gmail.com.
Board Meeting
The Champaign County Audubon Board meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of each month January – May and August – November (no meetings in June, July, and December) to discuss CCAS business and planning.
All CCAS members are welcome to attend board meetings; if you are interested in how to join, please email mail@champaigncountyaudubon.org.
Board meetings were historically held at the Champaign Public Library’s Friends Conference Room and are currently held online via Zoom.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Our Sunday Morning Bird Walks are our most popular events! Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for a free guided bird walk through either Busey Woods or Crystal Lake Park (decided on the day). All skill levels and ages are welcome (under 15 with adult).
Learn more about our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Ongoing CCAS Events
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Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Guided bird walks are held on Sunday mornings during the spring and fall migration seasons: March through May and September through October.
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Spring Bird-a-Thon
Held each year in May, the Bird-a-Thon is our annual fundraiser. It starts the Sunday after the Illinois Spring Bird Count and lasts one week.
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Christmas Bird Count
The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) provides a rich dataset that scientists have used to learn about trends in bird populations since 1900!