The Meadowlark Messenger
Check out the latest news and announcements from Champaign County Audubon Society and our partners!
For decades, our print newsletter, The Meadowlark Messenger, has informed our members about the latest news and events. We’re pleased to now bring you all the info you count on through our online blog too!
Field Notes: A Late Hooded Warbler
We had a Hooded Warbler that stopped over in Urbana, a little late for his scheduled migration, but we were excited to see him nonetheless.
Field Notes: Baby Nighthawk
Birders discovered a young Common Nighthawk in the area, showing that the species is breeding here in Champaign County.
Field Notes: Migration Rarities and Notables
Rarities didn’t let us down: a singing Cerulean Warbler turned up, as well as an even rarer Western Tanager.
Field Notes: Shorebirds and Few Fluddles
Although fluddles are not popping up everywhere lately, a few large ones near Tolono have yielded some usual shorebirds like Pectoral Sandipiper and American Golden-plover, as well as a Hudsonian Godwit.
Field Notes: Giggling, Noisy Flocks Arrive
March has come in with a flourish of wingbeats and cacophony! Huge flocks of Canada, Greater White-fronted, and Snow Geese have been making their presence known in Champaign and neighboring counties around lakes and in agricultural fields.
Field Notes: A Rare Townsend's Solitaire in Savoy!
A Townsend’s Solitaire, a large thrush just a little smaller than an American Robin, was a one-day wonder in Savoy, but gave good looks to birders who could get over there quickly when the word got out.
Field Notes: Geese, Ducks, and Swans
More daylight for birding! Keep your feeders and water features stocked, especially if we hit some cold snaps or get a decent snowfall.
Field Notes: Finch Forecast
Winter winds are whipping through and it’s finally feeling like late fall! The winter finch forecast looks good this year so be on the lookout for Pine Siskins and Redpolls to show up at feeders and in trees with seed pods, such as sweet gums.
Field Notes: Sparrows and Specialty Shorebirds
Breeding bird season is in full swing and we’ve been appreciating our local nesting birds and observing their habits closely. Join us in September for Sunday Morning Bird Walks!
Field Notes: Migration Season and Field Trips
Breeding bird season is in full swing and we’ve been appreciating our local nesting birds and observing their habits closely. Join us in September for Sunday Morning Bird Walks!
Field Notes: Breeding Bird Season and More Walks
Breeding bird season is in full swing and we’ve been appreciating our local nesting birds and observing their habits closely. Join us in September for Sunday Morning Bird Walks!
Field Notes: Our long wait for many feathered friends is finally over!
Our long wait for thrushes, wrens, sparrows, vireos, warblers, and many more feathered friends is finally over! May events include Bird-a-thon fundraiser, Sunday morning bird walks, and 2 guided walks at local parks.
Field Notes: Spring Migration is Underway!
Birds are coming back! Our March Woodcock Walks were a great success, Sunday Morning Bird Walks continue through May, and CCAS’s 2025 Bird-a-Thon will take place May 11–18!
Field Notes: GBBC Update & Getting Ready for Woodcocks
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count in February! In March, we'll host two woodcock walks to catch a glimpse of these birds' amazing spring dance.
Field Notes: Help Birds Stay Warm in the Cold
The cold weather has finally kicked in this winter! We can help our feathered friends stay warm by keeping our feeders stocked and heated bird baths plugged in.
Field Notes: Cranes Galore and Winter Finches
Sandhill Cranes thrilled CCAS members with calls and dances on our recent field trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area. Plus, the days of winter finches at backyard feeders are almost upon us!
Field Notes: Recent Bird Walks Spotlight Parks
CCAS hosted city planners and brand new birders on recent special bird walks to showcase the quality habitat of local parks.
Field Notes: Bird Walk Highlights
A Eurasian Collared-Dove continues to be spotted during our Sunday Morning Bird Walks, alongside eight warbler species so far and three flycatcher species!
Field Notes: July and August Highlights
July's field trip to Meadowbrook Park gave participants the thrill of seeing a pair of Cedar Waxwings building a nest, and August brought rare sightings: a pair of Snowy Egrets and a Swallow-tailed Kite!
Field Notes: June 2024 Meadowbrook Walk
On June 22, bird walk participants found 36 species of birds in Meadowbrook Park. Join us for our next Meadowbrook walk on July 20!