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!
Bird of the Month: Red-winged Blackbird
From late February through March, male Red-winged Blackbirds noticeably begin to fill marshes, meadows, and field edges. The females, sporting very different plumage, are much more secretive.
Field Notes: Spring Is On Its Way
March brings migrating waterfowl, Woodcock Walks, and the return of our Sunday Morning Bird Walks!
Bird of the Month: Turkey Vulture
As the air begins to warm and snow and ice recede, Turkey Vultures begin moving back into Champaign County.
Lesson About Owls a Hoot for Local Kids
CCAS Conservation Chair Zak Sutton recently visited Bluestem Hall Nature School to teach preschoolers about owls!
2022 Year in Review
Every project pursued and grant awarded in 2022 is thanks to the generous contributions of members just like you! Thank you!
Bird of the Month: Chickadee
In Champaign County, telling apart our two species of resident chickadees is very tricky!
New Barn Owl Box Installed
A project led by CCAS Conservation Chair Zachary (Zak) Sutton hopes to attract Barn Owls to the Barnhardt Prairie!
Bird of the Month: Great-Horned Owl
December is probably the best month to find Great Horned Owls in Champaign County, as they hoot loudly to charm a mate! Of all the birds who breed in our area, they are the only ones who nest as early as January.
Field Notes: Welcome, Winter
Thanks to all who came out for our November field trips! Look for even more to come in 2023. And reach out to join us for the Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 17th!
Cedars Planted to Improve Owl Habitat in Urbana
A new planting project led by CCAS Conservation Chair Zachary (Zak) Sutton near the Anita Purves Nature Center will help create wintering habitat for owls.
Bird of the Month: Dark-eyed Junco
In his inaugural monthly column, CCAS Vice-President Roger Digges introduces birders to that iconic “snowbird” abundant in east-central Illinois in November and December, the Dark-eyed Junco.
Field Notes: Closing Out Fall Migration
From warblers to a pintail, cormorants, and gulls, we saw a good variety of birds throughout the fall during our Sunday Morning Bird Walks.
Field Notes: Havana Field Trip Recap
On our Sep. 3 field trip around Havana, IL, we spotted over 115 species of birds, including 21 shorebirds!
Field Notes: Late Summer Goodies
Some good birds have been found around Champaign this summer. We hope you’ll join us to see more this fall!