Follow our grand prairie bird alliance Page on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.
spring bird walks
Spring migration is upon us, so there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird walk! Join local birdwatching experts for bird walks at some of our favorite local parks in April and May. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds! We can give you some tips, or you can just walk along with us and appreciate us appreciating the birds.) We even have 5 pairs of loaner binoculars! If you have questions about accessibility, please email us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 13 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leaders Mercy and Bill Davison
Saturday, April 20 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leader Pirmin Nietlisbach
Saturday, April 27 - 8:00 a.m. - Hidden Creek Park (Sycamore Street, Normal) with leaders Lenore Soboda and Patricia Carlson
Sunday, May 5 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leader Michael Retter
Sunday, May 12 - 8:30 a.m. - Fraker Farm (2226 County Road 375N, Carlock) with leader Dr. Matt Fraker
Saturday, May 18 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leaders Lenore Soboda and Dave Thompson
Saturday, May 25 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leaders Nina and Mark Swanson
Within Ewing, Hedge Apple Woods was designated an Important Bird Area for migration in 2016. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., all are seen at these locations.
annual gathering
Join us on Sunday, May 19, at 1:00 p.m. for our annual gathering at the Illinois Art Station! The event kicks off with a bird walk on the Constitution Trail and through the Illinois Art Station grounds (both fully wheelchair accessible) followed by a short presentation of Grand Prairie Bird Alliance’s year-in-review, a quick board election, and a few audience engagement activities. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Because we are at the Art Station, you can also participate in various art activities for all ages through the entire event. Art Station staff will be on hand to ensure that YOU HAVE FUN!
You do NOT have to be a member of the Bird Alliance to attend! The annual gathering is a great time to meet other folks who love birds, bird watching, and protecting bird habitat. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on programming and Bird Alliance goals in the coming year. We hope to see you at the gathering!
Not required, but please help us better plan the event with an RSVP to grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.
Parking is available at 607 S. Linden, with overflow parking at the Town of Normal parking lot at 611 S. Linden (Connie Link Amphitheater). For those with mobility limitations, there is parking near the front door of the Art Station at 101 E. Vernon.
audubon garden work days
Come learn about and enjoy the native forbs and grasses sprouting for a new season and pitch in with your standard garden tools at the Audubon garden! The Audubon Garden is a demonstration prairie and pollinator garden adjacent to the Constitution Trail, just north of the intersection of Vernon and Angela in Normal. We will have work sessions on most Friday mornings, beginning in May. The lead garden steward will be there from approximately 9-11 a.m. to direct soil preparation (aka mulching and weeding) and planting. Check the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance page for an event, or feel free to email us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.
Parking is available on Angela Drive and other nearby side streets.
Educational talks and Expert Speakers
Over the years, we have been able to bring in some wonderful speakers to share with us their studies and expertise in many different areas including conservation, environmental legislation, local projects, and world events. Join us for these complimentary programs, open to the community. For up-to-date information, please join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance page on Facebook.