Illinois birders are lucky to have one of the most important shorebird stopover sites in the Midwest located in our state, the Central Illinois River Valley. Tens of thousands of shorebirds, more than two dozen species, stop here to refuel every fall on their long journey south.
The Shorebirding Weekend Adventure is a great way to see these birds, learn about their identification and ecology, and get familiar with this part of the state.
Led by experts from Red Hill Birding, Illinois Natural History Survey, and Illinois Audubon Society, we will spend a full day on Saturday and the morning on Sunday, focused on studying shorebirds (along with waterfowl and whatever other birds we can find.) We will visit both Chautauqua and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuges on opposite banks of the Illinois River, plus The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve.
The itinerary will be flexible so that we can take advantage of wherever the conditions for shorebirds are best. The groups will be in contact to share sightings to make sure as many participants see as many of the birds as possible.
Accommodations: A block of rooms has been set up at the Hampton Inn, Pekin, for the nights of August 21 and 22. The cost is $139/night which includes breakfast. Mention Illinois Audubon Society when making a reservation. The deadline to register in the block is August 8. Call 309.885.7005.
Vans will depart from the Hampton Inn, Pekin, at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22. Attendees not staying in Pekin can meet the group at 7:45 a.m. in the Eagle Bluff parking lot at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. More information and details will be provided before the trip.
The weekend will be a great learning experience and a great way to add these often difficult-to-identify species to your life list.
Trip Leaders: Adam Sell and Andy Gilbert
Cost of trip includes transportation by van on Saturday, lunch Saturday, snacks, and water. Sunday we will be carpooling, but snacks and water will also be available.
Maximum Field Trip Capacity: 18
Cost: $75
Baird’s Sandpiper photo by Josh Engel