11-27-2007, 09:10 PM
Celebrate the wonders of birds during Duneland Winter Birding Days, Dec. 8-9, at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Activities and programs for all birders and wildlife enthusiasts await.
The fun starts Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., with a short hike that provides a look at the wild and wacky birds that call Indiana Dunes home, including chickadees, woodpeckers, and other winter duneland residents. Those interested should meet at the Nature Center.
At 2 p.m. the same day, John Schaust, chief naturalist for Wild Birds Unlimited, gives a bird-banding demonstration at the Nature Center. Schaust will also introduce visitors to the winter birds of the Dunes, talk about their life spans, and allow visitors to see these amazing birds up close.
"I've watched John do this program several times, and every time I've been in awe at the sight of these winged friends being so close to me," said park interpretive naturalist Brad Bumgardner.
Saturday ends with a night hike into the winter dune forests in search of the winged predators of the night. Visitors should meet at the Nature Center at 5 p.m. for this hour-long "owl prowl." Hikers should bundle up and bring a flashlight for the walk back to the car afterward.
More fun awaits the following day, Dec. 9, starting at 8 a.m., with "Dunes Birding Lakewatch." Guests will be able to join the naturalist and other birders for a glimpse at the migrating ducks, loons, and grebes that move offshore.
If that's too early for you, take in the park's weekly Feed the Birds program, which starts at 10 a.m. the same day. During this event, people of all ages can help the Nature Center fill the feeders, then head inside to make their own recycled birdfeeder to take home.
Sunday ends with a special presentation from the Hardy Lake Raptor Rehab Center, "Raptors Live," at 2 p.m. in the Nature Center Auditorium. Seating is limited for this amazing look at hawks, eagles, and owls.
All programs are free after paying the weekend park entrance fee of $5 for in-state residents and $10 for out-of-state residents, with the exception of the Raptors Live program, which costs $2 per person, with free admittance for those 3 years old or younger.
Funding for the weekend's events comes from the Friends of Indiana Dunes and the Northwest Indiana Migratory Bird Association (NIMBA). For more information about these events or any other programs at the state park, please call (219) 926-1930.
Activities and programs for all birders and wildlife enthusiasts await.
The fun starts Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., with a short hike that provides a look at the wild and wacky birds that call Indiana Dunes home, including chickadees, woodpeckers, and other winter duneland residents. Those interested should meet at the Nature Center.
At 2 p.m. the same day, John Schaust, chief naturalist for Wild Birds Unlimited, gives a bird-banding demonstration at the Nature Center. Schaust will also introduce visitors to the winter birds of the Dunes, talk about their life spans, and allow visitors to see these amazing birds up close.
"I've watched John do this program several times, and every time I've been in awe at the sight of these winged friends being so close to me," said park interpretive naturalist Brad Bumgardner.
Saturday ends with a night hike into the winter dune forests in search of the winged predators of the night. Visitors should meet at the Nature Center at 5 p.m. for this hour-long "owl prowl." Hikers should bundle up and bring a flashlight for the walk back to the car afterward.
More fun awaits the following day, Dec. 9, starting at 8 a.m., with "Dunes Birding Lakewatch." Guests will be able to join the naturalist and other birders for a glimpse at the migrating ducks, loons, and grebes that move offshore.
If that's too early for you, take in the park's weekly Feed the Birds program, which starts at 10 a.m. the same day. During this event, people of all ages can help the Nature Center fill the feeders, then head inside to make their own recycled birdfeeder to take home.
Sunday ends with a special presentation from the Hardy Lake Raptor Rehab Center, "Raptors Live," at 2 p.m. in the Nature Center Auditorium. Seating is limited for this amazing look at hawks, eagles, and owls.
All programs are free after paying the weekend park entrance fee of $5 for in-state residents and $10 for out-of-state residents, with the exception of the Raptors Live program, which costs $2 per person, with free admittance for those 3 years old or younger.
Funding for the weekend's events comes from the Friends of Indiana Dunes and the Northwest Indiana Migratory Bird Association (NIMBA). For more information about these events or any other programs at the state park, please call (219) 926-1930.