The Shawnee Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society is hosting the annual Hummingbird Festival at the Trail of Tears State Forest this Sunday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event will feature master bird-bander Vernon Kleen, who will be capturing and banding ruby-throated hummingbirds. You’ll not only get to view these tiny feathered jewels up close and personal, Vernon will even let you feel their little heart as it beats over 250 beats a minute.
Also, for a $5 donation participants will be able to adopt a hummingbird, receive an attractive, signed adoption certificate and have the privilege of releasing “their” bird. Adopters will be notified if their bird is ever recaptured. All donations go to the Illinois Audubon Society’s land acquisition fund — a fund earmarked for the protection of Illinois wildlife habitat.
Other activities will include presentations on Hummingbird Gardening at 10 a.m. and Tips for Feeding Hummingbirds (and other surprise guests!) at 11:30 a.m.
Kid’s activities and face painting will be ongoing. Hummingbird feeders, ant traps, bottle brushes and an assortment of hummingbird T-shirts will be available for purchase.
Trail of Tears State Forest can be accessed from Illinois Route 127 (on the east) and Route 3 (on the west). All activities will take place in the North Large Shelter and the White Barn on State Forest Road. For more information, contact Terri Treacy at (618) 683-2222 or Ann Douglas at (618) 564-2079.
Established in 1897, Illinois Audubon Society is Illinois’ oldest conservation organization promoting the perpetuation and appreciation of native plant and animals in Illinois and the habitats that support them. For more information about Illinois Audubon Society, visit their website at http://illinoisaudubon.org/.
For information about the local chapter, Shawnee Audubon Chapter, visit http://shawneeaudubon.org/.
Benton, Ill. —
