Here's the latest...

Dog fighting and cock fighting rings have made the news headlines in recent years. Now, USA Today reports, there's finch fighting.

The Great Backyard Bird Count has ended, the totals have been tabulated, and the results for Kane County can be found here! For complete details on the national and state level, follow this link.

Our condolences to the family and friends of long-time Kane County Audubon members Vern Mackay and Emily Holt, both of whom passed away recently.

More sad news. Unfortunately Phoenix, the female Red-tailed Hawk found badly burned at the scene of the January 23^rd Sugar Grove plane crash, has died. The Daily Herald has the story.

February's meeting minutes are now online. To discover what you may have missed, follow this link.

After voters passed the recent open space referendum, the Kane County Forest Preserve District purchased a 700-acre tract in Dundee Township, the newly-named Brunner Family Forest Preserve. Now the forest preserve board is discussing the possibility of mining the gravel that is on that property. One of the proposed benefits of the open pit mining operation is said to be the creation of a lake to provide boating and fishing recreational opportunities...on land that is adjacent to the Fox River. The Daily Herald has the story and the board's response to the public outcry. Yet another article, this from The Courier-News.

Ron Dickenson captured this pair of Bald Eagles along the Fox River in Batavia in 2008.

Bald Eagles have been consistently reported over the last year with most sightings along the lower Fox, from Batavia to Montgomery.

The new year has begun. And with it, we've begun listing bird species seen on KCA-sponsored outings in 2010. You can follow the count throughout the year by clicking here.

Christmas Bird Count took place on Saturday, December 19^th. The Kane County Audubon results for the Fermi bird count circle can be found here.

The NEW Winter/Spring newsletter is now online. Click here.

JOIN US FOR FUN

If you're here, you know that birding can be fun. It provides an easy excuse to enjoy the great outdoors. It's a wonderful family activity. Not an "expert" birder? No problem. We'll be happy to share our knowledge. Consider attending a Kane County Audubon outing or meeting. There's no obligation or pressure to join. Discover how much more fun birding can be.  

A KCA membership meeting at "The Barn" at Peck Farm Park, photo courtesy Ann Haverstock

UPCOMING AT KCA:  

Next meeting: Wednesday, March 10^th, 7:00 PM: Meeting at "The Barn" at Peck Farm Park, Geneva. About two months before this year's Spring Bird Count, speakers Joy and Jon Duerr will slice and dice the results of past counts and explain trends, both encouraging and disturbing. In addition they'll discuss the upcoming count and why our participation is so important. As always, the meeting will also include the latest bird sightings, the opportunity to chat with other good folks who are interested in nature,  great refreshments, and the raffle. To reach Peck Farm Park: from the intersection of Randall Road and Fabyan Parkway (the Batavia/Geneva border), drive west 1.6 miles to Kaneville Road. Turn right. The parking lot is .6 mile further on the right. Please contact Bob Andrini at 630.584.8386 for any questions about this meeting. (Map)

Next outing: Saturday, March 13^th, 8:00 AM: Bird Walk at Quarry Park, Batavia. Nancy Schnaitman is the leader of the band of birders on this walk along the Fox River. The walk begins at the parking lot of the Batavia quarry swimming pool and continues along the bike path to Les Arends Forest Preserve - a roundtrip of about 2 miles. To reach the parking lot, from Batavia Avenue (Route 31)  turn east on Union Avenue. The street "tees" at the river after 2 blocks. Turn right and travel to the end of the drive. If you have questions on this walk please call Nancy at 630.365.9595. (Map)

Click here for additional upcoming activities.