A spring bird walk at the Leslee Niethammer Saline River Preserve connected local residents to a worldwide bird count and gave new and returning birders a reason to slow down, listen and look closely.
The walk, hosted by Friends of Saline River, included familiar faces and six new participants. By the end of the morning, the group had conclusively identified 27 bird species.
Amy Tesolin said the preserve is a strong place for birding because it offers fresh water from the river, food from insects and fruit, and shelter for birds. Its mix of prairie, forest, riverbank and farm habitat helps attract a wide range of species.
“The variety of habitats like our prairie, forest, riverbank/riparian zone and farm attracts a diversity of bird species,” Tesolin said…