Bird Watching with Nature At The Confluence

By VIVIAN KOPKA

On Friday, Sept. 7, Nature at the Confluence held its monthly Bird Club at their outdoor space. The meeting was led by Julie Uram, a staff member, and Amelia Pullen’26, a Beloit College intern. 

A total of 15 people were there, including Uram and Pullen. While Uram led the hike, the real experts were the 12 regular birdwatchers. With most members above retirement age, two bird-lovers brought professional cameras with large zoom lenses, and all of them brought their vast bird knowledge. 

One of the photographers, James McDowall, shared with the group many fascinating bird stories. 

The first bird the group saw was a red-tailed hawk, perched atop a tall dead tree. McDowall told the club of his recent experience with one, where it flew and perched on a branch right atop his head. To see photos by him, check out his Instagram account, @sassenach52. 

Pullen has been interning at Nature at the Confluence for a little over two weeks, since the start of the school year. It was her first time attending Bird Club. “It’s clear that everyone is happy to  be there,” she stated. “I will definitely be back.”

According to the club members, it was a decent day for bird watching, but more birds were heard than were seen. The list of birds, seen and heard, is as follows: red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, northern flicker, warbling vireo, American goldfinch, red-headed woodpecker, kingfisher, American crow, tree swallow, Canada goose, cedar waxwing, European starling, and eastern wood pewee. 

The group saw the two bald eagles that live on the land, which is a rare sighting according to the members. They were near their nest, located on a tall tree on a patch of land in the water.

The next Bird Club meeting is Oct. 3 at 7:30 a.m. at Nygren Wetland. Show up or reserve a spot on natureattheconfluence.com. 

Nature at the Confluence does many kid and adult-friendly events and activities. To learn more, go to the website or follow them on Instagram @natureattheconfluence.

Correction: The print edition of the paper mistakenly called Bird Club “Birding Club.” It’s been corrected on the web article.

_{Featured images: James McDowall}