2026 Fall Migration "Mini-Sit"
Saturday, September 19
9 a.m. - noon
Cache River Wetlands Center
8885 IL-37, Cypress, IL 62923
Birdwatchers of all levels are invited to join us for the seventh Fall Migration “Mini-Sit,” a bird-watching event where participants record as many bird species by sight and sound during a three-hour period. Each team will choose an bird hotspot within the Cache River Watershed and sit in a “24 foot” diameter circle tallying all birds seen within and from the circle. Lists should be submitted to eBird, a citizen science platform. If you do not use eBird, paper lists can be submitted at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center located at: 8885 IL-37, Cypress, IL 62923.
9 a.m. - noon
Cache River Wetlands Center
8885 IL-37, Cypress, IL 62923
Birdwatchers of all levels are invited to join us for the seventh Fall Migration “Mini-Sit,” a bird-watching event where participants record as many bird species by sight and sound during a three-hour period. Each team will choose an bird hotspot within the Cache River Watershed and sit in a “24 foot” diameter circle tallying all birds seen within and from the circle. Lists should be submitted to eBird, a citizen science platform. If you do not use eBird, paper lists can be submitted at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center located at: 8885 IL-37, Cypress, IL 62923.
This event is free and open to the public. Bring your own binoculars or scope, camera, and lawn chair. Pack a bagged lunch for a picnic outdoors from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center located at: 8885 IL-37, Cypress, IL 62923. The picnic allows communication across teams, so we can share our sightings.
Groups are limited to ten participants per hotspot, and teams must pre-register their hotspot locations by Sunday, September 13, and provide contact information of their participants (name, address, phone number, email address, team affiliation (Ex: Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, Shawnee Chapter Illinois Audubon Society, Southern Illinois Audubon Society, Friends of the Cache, etc. and preferred hotspot).
Hotspots are public parking lots designated by a blue square on the Cache River State Natural Area Map. Maps and directions to your hotspot will be emailed to you. If you have questions, contact Kim Rohling at kimrohli@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Kim Rohling at kimrohli@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.