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Lake Renwick Heron Rookery
Many WCAS members volunteer their time at the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery and Nature Preserve in Plainfield, IL during late spring and summer to offer interpretive programs to the public.
Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve is "By far," notes the Illinois Audubon Society, "the most valuable rookery in all of Illinois...a site of outstanding statewide significance."
During the breeding season, the preserve is closed to the public March-mid-August, except for public bird viewing programs which are offered May 1 - August 15 every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Book Collection Found at Adams House
140 years of books discovered at the new IAS headquarters. The complete story can be found in the State Journal Register here.
Info on New IAS State Headquarters
Illinois Audubon Society continues making progress toward establishing its first statewide headquarters in Springfield. Read the story in the State Journal Register here.
Studies Reveal Declining Bird Populations
A study by the National Audubon Society reports that populations of formerly common species are declining...some at alarming rates. Read the NAS study here. Read the Illinois Audubon Society press release here.
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Alligator Captured at Lake Renwick!
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American Alligator and Great Egrets at Lake Renwick Rookery in Plainfield, IL.
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Visitors to the Lake Renwick Rookery in Plainfield have an opportunity to observe Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, the state endangered Black-crowned Night Heron, and other species involved in nest building and raising of young firsthand. One species you don't expect to see is an American Alligator. But on July 12, Will County Audubon Society President Rita Renwick observed what appeared to be some type of reptile--possibly an alligator--sunning among the other birds on one of the east islands. Other WCAS members and Forest Preserve personnel confirmed that indeed it was an alligator, later determined to be an American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
The gator was captured by a wildlife ecologist from the Will County Forest Preserve on July 17 and turned over to members of the Chicago Herpetological Society. The 3 ft long American Alligator was believed to be a pet that was released into the lake. Read the amazing story in the Herald News here including an interview with Rita Renwick. See more pictures in our gallery in the wildlife album.
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Hummingbirds
Interested in learning more about Ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Find out more at the hummingbirds.net web site.
Wanted! Your photos.
We are looking for photos taken by WCAS members (in digital format) for our web page. Pictures of birds, WCAS field trips, outings, and other activities would be appreciated.
Please be sure to include your name for photo credit and a brief description of the image. Check our Gallery section for recent updates. Send your images to the WCAS webmaster.
Bird Sightings
Don't forget to check out the latest bird sightings and send your own as well.
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