Join us for a relaxing and fun filled morning as we explore the Prairies, grassy pastures, and fields of Wayne County in search of prairie birds. Historically prairies and grasslands are present in Wayne County. This changed when increasing human populations and farming spread through the region. Now there are small fields, prairies, and pasture land present throughout the county, and these areas have become a new haven of expansion for populations of prairie-based birds in eastern Indiana. Early May is a prime time to find these birds as they are migrating to their breeding grounds or working on establishing their breeding sights they have chosen. Target species are going to be quail, meadowlark, sparrows, bobolink, flycatchers, wrens, blue grosbeak, martins, swallows, blackbirds, and hawks. As we search for these birds we will talk about the importance of prairies for these birds, humans, and our local ecosystems. You will build upon your understanding of bird life in prairies and sharpen your skills in finding these often-elusive birds. We will practice identifying birds by sound, watching their flight styles, and looking for key colors and body sizes to make identification easier. On this field trip we will be visiting multiple prairies, old fields, and farm pastures in the area.
**IMPORTANT**
Meet up location: Cope Environmental Center Living Building- 1730 Airport Road Centerville, IN 47330.
Travel Arrangements: To minimize our vehicle presence, we will be carpooling for this trip as we drive between locations.