Written by Julie Uram | December 2025
American Tree Sparrow photo by James McDowall
Nature At The Confluence’s Bird Club had a wonderful year- our group met 11 times, took 5 field trips to nearby preserves, and observed 74* different bird species in 2025. Our organization also had the honor of collaborating with Sinnissippi Audubon to install a permanent bird mural and sculpture on our grounds, host a National Geographic bird photographer, celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, and offer an educational presentation on the peregrine falcon. We are deeply grateful to the many participants and community partners who made this all possible, including Sinnissippi and Green-Rock Audubon chapters, Welty Environmental Center, Boone County Conservation District, Natural Land Institute, Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, Rockford Area Arts Council, and the City of South Beloit.
Bird Club participant Jody P. says, “The Bird Club offers a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a community that has a common interest in observing birds and learning more about their habits. What I’ve leaned through these experiences I have been able to apply when watching birds from home and elsewhere. Each time I go to a Nature at the Confluence bird hike, I learn more about birds from the knowledgeable leaders sharing information as well as from those attending who have been birders for many years. The hike creates a welcoming space for those who are experienced birders and those who just enjoy being outdoors and observing the birds to gather and collectively share the love for birds and all that nature offers.”
We plan to continue the momentum in 2026 with monthly outings and field trips to nearby sites led by local experts. The schedule can be found on our events page. Special birding opportunities may also arise on a pop-up basis. If you would like to be added to our birding opportunities interest list, you can email info@natureattheconfluence.com.
*In 2025, our birding participants observed
Bald Eagle
Blackbird, Red-winged
Bluebird, Eastern
Blue Jay
Bunting, Indigo
Cardinal, Northern
Catbird, Grey
Chickadee, Black-capped
Cowbird, Brown-headed
Crane, Sandhill
Crow, American
Duck, Wood
Finch, House
Flicker, Northern
Goldeneye, Common
Goldfinch, American
Goose, Canada
Grackle, Common
Gull, Herring
Gull, Ring-billed
Hawk, Red-tailed
Heron, Great Blue
Heron, Green
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated
Junco, Dark-eyed
Kestrel
Kingbird, Eastern
Kingfisher, Belted
Kinglet, Golden-crowned
Kildeer
Mallard
Martin, Purple
Merganser, Common
Morning Dove
Nuthatch, White-breasted
Oriole, Baltimore
Oriole, Orchard
Owl, Barred
Pelican, American
Pewee, Eastern Wood
Phoebe, Eastern
Redstart, American
Robin, American
Sandpiper, Spotted
Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied
Sparrow, Field
Sparrow, Henslow’s
Sparrow, House
Sparrow, Lincoln’s (not named after the president)
Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, Tree
Sparrow, White-crowned
Starling, European
Swallow, Barn
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Tree
Thrush, Wood
Titmouse, Tufted
Towhee, Eastern
Vireo, Blue-headed
Vireo, Warbling
Vireo, Yellow-throated
Vulture, Turkey
Warbler, Prothonotary (rare)
Warbler, Yellow
Waxwing, Cedar
Woodpecker, Downy
Woodpecker, Hairy
Woodpecker, Pileated
Woodpecker, Red-bellied
Woodpecker, Red-headed
Wren, House
Yellowthroat, Common
