Illinois bird counters will take part in a statewide “Spring Bird Count” on Saturday, May 10.
According to a news release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Spring Bird Count was started 40 years ago by Vern Kleen, then an ornithologist with the Illinois Department of Conservation. The Illinois Natural History Survey now coordinates the Spring Count. Volunteers count as many species and individuals as they can from dawn to dusk. Last year, the Illinois Spring Bird Count logged a record-high 275 different bird species.
View a breakdown of data collected in past years
View 2014 Spring Bird Count compiler in your county
Illinois is home to many birding clubs, including several chapters of the Illinois Audubon Society, Illinois Ornithological Society, DuPage Birding Club, Rockford Bird Club and others.