A day after neighbor-to-the-north Woodstock Willie predicted an early spring, Sun City Birdwatchers Club members were in agreement, so that several species of birds could be seen ASAP.
The Sun City Birdwatchers Club, led by President Amy Sanecki, met Feb. 3 at Prairie View Lodge. Several shared their thoughts on their interest as they worked on bird-themed jigsaw puzzles, Bingo and other games.
“We began with talented people posting their photographs on the Wildflower Lake Neighbors Facebook page,” Sanecki said. “Someone asked if we had a Birdwatching Club.”
An article in the My Sun Day News edition of May 5, 2022, sparked interest in the club, which has 103 members. It moved from a special interest group status to an official Charter Club when it was approved by the Sun City HOA Board of Directors Feb. 28, 2024.
“This spring, we will look forward to the American Robin, Red-wing blackbird, Sandhill Cranes, and Baltimore oriole. Before you know it, warblers will start their return,” Sanecki said.
“It’s a mixed bag,” Sanecki said of members’ birding backgrounds. “Some of our members are very experienced birders and some are just starting. I think most people are in the middle.”
Participants gave some of their reasons for being a bird enthusiast.
“Some of the birds stay year-round,” Birdwatchers Club vice president Eleanor Quela-Banasek said. “I like to see how they interact with each other. Birding makes you happy, to hear them sing. I also enjoy raising butterflies.”
“I have gone out of the area, to Florida and Arizona, just where they stay,” member Ann Weider said. “I went to a canyon in Arizona, near Fort Huachuca and saw a North Spotted Owl. I’ve been interested in birding since 1983, and visit Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington. I like to see the Sandhill Cranes.”
Along with Sandhill Cranes, other species gaining interest were Blue Hernons, and the welcome spring American Robbins.
George Baker was one of at least three members who often take photos of birds, still or in flight. He captured some American Bald Eagles perched near Wildflower Lake in Sun City.
“It was the first time I’ve seen Bald Eagles over the house,” he said. “There must be a nest somewhere near here. It was about 10 a.m., on one of our cold days, when I saw them. I was also at a coffee shop on Main Street when someone said they saw them fly by.”
“I have fun with it,” Baker said of the nature photography. ”I’ve been taking photos for about 20 years.”
“I usually just use my phone when we’re on walks,” nature photog Russ Jandt said. “I have seen some Bown Eyed Juncls, and three days ago, saw a Morning Dove and have seen an American Tree Sparrow. I like to see the Ospray. They are bigger than a hawk, but smaller than an eagle.”
“It is hard to photograph eagles in flight. But if you sit in your car, you can take photos of them. But if you step out, they’ll fly away,” Bill Kucera, a member of the Sun City photography group, part of the Computer Charter Club, said.
Lisa Fink and three friends were working on one of the nature themed puzzles.
“I like to take the bird walks,” Fink said. “Sometimes it is with just residents of Sun City but other times we learn so much from naturalists with Kane and McHenry counties.”
Area birdwatching events
Sun City Birdwatchers Club takes bird walks every Wednesday morning from 9-10 a.m., May through September at Wildflower Lake. This year, there will be a monthly walk at Del Webb Sedge Meadow and Grove Nature Preserve.
There are several upcoming nature events for the bird enthusiasts to enjoy. The Birdwalk with Kane Audubon Society is slated for March 28, at 7:30 a.m. The site is at Carpentersville former Dam, 210 North Linn Ave., Carpentersville, call Lisa Pool, 630-347-5991 for details.
Also, Kane County Forest Preserve Senior Stroll, April 2, 10 a.m. – noon, at Burr Ridge Forest Preserve, 14N035 Coombs Road, Elgin and the Nurtured by Nature event, April 10, from 10-11 a.m., it is at Rutland Forest Preserve, 41W230 Big Timber Road, Hampshire.
For more information
For more information on joining the Sun City Birdwatchers Club, email birdwatchingsch@gmail.com or call Amy Sanecki, 847-867-5082.
