Sand Bluff Bird Observatory — Local services in Shirland Township

We loved it. It's a great place to see how they study birds. The rapter rehab people brought birds that they are helping to get better. Love seeing all those birds close up! I think it helps people to have a better appreciation for birds and their habitats. These people are also educating the public on bow to take care of birds. It's too bad that the "PETA"-type complainers got their foot in the nets, though. The amount of nets they are able to put up to catch the birds have been cut by 2/3. How can you do a proper study over such a large area with such a...

We went to birdfest for our second year in a row. The kids made a craft, had their faces painted and poked through an owl pellet. There was a plant sale and you could buy birdhouses. There was also a silent auction. When it wasn't raining the nets were down and they would band bird (they have a license for this). The kids and I learned all kinds of interesting facts about birds. As we left a deer...

The observatory is part of a larger nature preserve with great trails through prairie and wooded areas that are great for bird watching. They have a canoe launch site, but canoes and kayaks must be carried from the parking lot to the launch site. But that trail is well marked. The observatory is currently closed due to covid-19. There is also a nice...