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On May 13, the Eagle Nature Foundation, ENF, sponsored a Spring Big Bird Day at Apple Creek, 8384 North Broadway, Apple River, IL. On that day Master Birder, Terrence Ingram, documented as many bird species as possible, that were living on, or in some way using, or flying over Apple Creek.

This annual event was originally started to try to document the loss of birds due to agricultural spraying in the area. One year these agricultural sprays in late July killed all of the birds in the area, and not one single bird was seen in the area for two weeks.

On May 13th, Mr. Ingram recorded only 54 different species of birds seen, or heard, from dawn to dusk. Only a single bird of many, many species was seen or heard. He was not able to document some common birds such as Turkey, Tufted Titmouse, Wood Duck, Bluebird, Purple Martin, Solitary Vireo, Chestnut-sided Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow or Swamp Sparrow. Some of these he had seen the day before, and some the day after, the Big Bird Day.

Mr. Ingram states, "Our modern agricultural practices of clearing the landscape and constantly spraying the poisons has got to stop, if we are to have any bird life survive. Without the birds, we are going to be facing problems with all of the insects that can adapt to these methods."

To help the Eagle Nature Foundation in their efforts to preserve the bald eagle, Mr. Ingram uses this event as a way to raise money for the Foundation. He is asking people to pledge dollars for every species of bird that he saw on that day, or just send in a donation. Last year he saw or heard 56 species, and this year only 54 species. Pledges should be sent to Eagle Nature Foundation, 300 East Hickory Street, Apple River, IL 61001. All donations are welcome and needed.

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For more information contact: Terrence N. Ingram, Exec. Director, Eagle Nature Foundation, 300 East Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001 Phone 815-594-2306

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