Hummingbird Fest at Plum Creek Nature Center

Sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon, the Forest Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC) hosts its annual Hummingbird Fest and banding event at the Plum Creek Nature Center/Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders will capture and band hummingbirds during the fest, and members of the public can view the banding sessions, which will be offered every half-hour starting at 2 p.m. This event is free, and no registration is required.

Free banding session tickets may be picked up at the nature center upon arrival. You must be present to receive a ticket. Those who attend the banding sessions can adopt a hummingbird, and if it is found again, they will be notified with a postcard.

In addition to banding, the Nature Foundation of Will County will host a native plant sale during Hummingbird Fest, and Wild Birds Unlimited will have a booth on bird-feeding and pollinator-related activities. The Conservation Foundation will be promoting the Conservation at Home program, which promotes landscapes that create habitats for wildlife, including pollinators. The Plum Creek Nature Center features a honeybee exhibit, resident reptiles, nature playscape with pollinator and rain gardens, bird observation area, trails, and more.

The fest will feature activities for kids, Forest Preserve merchandise – including a hummingbird T-shirt – and an opportunity to make your own hummingbird feeder from recycled items.

“Come out to see the birds, butterflies, and bees, and learn about what these species need to survive and thrive and how you can make your yard a refuge for pollinators,” said Bob Bryerton, a Forest Preserve program manager. “Visitors can look inside a live beehive at the nature center to try and find the queen and learn about the bees from the displays. Monarch caterpillars will be on display, too, and we will have Kay McNeil, the Butterfly Lady, on hand to answer questions on monarchs and how to attract them to your yard.”

The bird banding is sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society.