Morgan County Audubon Hosts Free Bird-Banding Event in Murrayville Feb. 7

Morgan County Audubon will bring hands-on bird banding to Murrayville Feb. 7, giving residents a rare opportunity to observe songbirds at close range and learn about their role in the local environment. The event is free and will run from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the home of Pat and Barb Ward, 2410 Ryan Lane.

Ornithologist Vern Kleen will lead participants in the capture, banding and release of birds as an educational demonstration of field techniques and bird handling. The session is designed to show how banding contributes to understanding bird movements, seasonal patterns and habitat use, and to engage the community in local conservation awareness.

For people planning to attend, organizers ask that participants arrive before 7:30 a.m. to receive a brief orientation. The Wards are hosting on private property; anyone seeking more information or directions may contact Pat Ward at 217-473-1355. The event is open to residents who want a closer look at winter and migrating species in Morgan County, and it provides a low-barrier way for families, students and backyard birders to learn scientific methods firsthand.

Local significance goes beyond the morning’s demonstration. Bird banding is a common technique used by researchers and citizen science programs to track migratory routes, survival rates and population changes. For Morgan County, where outdoor recreation and local natural habitats are part of community life, events like this help build public knowledge that can support habitat stewardship and informed discussions about land use and conservation priorities at the neighborhood level.

The format also offers educational value for area schools and youth groups seeking place-based science experiences. A short, supervised field session led by an experienced ornithologist reduces barriers for newcomers who may be curious about wildlife but unsure how to get involved. The free admission underscores the Audubon Society’s aim to broaden participation without cost being an obstacle.

Logistics are straightforward: 7:30-11:30 a.m., Feb. 7, at 2410 Ryan Lane, Murrayville. Those with questions or who need directions can reach Pat Ward at 217-473-1355. Organizers recommend dressing for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes for light walking on private grounds.

This event gives Morgan County residents an immediate, tangible way to connect with local birdlife and the science that informs conservation. For readers interested in learning more about the county’s natural resources or getting involved, attending on Feb. 7 offers a practical next step and a chance to see how small, local efforts feed into larger conservation knowledge.