Follow our grand prairie bird alliance Page on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.

spring bird walks

Spring migration is upon us, so there is no better time to join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a bird walk! Join local birdwatching experts for bird walks at some of our favorite local parks in April and May. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds! We can give you some tips, or you can just walk along with us and appreciate us appreciating the birds.) We even have 5 pairs of loaner binoculars! If you have questions about accessibility, please email us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com. 

  • Saturday, April 19 - 8:00 a.m. - S.H. West Park (30052 E. 750 North Rd., just north of Le Roy) with leaders Mark and Nina Swanson and sponsored jointly with McLean County Parks

  • Saturday, April 26 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leaders David Thompson and Bill and Mercy Davison.

  • Sunday, April 27 - 8:00 a.m. - Queer Bird Walk at Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) SEE BELOW FOR MORE!

  • Saturday, May 3 - 8:00 a.m. - Hidden Creek (100 W. Sycamore, Normal) with leaders Avery Dart and Wayne Hochstetler

  • Saturday, May 17 - 8:00 a.m. - Hidden Creek (100 W. Sycamore, Normal) with leaders David Thompson and Wayne Hochstetler

  • Saturday, May 24 - 8:00 a.m. - Ewing Park (1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington) with leaders Ben Guo, Mark and Nina Swanson

On April 27, birder or not, queer or ally, doesn’t matter — all are welcome! The walk will be co-led by Ani Fox, a member of the local Grand Prairie Bird Alliance, and Michael Retter, Editor of North American Birds (American Birding Association) and leader of the Queer Birders of North America. We want all of our bird walks to be welcoming, but this walk is intentionally celebrating our queer birding community members and LGBTQ+ allies.

Within Ewing, Hedge Apple Woods was designated an Important Bird Area for migration in 2016. Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, finches, raptors, etc., all are seen at these locations. 


annual gathering - Sunday, may 18 (1 - 3 p.m.)

The Annual Gathering begins with a bird walk starting from the Illinois Art Station grounds at 101 E. Vernon (Normal). The route will be fully accessible for those with mobility devices. Upon return to the Station, there will be a short presentation of the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance’s year-in-review, Treasurer’s Report, and 2025-2026 board election. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow bird-lovers and to be inspired by all the great things the Bird Alliance has accomplished!

audubon garden work days

The garden is awaking from its winter slumber. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities in late Spring 2025.


Educational talks and Expert Speakers

Over the years, we have been able to bring in some wonderful speakers to share with us their studies and expertise in many different areas including conservation, environmental legislation, local projects, and world events. Join us for these complimentary programs, open to the community.  For up-to-date information, please join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance page on Facebook.