Class at Sagawau

I’m currently studying to become a Master Naturalist in the state of Illinois, a class which takes us to various locations to study different subjects. Today we were at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, studying ornithology. Oooo birds! 

This morning we went for a bird hike and then learned about bird banding…

This little male chickadee is being fitted with a tiny bright pink band. measurements are taken and recorded before banded and released.

This female brown headed cowbird was not happy being handled by the instructor. I was allowed to hold and release a male brown headed cowbird who also gave me a bite (OUCH) to remember before flying away. That’s okay, I consider it a love bite.

Later in the afternoon, we went for a canyon hike. The canyon is not open to the public, however Sagawau does host many canyon hikes and you can sign up to go on a hike with an instructor.

Look what grows in the canyon wall, columbine! I think this would make a wonderful painting along with the moss and lichen. Maybe this weekend we can do a canyon columbine painting.

Climbing out of the canyon is not for the faint of heart; this very narrow one person-at-a-time stairwell is the way in and out.

Did you ever guess that the Chicago area had a canyon!?! In the prairie state? Flat land for as far as the eye can see? Well, Sagawau is the only canyon in Cook County. If you are in the area and get a chance, sign up for a canyon hike, but be sure to bring your waterproof shoes for the canyon has an active stream.