Jonesboro, IL. -- Trail of Tears State Forest will be the site of this year's official southern Illinois Hummingbird Festival scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd from 9 am to noon. Dozens of hummingbirds should be present to "wow" festival visitors. Vernon Kleen, a licensed hummingbird bander from Springfield and associated with the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders, will begin the festival with a short discussion about hummingbirds and explain why they are banded. After the discussion he will capture and band the birds.

There is no admission charge for this family (child-friendly) event and visitors may stay as long as they wish. Visitors may also "adopt" a bird by making a $5 donation to the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders. Those who adopt birds will receive an attractive signed certificate, may be able to release their adopted birds (dependent on how many birds are captured), and will be notified if their birds are ever recaptured.

If hummingbirds appeal to you, then plan on visiting Illinois' original Hummingbird Festival at the Trail of Tears State Forest. It should be a very rewarding experience. The large pavilion and white barn along Trail of Tears Road (northwest of Jonesboro) has been reserved for the festival.

The Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders is a not-for-profit organization to perform sound scientific studies and educational services to monitor, protect and enhance the populations of Illinois' native birds and their unique environments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact: Vernon Kleen, 217-787-3515