Some of the many attendees of the BioBlitz Day pose for a picture with catfish and RIFO's Kraig McPeek.

The BioBlitz gave attendees a chance to talk with RIFO biologist Kraig McPeek and a close-up look at fish.

BioBlitz participants attempt to identify some of the species encountered during the event.

Seekers of all ages gathered at Byron Forest Preserve, located southwest of Rockford, Illinois, on Saturday, May 17, for this area’s second annual BioBlitz: Day of Discovery. Most of the participants were local, but several came from Chicago suburbs to spend the day immersed in field studies under the leadership of professional scientists and naturalists. Teams of professionals and citizen volunteers surveyed for woodland plants, prairie plants, birds, insects, fungi and “life underground.” The day-long event was sponsored by the Four Rivers Environmental Coalition and was offered to the public free of charge.

In addition to the teams surveying for species and recording data, educational presentations were offered.  Kraig McPeek, of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, delighted a crowd gathered around his wading pools filled with various Illinois fish and aquatic critters. McPeek got mixed reactions when he asked if anyone wanted to feel the sharp teeth lining the crocodile-like snout of the gar fish.  Many of the children relished the opportunity to hold a giant carp and an equally impressive catfish.

One father-daughter team met at Byron especially for the bird survey led by Jack Armstrong and Phil Schwab.  Becky Amman drove from Evanston, Illinois, and hooked up with her dad who came over from Freeport.  The pair was rewarded with a fruitful bird survey including sightings of scarlet tanagers, cowbird, king bird, tree swallow, pheasant, blue jay, mocking bird, goldfinch and indigo bunting.

Atwood Outdoor Education Center staff presented their vey popular Birds of Prey program, which gave BioBlitzers a chance to get up-close looks at a live barred owl, barn owl and kestrel. Atwood staff also displayed live reptiles and gave fascinating explanations of the lifecycles, habits and unique features of local snakes and turtles.

After a full day of roaming the prairies and woods in search of diverse plants and animals, all teams met back at base camp for a wrap up. BioBlitz chairman Don Miller summarized the day’s findings by highlighting noteworthy sightings.

Total number of birds documented was 62 and total insect species was 24. The grand total of species documented by all teams was 276.  While that is impressive for an event of this size, it is not as high as it would be if more time and study were devoted to the Byron Forest Preserve site. Typically, BioBlitzes cover 24 hours and involve hundreds of people studying every category of organism imaginable.  According to Don Miller, the 276 species total is just the tip of the iceberg. “We took time to do a lot of education for the people on our teams. We didn’t set a record for number of species identified, but that wasn’t our main purpose.  We call it Day of Discovery because our objective is to raise awareness of the amazing diversity of plant and animal life that we need appreciate and protect right here in our own communities.”

To learn more about BioBlitz, view the BioBlitz species tally and photos of the day’s activities, visit www.fourriver.org.