Sightings in Fall 2022!

"The Magic Stump" is a Turnstone film that tells the story of an Illinois tree stump that's attracted a phenomenal variety of wintering raptors through the years, including two rare Prairie Falcons. The goal of "The Magic Stump" is to draw attention to the story of raptors that winter in our highly altered agricultural landscape. The plan is for this film to be the first in "The Prairie State" series that will feature the landscape that once dominated Illinois. The film is directed by Bob Dolgan and edited by Sharon Filipkowski. Videography is by Mitchell Fransen and Mitchell Wenkus, and original music is by Empidonax. You may sponsor the creation of this project by making a contribution below.

Sponsorship benefits
Most benefits are still available, aside from credit in the film itself (as the film is locked)!

$500+
Custom screening of “The Magic Stump” for your organization including Q&A with filmmaker
Logo recognition on website
Logo recognition on screen at events
Callout from stage at events
Sticker

$250+
Logo recognition on website and during broadcasts
Logo recognition on screen at events
Callout from stage at events
Sticker

$100+
Name recognition on website
Sticker

Any donation $10+
​Sticker

For a donation of $10 or more, you'll receive the below sticker in the mail. Thank you to Pamela Sloan for designing this image.

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Upcoming events

Sept. 24
Charleston, Fall Féte with Grand Prairie Friends (more info)

October 2
Chicago, Uncommon Ground Edgewater (tickets)

October 4
Willow Springs, Imperial Oak Brewing (register)

October 13
DuPage Birding Club (more info)

October 27
Chicago Ornithological Society (register)

Nov. 1
Lake-Cook Audubon (register)

Dec. 2
Mattoon, Douglas-Hart Nature Center (register)*

Dec. 3
Decatur, Rock Springs Nature Center (more info)

Dec. 15
Springfield Audubon Society, Adams Wildlife Sanctuary (more info)

Jan. 12
Will County Audubon Society (more info)

*Red Hill Birding weekend tour requires separate registration and payment, linked here

Interested in setting up your own screening? Contact us here.

Fill out the screening form

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Thank you to our sponsors!

This project is partially supported by an Individual Artist Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, as well as a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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11/17/21: Press for Marsh Hawk Red Ale and The Magic Stump! Birdwatching Magazine recently featured our partnership with Imperial Oak Brewing.

9/1/22: The Journal Gazette featured the upcoming premiere of "The Magic Stump," in an article, "Coles County on the birding map with new movie"