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A Visit to Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Editor — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:07:09 +0000

Gail Laux started the County Raptor Rehabilitation Center in 1988 on her private property. In 1995 the Heart of Ohio Boy Scout Council approved a lease to allow the facility to move to the Camp Avery Hand site. Through generous donations and support, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary was able to open its doors to the public in 1999. The sanctuary was eventually able to purchase fifty-two acres of land it had leased, and went on to buy another fifteen acres in 2009. To become a public facility the sanctuary created a board of trustees. Through the assistance of volunteers, events were organized to raise funds to renovate buildings, create a parking area and make trails for visitors to enjoy.

The visitors centre now proudly boasts a classroom, exhibition lobby, outdoor display facilities, offices, library and an emergency centre that takes in injured and sick birds. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of the birds of prey of Ohio. Ninety acres of the sanctuary is open to the public, with hiking trails leading to various breathtaking areas of the sanctuary where visitors will be able to view various birds of prey. A few of the local bird residents are visitor friendly and gladly accept the meal worms that are on sale at the sanctuary, allowing members of the public to have a personal and interactive experience with these fascinating birds. Tours are available, as educating the public on the value and importance of preserving birds of prey is the main goal of the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. It also welcomes more than twenty thousand scholars a year, and bird lovers are invited to join the weekend programs that feature workshops such as Breeding Birds Surveys, Creatures of the Night, Fall Wildlife Festival and Christmas for the Birds.

Because of the sanctuary being located on the Clearfork Reservoir border and being surrounded by marsh and dense forests, the trails leading through the sanctuary are breathtaking and will take visitors over meadows, marshlands and between beautiful pine groves. The butterfly garden is another recommended attraction that is filled with wonderful variety wildflowers and is a tranquil location at the sanctuary. The Ohio Bird Sanctuary is not only performing a vital role in protecting the birds of prey of Ohio but is an exciting attraction for visitors to enjoy.

Wings Over the Rockies

Editor — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:56:35 +0000

The 2011 theme for Wings Over the Rockies is “Celebrating Our Valley, Celebrating the People. As the 15th anniversary the event, it will be honoring nature and the people who created and continue to support the festival. The festival schedule includes about 70 educational events, such as field trips, presentation, river paddles and an art exhibit. This is a thrilling an educational event for anyone interested in birds and the natural heritage of Columbia Valley Wetlands.

Date: 2 to 8 May 2011
Venue: Pynelogs Cultural Centre
City: Invermere
State: British Columbia
Country: Canada

Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival 2011

Editor — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:10:24 +0000

Taking place on the north coast of California, this annual spring migration festival boasts a number of bird-rich habitats for bird watchers to explore. Amongst the activities offered during the festival are field trips, workshops, lectures and boat excursions. The opening reception for the event at Arcata Coummunity Center will feature an arts exhibition, vendor booths, food and drinks.Keynote speaker for the event will be Scott Weidensaul.

Date: 14 to 20 April 2011
Venue: Arcata Community Center
Town: Arcata
State: California
Country: United States of America

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Editor — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:30:31 +0000

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been in operation for more than 75 years and is actively involved in raptor conservation, public education and scientific research. This important refuge for birds of prey features an impressive number of falcons, eagles and hawks, lookout points, 8 miles of trails, an informative Visitor Center, a native plant garden and a bookstore. Visitors to the sanctuary can explore the trails by themselves or attend special weekend programs to learn more about raptors.

Situated in east-central Pennsylvania, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary covers an area of 2 600 acres. Add to this the 13 000 acres of public and private lands and the birds of prey are provided with a vast protected tract of contiguous forest. The varied topography of Hawk Mountain offers flora and fauna a variety of habitats. The main tree species growing there include Red Maple, hickory, birches, five oak species and Black Gum. Older sections of forest are the perfect haven for Pileated Woodpeckers and Winter Wrens.

Keen birders will certainly find Hawk Mountain Sanctuary a fantastic destination. Some 265 bird species have been documented in the area since 1934, with over 65 species regularly nesting there. The area serves as an important stopover habitat for some 100 migratory bird species, of which 16 are raptor species. Amongst the migrant birds nesting at Hawk Mountain are Wood Thrushes, Ovenbirds and Scarlet Tanagers. Broad-winged, Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed and Cooper’s hawks have been seen nesting in the sanctuary, as have Great Horned, Eastern Screech, Northern Saw-Whet and Barred owls.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary does much to contribute towards raptor conservation. By means of their Conservation Science Program they seek to gain further insight into raptor migration, raptor population statuses, and how raptors live in the ecosystems where they reside. The Acopian Center for Conservation Learning was opened at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in 2002 and serves as a biological field station, as well as a training facility. Scientists, conservationists and the sanctuary’s personnel can work together here, making use of the GIS map lab, the world’s largest library of raptor literature, the archival storage room, a teaching lab, conference area and office spaces. Members of the public may only access the center on special occasions or by appointment.

Those who decide to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary are advised to start off at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has a number of interesting exhibits, including stunning carved replicas of Hawk Mountain’s most regular raptor visitors. As you browse through the displays you will learn about raptors, conservation and migration. The best time to visit is between the months of September and November, as this is when the greatest numbers of falcons, hawks and eagles are passing through. The trails at Hawk Mountain are open throughout the year (with a few exceptions), and from dawn until dusk. There is a trail admission charge for non-members, and this fee goes towards the maintenance of the sanctuary and its conservation programs.

Stanford Glendower Bird Fair 2009

Editor — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:41:15 +0000

The sixth annual Stanford Glendower Bird Fair will kick off with whiskey tasting from the sponsors, at Oak Grove Farm on the 1st of October 2009. Extraordinary prizes have been allocated for the photographic competition, with guided walks, boat trips, picnics and workshops being organized for the fair. Some of the guest speakers to look forward to include Odette Cutis, Dr. Anton Odendaal, Dave de Beer, Doug Newman and Naas Terblanche. Bonfires and cabaret entertainment have also been added to the line-up, ensuring that the Stanford Glendower Bird Fair is unforgettable.

For more information in regard to the fair and the scheduled activities, kindly log onto the follow site: www.stanfordbirding.co.za.

Date: 1 – 4 October 2009
Venue: Various
City: Overberg
Country: South Africa

Grand Bird Show 2009

Editor — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:48:40 +0000

The Budgerigar Society of Pakistan has been working tirelessly to promote budgies and educate the public in regard to birds. The Grand Bird Show 2009 is yet another initiative to reach out to the community. As World Animal Day is being celebrated on 4 October 2009, the society is using the opportunity to showcase some of the prized budgies in the country and to assist bird owners by offering pet inspections free of charge.

This annual competition for both cockatiels and budgerigars is a popular event with the top breeders and owners of Pakistan and everyone is welcome to attend this colorful event. More information in regard to the Budgerigar Society of Pakistan and its events is available on the website at www.GrandBirdShow.com.

Date: 4 October 2009
Venue: Avari Hotel
City: Lahore
Country: Pakistan

Education

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:35 +0000

To be a true bird enthusiast you need to have a basic education on birds.

Here we cover everything from bird anatomy, conservation, the evolution of birds as well as extinct and rare birds. We hope to provide you with expert advice and opinions to help you become a better bird enthusiast and better bird owner.

Understanding the basic behavior of birds and their patterns, will also help you become a more accomplished bird watcher.

Jekyll Island To Host National Bird Education Gathering

Editor — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:05:05 +0000

Like flocks of gulls converging on a rocky point, more than a hundred bird educators and enthusiasts are due to flock to Jekyll Island for the 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering from February 22, 2009. The various bird lovers will be coming from schools, bird refuges, national parks, bird clubs and nature centers especially for the event.

The 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering is an open event that can be attended by pretty much anyone with an interest in birds, bird education and various bird conservation efforts. It is a five day event that is designed to encourage those in attendance to explore various wildlife viewing areas and grow in appreciation for birds and other animals. The Bird Education Network (BEN) Committee worked hand in hand with the Council for Environmental Education and Flying WILD when organizing the event. Jekyll Island was chosen especially for its truly exceptional birding and nature-based, tourist-orientated activities.

During the gathering, attendees will likely spent plenty of time exploring the wonderful and diverse facets of Jekyll Island. Guided field sessions will not only involve walking, but kayaking and canoeing. Birders will be able to travel through the inter-coastal waterways and the Okefenokee Swap during their many outdoor adventures. When they head indoors they will be presented with a vast array of events to choose from. They can enjoy listening to guest speakers or visit the many exhibitions that will be erected specifically for the event. As they make their way along they will be able to share their knowledge and experience with other birders as well as learn more from old and new friends. Topics for discussion at the event will include urban-based bird education, helping families to connect to nature and climate change and its effects on birds. Most of the indoor events are scheduled to take place at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Jekyll Island is home to more than 250 different bird species and has been included in the Colonial Coat Birding and Nature Trail for this reason. Birders will be able to spot Roseate Spoonbills, Painted Buntings, Woodstorks and Bald Eagles, amongst other things, in this delightful wilderness area. If this sounds like your idea of a great week or weekend, make sure that you don’t miss out on the 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering.

Mazatlan Bird Festival

Editor — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:18:03 +0000

North America is certainly no stranger to bird festivals and there are literally hundreds of big and small bird festivals taking place across the continent annually. However not that many birding festivals take place in sunny Mexico. The Mazatlan Bird Festival promises to put an end to this shortage soon.

The inaugural Mazatlan Bird Festival is set to take place on January 16-19, 2009. Though it is the first time this event is being held it promises to be the biggest birding festival in Mexico and the most important birding event in Latin America. The four day-long festival will feature wildlife tours, birding experts, artistic exhibits and education workshops. Guided birding tours, day trips and multiple-day circuit tours will also be organised as part of the festival. Bird lovers from across the continent can come together to become better informed and fuel their passion for our feathered friends. The festival is also set to take place along Mexico’s Pacific Coast in Mazatlan and honestly, no better location could have been chosen. The area is home to more than 500 species of bird, including as many as 35 indigenous varieties. The 2009 Mazatlan Bird Festival will be casting a spotlight on the rare Tufted Jay which is indigenous to the area. No doubt there will be many opportunities to view this beautiful bird in its natural habitat during the course of the festival.

There is another reason to make sure that you attend the first annual Mazatlan Bird Festival; you can combine a great vacation with a wonderfully educational festival. The festival is set to take place at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan, a full service resort that is situated right on the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Even if you don’t plan to stay at this resort, the city of Mazatlan is incredibly hospitable and there will be plenty of great accommodation options to choose from. The city’s location near the ocean is also a bonus as it provides a pristine sea-side location for your vacation. However, for four full days, you may find it hard to turn your eyes away from the invaluable information and wildlife tours that will be taking place during the festival. Either way the Mazatlan Bird Festival is an obvious win-win affair – so book your stay now and make sure you’re a part of this great festival!

Export And Capture Ban Passed As Law

Editor — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:18:07 +0000

A bill designed to ban the capture and export of wild parrots from Mexico was finally signed into law on October 14, 2008. The bill was introduced to the Mexican Senate a year ago in a report entitled: “The Illegal Parrot Trade in Mexico: A Comprehensive Assessment.” The report was presented by the Defenders of Wildlife and Teyeliz, A.C.

During the report the damaging toll that the illegal parrot trade had on Mexico’s wild parrot populations was made clearly evident. It declared that between 65,000 – 78,500 wild parrots and macaws are illegally captured each year with the intention of selling these as pets. Unfortunately, more than 75 percent of these parrots die before they even have the chance to reach their new home. No wonder the new bill was passed by the Mexican government and Senate unanimously! These statistics clearly made Congress sit up and take note, with the result that the new bill has been signed into law just one year later. According to the director of Mexican programs for Defenders of Wildlife, Juan Carlos Cantu Guzman, an estimated 50 to 60 percent of illegal parrot trade will mostly like come to a grinding halt as soon as the bill takes effect. He also felt that the rate of illegal activity would continue to decline steadily as time wore on.

What does this mean for those already engaged in the illegal trade of native birds? If these individuals are caught with birds that inhabit the protected natural areas of the country, they will face up to 12 years jail time. That’s too steep a sentence for the majority of bird traders. Numbers of illegal bird traders have already decreased quite a bit, first with the threat of government intervention and then later with word spreading about the possibility of the bill being passed via television, radio and newspapers. Now that the bill has been officially published, the numbers of birds being sacrificed to this shameful industry will undoubtedly be reduced even further.

However it seems that efforts to repopulate Mexico’s native wild parrot species will not be ending there. Keeping a wild parrot as a pet in the average household is a time-honored tradition among Mexican families and so the public will need to be educated about the importance of the bill and of not capturing wild birds for this purpose. They will still have the option of keeping captive-bred and legally imported parrot species, but they will not be able to own a wild native parrot any more. This is something that is very necessary, since many Mexican parrots are now being threatened with extinction. As part of these efforts, a new bi-national public education campaign is being planned and should start at around the same time that the new law is passed. Such steps will certainly prove most helpful in helping native wild parrot species to repopulate and recover after such a destructive trade had almost completely destroyed it.