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Hi,
Each year, Washington Oaks State Gardens, on A1A in north Flagler
County, hosts an Earth Day event. The grounds are beautiful and host
many species, both migratory and breeding. Our chapter has participated
in this event for the last 6 or 7 years. We set up an information table
where we answer bird questions, let kids make pine cone bird feeders
and where we also sell books and guides. We also conduct guided bird
walks using scopes and binoculars. Last year, near our table, a
Red-bellied Woodpecker nest was active in an old pine tree. We set up
the scope to the side of the path and let people get an eye full as
the adults flew in every 5 minutes or so trying to keep up with the
demands of their 3 growing nestlings. Many people walked away with a
new found appreciation of birds and birding.
This year, we found a Red-shouldered Hawk nest with one remaining
nestling. Actually, this bird is probably 4 to 5 weeks old. So it's
beginning to branch, spread its wings and put on a show for the novice
scope watchers. In addition, a nearby cedar had been selected by a pair
of Great Crested Flycatchers as the ideal spot for homesteading. She
was flying in every 1/2 hour or so with large loads of what appeared to
be raccoon fur and spanish moss. There were also Yellow-throated,
Northern Parula and Black and White Warblers, American Redstart, Tufted
Titmouse, etc. We later heard from the rangers that the experience of
looking through the scope at a young hawk was the high light of the day
for many, many people. One young girl, probably 13 or so, appeared to
be having a particularly bad time. She'd apparently been dragged there
by a mom who was trying to see to it that her daughter's Sunday
afternoon wasn't entirely consumed by the cell phone. Her first look at
the hawk appeared to be a life changing event. She was speechless. When
I handed her some binoculars to look at an especially colorful male
Cardinal that had perched out on an exposed branch in the afternoon
sun, she became positively enthusiastic. By the time she was trying to
follow the flycatchers as they flew off in search of more nesting
material, she was talking to her mom about getting a field guide. It
was a very good day.
David Hartgrove
Conservation Chair,
Halifax River Audubon
Daytona Beach, FL
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