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It's that time of year again when we start getting messages and emails about "abandoned" baby birds. Most of the time what you are seeing are fledglings...babies that have just emerged from the nest and are actually just fine! It is completely normal for most birds to leave the nest before they are fully capable of flight. They spend several days on or near the ground until they become better at flying and then they tend to move upward. If the bird has feathers and can walk, perch or hop, leave it alone unless it's in the road or in danger from cats and dogs...only then should you try to move them to a safer place nearby, and don't fret....contrary to common myth, birds will NOT abandon their young because they "smell" humans on them! Their parents know how to find them and they are being fed even if you don't see it happening. Sometimes people think that the parents should be right there by their side, but no...they have to go and get food for not only THIS youngster, but for all its brothers and sisters scattered around the area as well, so don't be alarmed if it is sitting there by itself. Just keep your cats indoors (as you should anyway) and watch your dogs too! Here's a little diagram that should help you determine what to do.
IMPORTANT!!
NO MATTER your good intentions, if you pick up a baby bird because you think it is abandoned and put it in a box and try to shove worms or cat food down it's throat or give it water, you are basically giving it a death sentence...PLEASE do not do anything until talking to a wildlife rehabilitator first!!
* just use the pic for the diagram, not the phone number.
If you need a reason to get some fresh air on Saturday May 25 @ 2p, join us for an afternoon exploration at Ottawa Metro Park as we look for dragonflies and damselflies in the prairie, river,pond,and lake. Wear your "gettin' wet shoes" and dress for the weather. Call to register by Friday May 24.
Here are some interesting dragonfly facts:
* Dragonflies are found on every continent except Antarctica, they live in temperate, tropical and terrestrial locations.
* There are more than 5,000 different species of dragonflies.
* Dragonflies are powerful and agile fliers, moving in any direction, and changing direction suddenly. In flight, the adult dragonfly can propel itself in six directions: upward, downward, forward, back, to left and to right.
* They are some of the fastest flying insects in the world reaching speeds of over 30 mph.
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Our friends at The Quarry Farms Nature Preserve near Pandora are offering a program this Sunday, May 19. Please read the details below:
The Quarry Farm Nature Preserve & Conservation Farm is hosting “Wildflowers & Feathered Wings” on Sunday, May 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. Walk the trails with Naturalist Chad Carroll to look low for spring wildflowers and look up for birds who fly overhead.
Light refreshments, including homemade cookies, will be available. The event is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome as they support The Quarry Farm's educational programming. Preregister by Friday, May 17 at 12 p.m. by calling 419-384-7195 or by emailing thequarryfarm@gmail.com.
The Quarry Farm Nature Preserve & Conservation Farm is located 1/8 mile north of 14321 Road 7L. For more information, visit www.thequarryfarm.org, The Quarry Farm on Facebook and Instagram or call 419-384-7195.
Hey Kids! We had a fantastic donation of hand-painted birdhouse gourds from Emily Green's group at Marimor Industries. See if you can find all 6 in the Imaginature Area at Hermon Woodlands! Can you name all the Disney characters?
