We are pleased to announce a new walk "BIRD SOUNDS AND BIRD LORE WITH DR. BIRDIE" scheduled at 8:30 AM led by expert birder and sparrow specialist, Dr. Byron Stone. As Byron describes it: "We will do our best to appreciate the rich variety of bird sounds that are commonly encountered on the plateau in early April, and I will do a fair amount of pontificating about birds and about why prairie restoration is important at a place like Commons Ford Park. And of course we will try and see some cool birds!" If this walk fills, Byron has graciously agreed to schedule a second (and even a third if there is sufficient interest).
Dr. Birdie served as the inspiration for the Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Project when he accompanied Ed Fair on a birding visit to the park in 2009. He pointed out that, at the time, the field was full of non-native invasive grass species which were detrimental to upland prairie birds. He offhandedly commented that if we had a prairie full of native grasses and wildflowers instead, we might see it full of Le Conte's Sparrows. That started the ball rolling.
The native seeds were planted on the Commons Ford Prairie last year by Native American Seed Company using a no-till drill planting process. George Cates from NAS will be bringing a smaller no-till drill to The Big Day to explain how the process works and answer questions about the planting and seed mix. If you are interested in attracting birds to your yard, NAS will also have available for purchase several seed packets and seed mixes which are proven to do the job. Profits from the sales of these seeds will be donated by NAS to the restoration project.
Please come see us this Sunday, April 7. Visit our Big Day 2013 page for more details and to register for walks here.
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