WATER FOR THE BIRDS

By Brian Gasdorf, Park Naturalist

The Friends of Audubon have funded numerous projects and museum acquisitions that have enhanced our visitors' enjoyment and understanding of Audubon State Park and its historical and natural resources. And yes, they have done it again!

In April 2003 the Friends of Audubon approved the funding for the installation of a b0-foot water stream with small waterfalls and pools. Also to be installed in the bird observation area is a new flexible liner for the existing pond, which will then be covered with river rock and boulders.

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Audubon Aquascape Designs, owned by Steve Todd and Gary Smith have begun construction of this project. Ground was broken in late July and is currently close to completion.

The stream will begin just outside of the bird observation room ^-and will drop into several shallow pools, only to continue and meander downhill into the existing pond.

The stream itself will add to the aesthetics of the bird observation area, but more importantly will be a reliable source of water for a wide variety of bird species. Visitors have already been observing birds taking refuge from the hot_. August heat by drinking and . bathing in the cool water. A reliable water source attracts a diversity of birds to backyard habitats. Migrating birds such as warblers, are often attracted to the sound of running water and will take temporary delight in "recharging" for the remainder of their flight, giving viewers the rare opportunity to see them up close. Visitors interested in identifying more birds should visit the park sometime in September, which .is the prime fall month for spotting migrating birds that are making way to their southern destinations.

Stream and pond construction began in late July and is near completion-- which ends the first phase of the bird observation area improvement. The next phase will be to plant groupings of native plants that attract more birds and other wildlife.