"In Search Of"
Red-breasted Nuthatch
If you
saw a great number of people last week in southern Utah, with
binoculars around their neck, and a searching look in their eyes, they
were here for the St. George Winter Bird Festival. If you’ve never
‘birded’, you would think they’re a weird lot. They walk softly,
whisper, do a lot of pointing and sneaking tactics. They are found next
to ponds, lakes, on the side of busy roads, in parks, climbing
mountains, and even at the waste treatment plant. They are always
looking up, their heads are
poked out of the car windows, and they carry a
paper pad and pencil.
I was one of them. I don’t mind being weird if it is a chance to spend time outdoors. Birding is a great sport because it includes the whole family. Southern Utah is full of new paved walking trails. You can set your own time table to go, but early is better. All you need is a pair of binoculars, a bird book and a desire to spend time outdoors.
The festival was a great experience for kids. They made bird houses, bird feeders, and drew bird pictures. Carson Horsepool, 9 years old, was in the ‘Birding for Kids’ workshop. This is his picture of the Red-breasted Nuthatch. Thank you Carson. You did an excellent job.
Learn more about the wonderful world outside. Red Cliffs Audubon General Meeting will be Wednesday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Tonaquint Nature Center. Guest speaker Richard Spotts will present "Moving toward a sustainable future". It’s all about loving the outdoors and taking care of it. Come early and enjoy the pond and its visitors. For more information, call Marilyn Davis 435 673-0996.
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