Great opportunity to view rock-star birds, preserve their habitat!
What: 2019 Honey Creek Birdathon and Bandathon
Where: Harold and Carla Kruse Honey Creek Nature Preserve
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, May 19
How to get there:
The Honey Creek Nature Preserve can be reached by going west out of Prairie du Sac on Highway PF approximately 15 miles to Skyview Drive (Lins Road on older maps). Turn left and travel approximately 3/4 mile to Alder Drive. Turn left and continue to the Cox Nature Center.
Google Map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=15wf8Z6fMgFOHlImD3mjYGFmJpwA&usp=sharing
Why: To raise funds for restoring and preserving the habitat of the recently expanded 372-acre Honey Creek Nature Preserve
Honey Creek is designated a State Natural Area and provides habitat for some of the state's rarest and most beautiful birds, including the Louisiana Waterthrush, Cerulean Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher. WSO owns and maintains this property. The Honey Creek Birdathon/Bandathon is the primary source of funding for its maintenance. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the removal of invasive species and the maintenance of trails and the Cox Nature Center.
Your past support has allowed WSO to replace and extend the boardwalk on its trail up the valley and to hire crews to scout and treat garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed. Donations have paid for mending fences after the spring floods, trail rehabilitation, property taxes, electricity and insurance on the nature center, as well as liability insurance.
Activities:
-- Go on a bird walk led by Tom Schultz and Jeff Baughman starting at 8 a.m. (although early birding will likely begin around 4 a.m. for those who are interested and can contact Tom at trschultz@centurytel.net
(During the hike, the shallow creek needs to be crossed on stepping stones, so consider wearing boots.)
-- View bird-banding led by UW-Madison Prof. Anna Pidgeon. (Banding will be canceled if it rains heavily.)
-- Explore a beautiful piece of land no matter what the weather
-- Meet and network with other birders/nature enthusiasts
-- Camping is available at Honey Creek on Saturday night
Please dress appropriately with sturdy footgear, etc. There are restroom facilities and shelter for use in case of inclement weather. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! For more information about Honey Creek, go to this web page: https://wsobirds.org/about-WSO/honey-creek-preserve
--This is one of several timely articles in this month's Badger Birder newsletter; don't miss out on the latest birding and conservation news. Become a WSO member today! https://wsobirds.org/support/become-a-member--
