Biodiversity Task Force's Spring Nature Series is a hit

by Pam Owen, Summer 2006

The Biodiversity Task Force's Spring Nature Series was well received. The Peregrine Falcon Restoration and Monitoring Program presentation by Shenandoah National Park Biologist Rolf Gubler attracted 27 attendees. Gubler described the recent success of the program in getting a peregrine pair, one of whom was raised in the park, to return there to nest last year and again this year.

The two Spring Wildflower Walks led by Bruce Jones on his property were so popular that he scheduled three more, for a total of more than 75 attendees. Those who took the walk saw lady's slippers, buckeye, trillium, and other native wildflowers.

	Ecologist Alan Williams (right) explains to bird-walk attendees how to spot and identify migratory songbirds. Photo by Pam Owen.

Nineteen bird enthusiasts attended the final event in the Spring Nature Series, the Spring Bird Walk at Caledonia Farm. The farm is the first stop in the Mountain Area of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. Shenandoah National Park Ecologist Alan Williams, who led the walk, explained how to identify bird species by sight and sound, and also discussed bird migration. Attendees saw scarlet tanagers, Baltimore orioles, warblers, and many other migratory songbirds—some in the midst of building their nests and feeding their young.

The Task Force would like to thank our presenters; Caledonia Farm owner Phil Irwin; Central Roasters, for providing complimentary bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee; and Rob Sherwood, for giving us a video he recorded of one of the wildflower walks.