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Woodlands Nature Station to host 25th Annual Hummingbird Festival

July 28, 2021 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Hummingbird at the Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

Hummingbird at Woodlands Nature Station

Woodlands Nature Station is one of my favorite places, not just in the Land Between the Lakes, but in all of Kentucky! The Nature Station celebrates the migration of hummingbirds during the annual Hummingbird Festival, scheduled for August 7 and 8, 2021.

If you love hummingbirds like I do, the Nature Station is a dream come true. It’s hummingbird paradise!

The weekend of August 7-August 8 marks the beginning of the great hummingbird migration through Land Between the Lakes. I hope you’ll mark your calendar and join in the celebration with the 25th annual Hummingbird Festival.

TIME: 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, 2021

PLACE: Woodlands Nature Station, 3146 Silver Trail Road in the Land Between the Lakes

PRICE: Special admission price is $9 for ages 18 and up, $7 for ages 5 – 17 and free for ages 4 and under.

If you love hummingbirds, this is the event for you! August brings hundreds of hummingbirds to the Woodlands Nature Station as they migrate south to Central America. You can see as many as 200 in a single day!

Special programming includes:

Saturday, August 7

  • 10 am – 4:30 pm | Hummingbird Banding and Release Demonstrations – licensed banders Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. and Mark Monroe
  • 11am | 2019/2020 Photo Contest Awards
  • 12pm | Attracting Bluebirds – Bob Peak, The North American Bluebird Society
  • 1pm | The Buzz on Beekeeping – Scott Sutton, Houston-Stewart County Beekeepers Association
  • 2pm | Social Eco-art: Igniting Conversation and Invoking Social Change – Shannon Roberts, The New South Arts Initiative
  • 3pm | Rest Stops for Ruby-Throats: Landscaping for Migrating Birds and Butterflies -Botanist Alicia Bosela, owner of Ironweed Native Plant Nursery
  • 4pm | Build a Hummingbird
  • 4:30 pm – Parade of Raptors

Sunday, August 8

  • 10 am – 4:30 pm | Hummingbird Banding and Release Demonstrations – Licensed banders Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. and Mark Monroe
  • 11am | Bringing Nature Home: Creating a Haven for Wildlife
  • 12pm | Rest Stops for the Ruby-Throats: Landscaping for Migrating Birds and Butterflies-Botanist Alicia Bosela, owner of Ironweed Native Plant Nursery
  • 1pm | Build a Hummingbird
  • 2pm | Attracting Bluebirds – Bob Peak, The North American Bluebird Society
  • 3pm | Pollinators: Beyond the Bees
  • 4pm | Attracting Purple Martins
  • 4:30 pm – Parade of Raptors

Ongoing activities include:

  • Hummingbird Photo Gallery
  • Hummingbird Gift Shop
  • Kids’ Crafts and Games
  • Local Craftsmen and Artists
  • Attracting Bluebirds
  • Kentucky Wildlife
  • Garden Friend or Foe? – Live Animals
  • Attracting Native Bees
  • Monarch Magic
  • Beekeeping Basics
  • Native Plant Sale
  • and more!

For more information, call 270.924.2299 or visit www.landbetweenthelakes.us.

Fourth grade students can go to https://www.nationalparks.org/our-work/campaigns-initiatives/every-kid-outdoors to get their free Every Kid Outdoors pass, and get their family in for free.
For more information, please call the Nature Station at 270-924-2299.
If you love birds, you’ll love The Birds o Kentucky by Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Click the link to learn more about this wonderful guide to Kentucky’s beautiful birds.
Hummingbirds at The Nature Station (Land Between the Lakes)
Hummingbirds at The Nature Station (Land Between the Lakes)

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky Birds, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Nature Station Tagged With: hummingbirds, Kentucky events, Land Between the Lakes events, LBL, Woodlands Nature Station

The Birds of Kentucky by Burt L. Monroe, Jr: The Definitive Guide to Birds in Kentucky

March 6, 2021 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

The Birds of Kentucky (Gorgeous and Informative Guide)

The Birds of Kentucky from The University Press of Kentucky is a MUST for all bird watchers who want more information about the birds they love so much. I was recently sent this absolutely beautiful and wonderfully informative book to share with you and it’s my pleasure to do so.

  • What’s the most common sparrow at Kentucky’s feeders each winter?
  • How can I identify backyard birds in Kentucky?
  • What bird is affectionately called the Snowbird?
  • What’s a Bobolink and have I ever seen one?!
  • What type of birds are common in Kentucky?
  • What’s the difference between the different varieties of hawks?
  • What areas of Kentucky are Red-Tailed hawks most abundant?
  • Did I just see a Downy Woodpecker or a Pileated Woodpecker?
  • Which owls are found most often in Kentucky and which are rare but treasured visitors?

These questions and MANY, MANY, MANY more questions about birds (and identifying birds) in Kentucky can be found in this very delightful to spend time with book.

This elaborate and beautiful bird guide was written by Burt L. Monroe, Jr., professor and chairman of the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville from 1970-1993. The gorgeous book (very worthy of being a coffee table book – in fact, I’ve never wished I had a coffee table more than I do right now!) features original paintings by the wonderful wildlife artist William Zimmerman.

Zimmerman’s paintings and drawings remind me a great deal of John James Audubon – praise does NOT get much sweeter than that.

His beautiful paintings of Kentucky’s birds are so wonderful, if you’re able to get your hands on two copies of this book, using one for a bird guide and resource, while using the pictures from the other one to frame and group on a wall would be ideal for any bird enthusiast’s home.

(Continued below the Rough-Legged Hawk)

Rough-Legged Hawk

Rough-Legged Hawk

I chose to use the photo of the Rough-legged hawk because, not only is it a stunning photo, but I actually learned things about him I didn’t know! In fact, even though I have loved and studied birds all my life, this excellent guide taught me A LOT. After reading through it (cover to cover because it’s downright nectar to a bird lover), the first thought into my mind was, “I feel like I just took a fascinating college course in bird watching.”

Now, each time I see a particular bird, my mind pulls up the new information I have in my mental library.

Knowledge is such an adrenaline rush!

(Continued Below….)

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

One of the things I love most about this beautiful Kentucky bird guide is the respect and passion for birds that comes through each of the author’s words. He obviously cared a great deal about birds and his love for them is palpable. As a bird lover myself, I can’t even put it into words how drawn I am to this.

Something else I appreciate a great deal is this: A lot of bird guides and reference books read kind of like the birding nerd Jane Hathaway (from The Beverly Hillbillies) hung around with on an episode or two. Big, dry words… and half of them in Latin!… with no color or personality to them… just strung together, seemingly in an attempt to bore you to tears! Come on, let’s be honest, here… a lot of bird guides and bird reference books are guilty of this very description. In fact, they’ve kind of given bird guides a bad name with their own dryness!

The Birds of Kentucky is the polar opposite of this description. The author and artist obviously realize that birds are extraordinarily colorful and FULL of personality, so a book about them should be as well!

Jane Hathaway (a bird enthusiast as well as a Jethro enthusiast) would have passed out from joy had she read this book.

From the Back Cover:

The first of its kind to be published for the Bluegrass State, this book is designed to provide an accurate and scientifically rigorous description of all the species of birds found in Kentucky. This comprehensive guide features a wealth of information, including abundance records, migration dates, and additional reference material, and indicates whether a bird is a permanent resident, winter resident, summer resident, visitant, or transient. Additionally, author Burt L. Monroe reviews the history of ornithologists who have worked in Kentucky and outlines the physiography of the state as it relates to birding.

More than just a verbal portrait of Kentucky avifauna, The Birds of Kentucky includes fifty-one color paintings by the renowned wildlife artist William Zimmerman, whose work has been favorably compared to that of John James Audubon. In contrast to Audubon’s romanticism and often tortuous style, however, Zimmerman offers us “comfortable” birds that look as if they are about to take wing and leave the page.

Beautifully illustrated and based on a lifetime of field observation and research, this book provides an excellent guide to the natural history of the birds of the Bluegrass.

The Birds of Kentucky from The University Press of Kentucky would make a PERFECT Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift – just be CERTAIN you grab a copy for yourself. You are going to absolutely love everything about this beautiful guide.

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

The Birds of Kentucky Bird Guide by Burt L. Monroe Jr.

Reviews for The Birds of Kentucky:

“A pleasing blend of artistry and informative text that will be hard for local bird enthusiasts and casual, armchair birders to resist.” ~ Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr., Birding Magazine

“This book is not only scientifically accurate but a visual delight and one that is sure to please any birder or naturalist.” ~ Indiana Audubon Quarterly

Filed Under: Books About Kentucky, Facts About Kentucky, Kentucky Birds Tagged With: Birds in Kentucky, Identifying Birds in Kentucky, Kentucky bird guide, Kentucky Bird Guide Review, Kentucky birds

Sandhill Crane Tours Jan. 23-27, 2019 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

January 16, 2019 by Joi Sigers 1 Comment

Sandhill Cranes at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Fellow bird lovers, here’s something I know you’ll be interested in! Beautiful Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas, KY) is hosting its Nature Watch Weekend from January 23 to January 27 (2019).

Each year, thousands of Sandhill Cranes make Barren River Lake a stop on their journey back home.  Join fellow bird enthusiasts as you get up close to these beautiful cranes as they migrate through the area.  Just imagine the photography opportunities.

Participants can register for one of two trips. The morning sunrise trip takes guests to the roosting site before sunrise to experience the beauty of the cranes leaving the roost as they journey to nearby cornfields to spend the day. The sunset trip begins by viewing the birds in the cornfields and ends at the roosting site so you may view the magnificence of thousands of cranes circling overhead as they get ready to settle down for the night.

Each of these trips will be lead by naturalists from the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Please note that the dates selected are based on historical records under normal weather conditions in January and past trends of the cranes’ arrival in this area.  This narrow window of opportunity can vary by several days based on weather and the cranes’ migration schedule.

Registration is $45 per adult, $40 for seniors, and $30 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The registration fee includes all educational sessions, a box lunch, a long sleeve t-shirt, and your choice of a morning or afternoon tour by van.

Call the park at 270-646-2151 for information and reservations.  Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages and restaurant.

Photo Credit: The beautiful picture is from the Kentucky State Parks. Visit the Kentucky State Park website for more information about Barren River Lake State Resort Park as well as the other parks.

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, Kentucky Birds, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Bird watching events, Kentucky 2019 events, Sandhill Cranes

Hummingbird Month at the Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

July 11, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Hummingbirds at The Nature Station (Land Between the Lakes)

If you’ve ever been to Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes, you know why I say that… as a bird and animal lover… it’s one of my favorite places in the world. The bird-watching (and photographing, of course) can’t be beat. As my husband could attest, I could and do spend hours watching the beautiful birds while looking for just the right picture.

Hummingbirds are just one of the beautiful birds that have the good sense to flock to the Nature Station. They know a great buffet when they see it! August is Hummingbird Month at Woodlands and if you’re anything like me, you won’t want to miss a single thing… or feather. Notice that reservations are required for nearly half of the programs.

Special Hummingbird Programs:

  • Throughout August: Nature Station Hummingbird Photo Contest
  • Friday, August 4, 6-8pm: Dinner with the Hummingbirds (reservations required)
  • Saturday & Sunday, August 5 & 6: Hummingbird Festival
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10am: Morning with the Hummingbirds
  • Wednesdays, August 2, 9, & 30 at 11:30am: Hummingbirds of the World
  • Saturday, August 12 at 9:30am: Hummingbird Photography Workshop (reservations required)
  • Saturday, August 26 at 9am: EXCLUSIVE: Early Morning Photo Session (reservations required)
  • Saturday, August 19 at 9am: Hummingbird Café (reservations required)
  • Sunday, August 13: Knee-high Naturalists – Hummingbirds

 

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, Summertime in Kentucky, The Nature Station Tagged With: hummingbirds, Kentucky Birding Events, Kentucky Summer Events, LBL, Nature Station

Wildlife Celebration at Woodlands Nature Station: May 27-29, 2017

May 16, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Great Horned Owl Nature Station LBL

Gorgeous Great Horned Owl

Woodlands Nature Station is one of our favorite places to visit in the Land Between the Lakes. The animals and birds are simply breathtaking and we, literally, see (and photograph) something new each time we visit… which is, trust me, OFTEN.

The Nature Station will have their annual Wildlife Celebration, Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 27-29, 2017. Nature Station admission is $5 age 13 and up, $3 age 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under.

Guests can learn all about nature’s superheroes, visit with Smokey Bear and find ways they can assist wildlife in the Nature Station’s backyard at Land Between the Lakes. Special event programs are included with standard admission unless otherwise noted.

“Join us to help celebrate the diversity and complexity of native wildlife through a fun superhero theme. Bring the whole family and see wolves, turkeys and bats in a whole new way,” says Monica West, Land Between the Lakes naturalist. “We’re also offering two canoe trips that weekend for people to view wildlife from the water. We usually see a lot of native birds, mammals and reptiles along the shoreline and on the water during these outings.”

{Continued Below….}

White-Breasted Nuthatch LBL Nature Station

White-Breasted Nuthatch

Nestled in the woods between Honker and Hematite lakes, the Nature Station serves as a gateway to the 6,800-acre Nature Watch Area. The friendly and very knowledgeable staff also serve as “go to” specialists for wildlife viewing throughout Land Between the Lakes.

One of the coolest things about the Nature Station is that, in addition to their many wonderful resident birds, animals, turtles, and snakes, you’ll see birds and animals who also choose to call this paradise home.  A cage doesn’t keep them sticking around… appreciation for being treated like royalty does!  We are a couple of the biggest bird lovers you’ll ever meet. We don’t just have one “feeding station” in our yard… we have multiple feeding stations, suet feeders, houses, and too many feeders to count. So, we are very familiar with seeing a variety of birds. Yet, we STILL see birds at the Nature Station we don’t see regularly in our own yard.

You’ll also frequently see squirrels who call this beautiful place home. If you’re lucky, you might even see a skunk or two (pictured below)! We’ve had that great honor a couple of times. Other visitors to the center looked at me like I was “half crazy” when I stepped closer and got down on their level to take a picture. My husband just smiled as if to say, “If you think she’s half-crazy, you’re underestimating her.”

Gotta admit he’s right. When it comes to animals, I’m off my chain.  That’s why The Nature Station is one of my favorite places on earth. They’re my kind of people.

{Continued Below the Cute Little Stinker….}

Beautiful Skunk at the Nature Station

Adorable Skunk at the Nature Station Last Autumn

Something that I love about the staff (aside from the friendliness and eagerness to “brag” on the beauties they care for) is that, it seems, each member has an “area of expertise.”  One may know everything there is to possibly know about wolves while another could tell you things you’d never even imagined about owls. One may be a walking turtle encyclopedia while another knows more about turkeys than the turkeys know themselves.

They even have a resident snake expert who seems to love snakes as much as I love my cats. Go figure!

Wildlife Celebration Events:

Saturday, May 27, 2017

  • 10am-4pm – Be a Hero for Turtles
  • 10am-4pm – Be a Hero for Hurt and Orphaned Animals
  • 11:30am – Owls: X-Men of the Sky
  • 1pm – Transformer Turkeys
  • 2:30pm – Bats: Power Behind the Caped Crusader
  • 3:30pm – Red Wolves: Wookiees of the Land Between the Lakes
  • 6-8:30pm–Sunset Canoe Trip ($25; Reservations required; call 270-924-2020)

Sunday, May 28, 2017

  • 10am-4pm – Be a Monarch Butterfly Buddy
  • 11:30am – Just-hiss League of America
  • 1:30pm – Fantastic Four of Lake and Shore
  • 2:30pm – Captain America: The Bald Eagle
  • 3:30pm – Nature Station Daredevil
  • 6-8:30pm–Family Sunset Canoe Trip ($25; Reservations required;
    call 270-924-2020)

Monday, May 29, 2017

  • 10am-4pm – Throughout the day–visits with Smokey Bear
  • 10am-4pm – Be a Scientist Hero for Nature
  • 11:30am – Who’s the Real Flash?
  • 1:30pm – Be A Superhero for Baby Birds
  • 3:30pm – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Call 270-924-2020 to pre-register for guided canoe trips Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. Daily canoe and kayak rentals start Saturday, May 27, 10am-4pm, weather permitting. For more details, call 270-924-2299.

Turtle, Woodlands Nature Station

 

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky Birds, LBL, News, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Nature Station Tagged With: Kentucky events, News, things to do in Kentucky, things to do in the Land Between the Lakes, Woodlands Nature Station

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