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John James Audubon’s Birds of America: Download High Resolution Prints on Audubon.org!

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Some of John James Audubon's Birds of America
I saw in a tweet from LBL Nature Station that you can download John James Audubon prints for free on Audubon.org. It didn’t take this bird lover long to go right to the website and get in on the action.

John James Audubon was one of the most talented and artistically gifted Americans to ever live. What amazes me is how “in tune” he was with nature, specifically with the birds he obviously loved so much.

Not only does he capture their beauty, he captures the personality of each individual bird. That’s what brilliant minds do… brilliant things! If you’re familiar with birds, I hope you’ll click through and check out all of Audubon’s Birds of America – no doubt you’ll notice the personalities of these birds jumping right out at you!

 

Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes: An Animal Lover’s Paradise

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Red Wolf at Woodlands Nature Station
Beautiful Red Wolf (Those Eyes!)
As I said in my last post, Turkeys Strutting Their Stuff at Woodlands Nature Station, no two visits to the Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes are the same. You’ll see different animals and birds doing different things each time.

While our recent visit found feisty turkeys taking center stage, a host of other beautiful animals also made our day extra, extra special.

The best way to enjoy these animals is, of course, in person, but pictures are the next best thing. I hope these pictures – as well as the other pictures of Woodlands Nature Station on Genuine Kentucky – will inspire you to visit them soon and visit them often.

There are a lot more birds and animals (a bobcat that’s one of my favorite things in the world, owls, an adorable possum, etc…) than the ones shown below, these are simply the ones who were wide awake during the time we were there. There are also snakes indoors but, we have a treaty – I avoid them, they avoid me. If you aren’t saddled with a phobia the size of Texas, you’d probably enjoy them.

Red Wolf

I love animals the way other people love oxygen.  They are everything. One of my favorite things is to see how wild animals and our pets sometimes behave similarly. I love to see “big” cats exhibiting some of the same mannerisms my own cats do. I think it’s just too cute for words.

On our recent visit, a coyote and a red wolf both did a few things that reminded me of domesticated dogs. The coyote stood up at his (her?) fence, anticipating lunch. The wolf walked around her (his?) beautiful domain, then laid on the ground for a nap JUST like a German Shepherd we had used to do – right on her belly with her legs kicked out behind her.

Too cute!

Ground Hog

The ground hog apparently keeps a different schedule than we do because most of the time he’s napping while we’re at the Nature Station. This particular afternoon, however, he was wide awake. I’d almost forgotten how adorable he is!

I would have taken more pictures of this little cutie, but I was promptly distracted by turkeys who all but demanded our attention.

Eagle

The word Majestic doesn’t seem to cut it, does it? Like the other animals and birds at The Nature Station, this gorgeous eagle could not survive on his own. This is a wonderful chance to see one of the most beautiful animals in the world up close.

Deer and Turkeys

The deer and turkeys have an amazingly beautiful home at the Nature Station. The entire setting is so uncommonly peaceful and relaxing, I could just sit and watch them all day.

Coyote

Like the Red Wolf, the coyote reminds me so much of a pet… not that I’d EVER make the mistake of treating her/him as such.  I’m an animal lover, but I’m not a dumb one. The way it watched for lunch was too cute for words.

Turtles

There are turtles outside at the Nature Station in a wonderful enclosure – complete with their own pond. There are  some smaller guys inside – near the you-know-whats that I don’t even glance at.  Turtle lovers, like my youngest daughter, will get a huge kick out of these beauties.

Coyote at Woodlands Nature Station

Turkeys: Strutting Their Stuff at Woodlands Nature Station in the LBL

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Turkeys at the Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes (LBL)
Without a single doubt, one of the greatest spots in the world is Kentucky’s own Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area (LBL). Animal lovers, history buffs, lovers of the beautiful outdoors, families, bird watchers, adventure-seekers… there’s something for everyone.

Being one of those “animal lovers” and “bird watchers”  as well as a “lover of the beautiful outdoors,” I always visit Woodlands Nature Station when we’re in the Land Between the Lakes. The only problem is I never want to leave!

We had Opening Day 2016 marked on our calendars and went as soon as possible. I can’t remember if it was one or two days after they actually opened – but I know it was much too long to wait.

{Continued below the video…}

One of my personal favorite animals at the Nature Station is the gorgeous bobcat. I’m a stereotypical “Crazy Cat Lady,” so this is pretty much a given. Although she slept during our visit, the other animals more than made up for it – especially the turkeys, who put on a great show for us!

We took plenty of pictures of these beautiful birds and I was able to make a few videos. As luck would have it, just as I was in the middle of transitioning between camera and cellphone, several male turkeys had a “gobbling” match and it was really something to see AND hear.

Like children who won’t do what you want when you want, they refused to say another word after I resumed videoing them.

I really got a kick out of the way they “shake” and “ruffle” their feathers, which creates a really cool sound. The males were putting on a fantastic show for the females – we just got lucky enough to witness it all.

I’ll add more pictures from the day shortly – I was just anxious to let the turkeys show off and strut their beautiful stuff.

The wonderful thing about the Nature Station (in addition to the beautiful animals, trees, plants, and birds, that is) is this: It is never the same twice. Each time you go, a different animal or bird takes center stage, so to speak. Different birds will be at the many feeders, different animals will be up to varying shenanigans, different flowers will be showing off, etc.

The Nature Station is just too wonderful to describe. That’s why I take so many pictures! You’ll fall further in love with the colorful residents each time you go.

On a somewhat related note… I’m never eating turkey again.

Ever.

Turkeys at the Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes (LBL)

Owl Weekend at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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Owl
You will not EVER find a bigger animal and bird lover than the sweet tea chugging Kentuckian on the other side of these words. My husband even set my home office up so I could look out at our bird and squirrel feeders all day.

Is it any wonder some days I get next-to-nothing done?!

If you love birds like I do, I know you’ll want to sign up for Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s “Owl Weekend” April 22-23.

The weekend will include a night trek to see owls, an “Introduction to Owls” program on Friday night and a Saturday night program featuring live birds.

The cost for the entire weekend program is $35, per person, and includes one owl prowl (Friday or Saturday night) and the two programs at 7 p.m. each night. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 270-924-1131 or emailing Nick.Edmonds@ky.gov.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is ridiculously beautiful and has one of our favorite lodges in the entire Kentucky State Park system. It’s an absolute work of art. The restaurant at Lake Barkley State Resort Park is also one of the best in the system. I have not eaten there in a while, but the last time I was there, I remember thinking it was outstanding.

In addition to a lodge, Lake Barkley State Park includes cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming. The park is near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes, at 3500 State Park Road just off Interstate 24. Exit at Highway 68. From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

See Also:

Barren River Hosting Upcoming Sandhill Crane Tours

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Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

 

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is offering its Nature Watch Weekends to view sandhill cranes as they migrate home to the north in January and February.

Each year thousands of sandhill cranes make Barren River Lake a stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate. The lake’s exposed mud flats in winter provide the birds with a perfect spot to rest and socialize as they settle in for the night. Ample farmlands and wet meadows offer plenty of food.

Sandhill cranes are tall, gray birds reaching heights up to 4 feet, weighing up to 12 pounds with a wingspan of 6-7 feet. They have two distinct features about them: one is their appearance of a crimson, red-crowned forehead, white cheeks, and fluffy rear end; the other is when in flight, the long dark legs trail behind and the long neck is kept straight out, rather than tucked in towards the body.

Barren River is offering tours during two weekends for guests to learn more about these intriguing birds with a unique sound. Tours will be held Jan. 29-30 and Feb. 5-6, 2016.

Each weekend also includes an educational session conducted by a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Registration is $40 per adult and $20 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The fee includes all educational sessions, a box lunch, a T-shirt and a choice of a Friday sunset, Saturday sunrise or Saturday sunset tour. Sandhill Cranes

For more information, contact Logan Clark at logan.clark@ky.gov or 270-646-2151. When making reservations ask for the sandhill crane lodge room rate of $49.95 plus tax.

Beautiful Barren River Lake State Resort Parkis surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills, on the edge of a peaceful 10,000-acre lake. There are 51 lodge rooms, 22 cottages and 99 campsites at the park. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of an upscale fish camp in the Driftwood Restaurant.

If you are looking for something to do during your visit, you can play on the 18-hole golf course, hike along a nature trail, visit the marina to rent a boat, check out a fishing pole or sports equipment, browse the gift shop or just enjoy a peaceful seat overlooking the lake.

The resort is 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take Interstate 65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to U.S. 31E south.

Photo Credits: The picture at the top was taken by me this past summer at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. The beautiful picture of the Sandhill Cranes is being used with permission from the Kentucky State Parks.

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