Who knew? Manor is for the birds
By Elias Horn | Manor Ink
PROTECTING FEATHERED FRIENDS Kate Hyden says birds can see red, so her cat wears a bright red collar to alert them to potential feline danger. Elias Horn photo
Livingston Manor, NY - Inspired by the renowned ornithologist and local birder, Valerie Freer, Manorite Kate Hyden, is leading a movement to help transform the Town of Rockland into a bird-friendly haven.
As vice president of the Sullivan County Audubon Society, Hyden works with her colleagues and President Maura Muller to educate and inspire people to learn about birds and wildlife, and why it’s so important for humans to take care of the changing environment. “Birds are a barometer for what’s happening in the environment,” Hyden said.
While SCAS also teaches its members about other animals like butterflies and “herps,” i.e., snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads and salamanders, learning how to identify birds, taking part in bird counts and finding ways to help care for birds in the wild,is a big part of the organization’s work.
SCAS organizes events and opportunities for the local community and partners with other like-minded organizations such as the Young Birders Club, the Basha Kill Area Association and the Mamakating Environmental Education Center.
“In Livingston Manor, we have a huge variety of birds. We see them when we do bird counts which take place all year long. These counts tell us what’s happening with the bird population. Right now, we have spring migration beginning, and the other morning I had over 100 grackles and red-winged blackbirds. They’ve been wiping out the feeders!” Hyden said, with a laugh. “We’re spending our Social Security money on feeding the birds!”
Audubon Society events
The Audubon Society has several events coming up this month For more information about them and future events, visit sullivanaudubon.org.
Earth Day Celebration: Wednesday, April 22; 10 a.m-2 p.m.; SUNY Sullivan, 112 College Rd., Loch Sheldrake.
O&W Rail Trail Walk: Saturday, April 25; 8 a.m.; meet at the O&W Trail head, 214 Main St., Hrleyville.
Various SCAS events are planned for the spring. The first week of April marks the annual feeder count. People count the number and type of birds on their property and at feeders for one week and report their findings to SCAS.
On April 22, SCAS will attend Earth Day at Sullivan County Community College, and on the following Saturday, April 25, in partnership with the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance, they combine two events in one – “Celebrate National Go Birding Day” and “Celebrate Trails Day” – for a special walk along a paved section of the trail which is accessible to people of all ages and mobility. Anyone interested in joining should meet up at the trailhead at 8 a.m. You don’t need to be a member of the Society to enjoy this or other SCAS events.
Finally, in early May, the organization hosts what is perhaps its most fun affair. Called “Break-a-Hundred Weekend,” the event is a gentle competition between teams of two or more to see how many species of birds they can find in Sullivan County in a 24 hour period.
“It’s a great way to get outside with friends and have a fun, challenging time looking for as many bird species as possible,” Hyden said.