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Outdoor Recreation Festival at Taconic Center Offers Array of Activities
Throughout the month of May, as the morning sunlight crests above the hills of the Hudson Highlands, the bird chorus starts. This crescendo is music to the knowledgeable County resident; to the less experienced it can be a substitute for the alarm clock or just plain noise. So what is going on here?
To learn more about the morning chorus, Putnam Highland Audubon invites you to join Rich Guthrie at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center (TOEC) at 9am on Sunday, May 20. View one of these songsters "up close and personal" as Rich nets and bands resident and migrating songbirds. He will demonstrate the use of a "mist net" and explain the importance of bird banding in research. Afterwards, participants can go on a bird walk, learn about binoculars and test different models.
This activity is part of TOEC's Mt. Laurel Outdoor RecFest., which will take place from 9am until 3pm. Food and beverages are available. Admission is only $2 for adults and $1 for kids. The schedule is as follows:
-Bird Banding 9am: Observe a bird up close and personal. Join Rich Guthrie as he nets and bands songbirds. Rich will demonstrate this method and explain the importance of bird banding in research.
-Skins & Skulls 9am-2pm: Touch the skull of a coyote, feel the front teeth of a beaver or run hands through the thick winter coat of a grey fox.
Hudson Valley River Otter Program 9am-2pm: Learn how to recognize otters and the signs they leave behind with the DEC's Hudson Valley River Otter Stewardship Program. Find out what you can do to ensure a future for the otter in the Lower Hudson River Valley.
-Kayaking 10am-2pm: Hudson Valley Pack N' Paddle Adventures will demonstrate kayak skills and answer questions. The latest white water and sea kayaks will be available for use. Sign-up when you arrive.
-Bird Walk 10am: Birding is for everyone! Discover the excitement of spring birding. Join local birders on a walk around the grounds.
-Guiding Eyes - 10am-2pm: Enjoy a visit with our canine ambassadors and learn what services they provide.
-Interpretive Canoe Paddle 10:30am and 12:30pm: Paddling a canoe is a wonderful way to enjoy a spring day. Our naturalist will guide you on a canoe trip on our pond. Space is limited. Interpretive Hike - 10:30am: Join a naturalist for a one hour nature walk and learn about the landscape of the Hudson Highlands.
-Orienteering 11am-1pm: Orienteering is a fun outdoor activity - walk/jog/run a course in the woods using a detailed map and compass. Sponsored by Hudson Valley Orienteering.
-Outdoor Skills 1pm: Join our naturalist for a hands-on demonstration of outdoor skills.
Birds of Prey 2-3pm: Live hawks take center stage. Watch wildlife lecturer Bill Robinson as he flies live hawks and explains the important role of these fascinating birds.
For more information, contact 265-3773
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