It's Spring and the purple martins have started to return to our two Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries in Frederick County. The bluebirds are nesting and the tree swallows have returned; we need to assure the sanctuaries will meet their needs. It's Birdathon time!
Bob Schaefer and Dave Smith, will perform their annual Spring survey of the Fred Archibald Audubon Sanctuary [140 acres] and the Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary [129 acres] May 5 and 12.
The combined Spring Census of all the species of birds has found from 80 to 90 species on these annual May counts. Over the years 172 species of birds and 56 of butterflies have been recorded indicating the habitat value of these great places. Eagle Scouts are regularly doing projects and earning their awards. American Chestnut and Elm trees have been planted to help keep them among us. Audrey Carroll is also the location of our annual Native Plant sale where we provide a source of native trees, shrubs, and flowers for people to landscape their yards for birds and other wildlife, as well as adding beauty to their homes.
We have just planted about 200 trees to buffer the Fred Archibald Sanctuary from potential development of adjoining property, and at Audrey Carroll we are actively removing invasive alien trees that arrived over the years. Always a lot to do; all done by volunteers; but trees, mowing, and materials for walking paths, mulch, and tree guards against deer all take financial support.
We hope you will support these Audubon efforts. The birds and other critters need your support. To support our Birdathon and our local sanctuaries, just download the pledge sheet here.
Thank you!
