Who knew when we started reaching out to speakers last winter that we would be facing a pandemic causing us to shelter in place? We hope you are well and safely taking care to follow all necessary precautions at this time. Here at MFA, in following all guidelines from our state and federal agencies, we are reluctantly cancelling all programs and events until we receive word that it is safe to resume gatherings once again.
After over a year of planning, we were ready to send out the final invitation to the Beech Grove Trail dedication in memory of Marilyn Campbell, but now the dedication has been postponed for a safer time to be determined later. So for now, these programs and events are on hold but we are looking at some creative ways that we can reach out to you so stay tuned! We have some tech-savvy speakers so we are exploring how MFA might be able to connect those speakers and our members. Until then, we hope you are able to get outside and enjoy the spring migratory birds, the fleeting splendor of spring wildflowers, and all the beauty that nature around us affords.
A reminder….A FEW THINGS THAT ARE NOT CANCELLED! As nature lovers, we all know that stillness in the out-of-doors can offer some up-close encounters with wildlife. Consider embracing this still space with a few activities we suggest below:
1. Sit outside and watch a bird build its nest, or better yet, monitor a nest-check out NestWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.nestwatch.org
2. Monitor a nest box. MFA works with almost 40 volunteers who are already in the field checking nearly 400 boxes for Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters. If you have some trees and open fields around your home or nearby, consider adding a nest box or two and tend it. We can help you get started.
3. Study up on your bird call identification! Sibley Birds, Merlin Bird ID (by Cornell Lab of Ornithology), and Audubon Birding by Ear are a just a few great online resources. Sibley and Merlin both have downloadable smart phone apps for birding on the go!
4. Use your binoculars and look at nature close up. It is a wonderful pastime and a great learning tool.
5. Don’t forget to go outside at dusk or dark, too. Watching bats fly overhead and feed, or listening to night sounds of frogs, other wildlife, and perhaps an owl, is so enjoyable, along with watching for shooting stars and constellations.
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