Our “Wings of Wonder: WV Birds of Prey” program is coming to the Spring Hill Cemetery Park on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 3:00 PM! The event is free, open to the public and great for all ages. Here are the details:
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A Day of Avian Adventures – “Wings of Wonder: WV Birds of Prey” and Bluebird Houses
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A Day of Avian Adventures – “Wings of Wonder: WV Birds of Prey” and Bluebird Houses
Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum, 1555 Farnsworth Road, Charleston, WV 25301
Saturday April 27, 2024, 2pm – 5pm
- From, 2-3pm: Bird Talk to Representatives in their field from:
- Handlan Chapter of Brooks Bird Club
- Greens Feed and Seed
- Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum
- Charleston Camera Club
- Daniel Rubianto – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and WV Division of Natural Resources – Cerulean Warbler Biologist
- 3pm: “Wings of Wonder: WV Birds of Prey” – Come meet 6 native WV Raptor Ambassadors close up, including live owls, falcons, hawk and our bald eagle Regis. Learn about the habitats they live in, the foods they eat, their unique abilities and the dangers they face. Pick up pro-active tips for helping WV’s wild birds and get a chance to ask questions during this award-winning interactive program. – Presented by Three Rivers Avian Center, Hinton, WV.
- 4:15pm: Blue Bird Nesting Boxes – information on bluebird nesting behavior and other species that may inhabit the nest boxes. Daniel Rubianto – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and WV Division of Natural Resources
- 4.30: We will have Bluebird Boxes to be placed in the Cemetery. Help take a bluebird box into the Cemetery and place it on a preset pole, or just enjoy a walk in the grounds and maybe some birdwatching or photography on your own.
Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum was designated a bird sanctuary in 1916. Its 170 acres provide varied habitats, attracting numerous different birds, and the internal paved roads make it a popular place for walkers and bird watchers. This time of year is a busy time as there are many returning home and passing through migratory birds. In 1916, following its designation as a bird sanctuary, State Ornithologist I.H Johnston erected blue birdhouses in the Cemetery. In 1923, he wrote ‘Birds of West Virginia’, which was published by The West Virginia Department of Agriculture. His house in South Hills was named ‘Bird Haven’ and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Johnston also owned and operated a tailor shop at 308 Virginia Street in Charleston. Johnston is buried in the Cemetery and his tombstone is engraved with the word ‘Naturalist’.
The entire event is free and open to the public, and it’s a fun family-friendly day!
Sponsored by Spring Hill Cemetery Park Commission
