News
See what's happening around Audubon Community Nature Center.
Lawns
How did we get to this place where a short, lush carpet of green around our houses, schools, parks, and businesses is both desired and expected? While a freshly cut front yard seems as American as apple pie, it was actually a fashion brought from Europe. Large expanses of lawn started in England and France in the 1700s. Because they were expensive to maintain, and served no purpose other than beauty, they were possible only for the wealthy.
Liberty’s 20th Anniversary
Liberty celebrated twenty years at Audubon on May 30, 2022. She has been a local celebrity since her arrival. Many people park in the parking lot, walk over to sit with the eagle for a few minutes, then walk back to their cars and leave. If I do a program, almost anywhere, people ask how Liberty is doing. She is the face of Audubon for many people.
Black Birders Week
I discovered that while studying birds to create his well-known works of art, he often killed the very bird that he was painting. Without access to color photography, this was a common way for naturalists to study animals. What was more troubling was learning that, like so many of his time, his treatment of his fellow human beings was no less life-threatening than his treatment of the birds he studied.
In one of Audubon’s written accounts of a birding expedition, he described coming across a family who had recently escaped from slavery. His account describes the family as being gathered around a fire, seeking warmth and nourishment. When Audubon approached, they welcomed him into their circle. In response, Audubon took the family back to the man who claimed to own them. Unlike the birds at bird banding, which we released after their short captivity, this family was forced back into society’s system of oppression.
The Importance of Vultures
Noticeable, even from a distance, is the Turkey Vulture’s small, featherless, red head. While contributing to their reputation as ugly, their naked head actually helps keep them healthy. As they feed on dead animals, their head often in the carcass, feathers would hold in bacteria and food particles. Without feathers on their head, they remain a lot cleaner. They also don’t get sick from eating rotten meat. Their strong stomach acid can kill bacteria and even anthrax and influenza.
Other adaptations may also seem disgusting to some. Birds cannot sweat to cool themselves down like humans do. Some open their mouth and pant. Turkey Vultures pee on their legs and feet, relying on evaporation to carry the heat away. It is also thought the urine cleans their legs of bacteria. And when threatened, they projectile vomit on potential predators.
Puddle Piranhas
Wood Frogs have dramatically increased in number over the years. Their floating masses of eggs cover a solid quarter of the pool now. Spotted Salamanders also come annually, always choosing one particular side of the pool. Newts are year-long residents, and there are many insects that seem to hang out all year as well. Green Frog tadpoles spend their first two years there, looking gargantuan compared to the amphibians that only take one year to mature.
Birding for a Better World
There are people who fanatically like birds and the challenge of identifying them. These people are called birders. Birders are distinctly different from bird watchers, but that’s for a different article. Birders are a close-knit tribe of enthusiastic, binocular-toting, individuals who can be seen staring intently into the bushes at tiny, flitting birds that most people don’t notice.
Address
Audubon Community Nature Center
1600 Riverside Road
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 569-2345
info@auduboncnc.org
Hours and Admission
Nature Center Hours:
Monday - Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Building Admission:
Members - Free
Non-member Adult (ages 16+) - $6
Non-member Child (ages 3 - 15) - $2
Children ages 2 and under - Free
Maximum cost for a Family - $15
Free admission to the Nature Center for SNAP/EBT cardholders.
Free admission for all on Sundays
Grounds and Outdoor Exhibits:
Open daily, year round from dawn to dusk, free of charge
Thank you, Community Partners
Audubon Community Partners make a significant financial contribution each year because they believe that every child deserves the opportunity to have a real and healthy connection to nature.
Bruce and Juline Battler
Carnahan-Jackson Foundation
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
Donna and Mark Hampton
Holmberg Foundation
Hultquist Foundation
Jessie Smith Darrah Fund
Kinetic Internet Service Provider
The Lenna Foundation
The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation
David Campbell
Sue and Bill Chandler
Hal and Mary Conarro
Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant
Bob and Kathy Frucella
Kravitz Tree Service
Thomas Kuntz and Meredith Kuntz
Doug and Lamae McCullor
National Fuel Gas Company
Southern Chautauqua
Federal Credit Union
Weinberg Financial Group
Curt and Susie Westrom
Whirley-DrinkWorks!
Jeanne Wiebenga and Jane Stirniman
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