Birdlife
Monthly and Yearly bird lists are provided by Jack and Ginger McCall.
The Watershed Nature Center supports a large number of birds. The 46-acre site includes two lakes, bordered by open wetland and wooded areas, with nearby woodlands that also favor bird life. Annual counts amount to about 140 species, however, many of these stay just a few weeks or simply pass through on migration.
Visiting birdwatchers should bring binoculars and a telescope to help spot distant waterfowl or high flying raptors. Most birds currently in residence can be found by taking the 1-mile asphalt and chip trail that circles the two lakes. Taking short side trails adds to any daily count. (One side trail is a 1000-foot raised cement walk over one edge of a lake.) Knowledge of bird calls and songs adds even more birds to a daily list.
Watershed managers enhanced birdlife by digging one lake deeper than the other for diving ducks; planting special trees and shrubs for food and shelter; placing nest boxes in several locations; and providing a supplemental food station. This station is located near the Welcome Center for easy viewing.
