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Early Morning
Discovery Hike Report
Darke County Parks...
Warblers, Kinglets & Gnatcatchers! It’s spring!
This morning’s hike was an AMAZING bird-filled adventure despite the
cold and windy conditions. Originally this morning’s hike was
planned for touring Eidson Woods (our newest park, opening
Saturday! See below), but wow is it a good thing we didn’t.
We had a whopping 40(!!) species, which is a good amount for late
spring, let alone mid-April! There were many First-of-the-Year
(FOY) birds, including a Great Egret, Yellow-throated Warbler, and
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. We got a good look at the Great-horned
Owlet in the nest. The Ruby-crowned Kinglets were singing their
hearts out and we even got really good looks at their ruby-colored
crests! Wow, it was a great spring-birding morning... even if our
hands were numb by the end of the hike!
In addition to all of the great birds, we also had several wildflowers
blooming, including Cut-leaf Toothwort, Spring Beauty and Purple
Cress. May Apples, Wild Hyacinth and Trout Lily are also popping
up all over the forest floor. The smaller shrubs and low-level
trees are beginning to leaf-out. The Red Buds are starting to
turn pink. Spring is all around us!
Check out our Early Morning Discovery Hikes each Tuesday morning at 8am
held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve.
Program Reminders:
Eidson Woods Grand Opening
Saturday, April 16: 1pm
RSVP Requested - 937.548.0165
Join Darke County Parks for the opening of our newest Park, Eidson
Woods Preserve! Beginning at 8am, the Darke County Birders will
host a bird hike along the new trail to start our species list.
At 1pm, the official ceremony will commence followed by refreshments
and a staff led nature hike through the trails. Located on OH-502
West, next to Palestine-Union City Rd, this 70 acre park offers
pristine woodland, and grassland habitats. Join us as we
celebrate!
Native Plant Pre-sale
Due by Friday, April 15
No Walk-in Sales
This year, we are ONLY offering a pre-sale of Native Plants, both sun
and shade varieties, for our annual plant sale. This is allow us
cheaper costs and fewer plants left over after the sale. Please
check out the website to place your order today!
Egg Dyeing; Naturally!
Sunday, April 17: 2pm / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Pre-registration Required
Using a combination of onion skins, flowers, leaves and water will
create your one-of-a-kind Easter Eggs! Start a new family
tradition this year and join us for this annual event.
Pre-registration is required so we know how many eggs we need to
purchase. Call the Nature Center to sign up.
Butterfly Monitoring
Fridays @ 2pm / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Join a Darke County Parks’ Naturalist each and every Friday as we hike
a pre-set trail and record the butterfly species we encounter.
Some will be netted for up close views and field guides will be
provided. Please note: These hikes will not take place in
weather under 60° and on exceptionally windy days. Call the
Nature Center with questions.
See you on the Trails!
Robb & DCP Staff
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