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Bedford Audubon Featured on The Martha Stewart Show!
Martha Stewart extended the invitation to Jim to appear on the show after he delivered the bird seed—lots of it—that Martha had ordered for the numerous birdfeeders at her farm in Bedford. Martha loves birds and enjoys having them around her house; in fact, she has recorded more than 100 species on her property. Jim also delivered several kestrel boxes (he brought one to the show), which have now been placed around Martha’s 153-acre property; with its expansive meadows, it is ideal habitat for these rapidly declining raptors. Bedford Audubon will be building and setting up nest boxes in our area, part of a wider program to support kestrels all over New York State. Jim brought a live American Kestrel (from a wildlife rehabilitation center) with him, so the audience could see this beautiful bird up close. He also brought a live Broad-winged Hawk, one of the many species of raptors that Bedford Audubon has been counting this fall as they migrate over our area. Our data will become part of a nationwide study to assess the overall numbers and status of raptors. There are many things people can do to reverse the downward trend in the bird population. Jim emphasized the importance of keeping pesticides out of our backyards—not only for the birds’ sake (70 million birds are killed by pesticides every year), but also to protect our children and our pets. He urged people to cut down on the size of their lawns, let nature take over a larger part of the property, and get rid of those noisy leaf blowers! Rake if you must, but leave ample leaves and cover for the birds. Planting shrubs that produce berries also attracts birds to your backyard and helps them survive the winter. Another idea is to put up nest boxes for bluebirds; putting them up now will provide shelter for the birds, and in the spring you may see them nesting there. Bird watching is one of the most popular pastimes. It is an ideal family activity, and it is easy to get started. Buy a pair of binoculars and a field guide, put up a birdfeeder, and start watching the birds all around you. The upcoming Christmas Bird Count (website: www.audubon.org) is a perfect way to begin to know the birds. Join a group in your area—there are always knowledgeable people on hand—and help count the birds. No experience is necessary. Other News About Bedford Audubon
Copyright © 2009 Bedford Audubon Society |
On
Tuesday, November 17, Bedford Audubon Executive Director Jim Nordgren appeared
on the nationally televised Martha Stewart Show.