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Download the Spring 2013 edition of Marsh Musings
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Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is engaged in a wide diversity of projects, programs, and services which serve to raise awareness of and support for John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, as well as the National Wildlife Refuge System and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
UPCOMING: CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge staff and volunteers invite all to join us on Saturday, May 11 to celebrate International Migratory Bird Days. Activities highlight the spectacle of bird migration and the life cycles that guide our feathered friends across multiple countries, diverse habitats, and perilous migratory journeys. Guided Bird Walks start at 7, 8, 9, and 10 a.m. A Wildlife Photography Walk and Trail Tamers Volunteer Service start at 9 a.m. Spring Blooms Plant Walk begins at 1 p.m. Bring binoculars, water bottles and work gloves, as appropriate. All events are free. Meet at Heinz Refuge Visitors Center.
UPCOMING: BALD EAGLE WALK & LEARN
Young Birders are invited to the Bald Eagle Walk & Learn at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, on Sunday, May 12, from 8 to 11 a.m. PA Young Birders will guide children and families to observe and learn about the Bald Eagles nesting at the Refuge. Two young eaglets are growing strong and healthy on their nest, fed and protected by hard-working adult eagles during their fourth consecutive nesting season at this location. We will see many other bird species along the way, including warblers, flycatchers, vireos, orioles and more. Be prepared to walk 2.25 miles. Bring water bottle and a trail snack. This activity is suitable for kids ages eight and above. This Bald Eagle Walk & Learn is taking place as part of International Migratory Bird Day weekend, celebrating life cycles of migratory birds. For more info, contact PA Young Birders at payoungbirders at gmail.com.
NEWS: BALD EAGLET(S) HATCH AT HEINZ
Heinz Refuge staff, supporters and volunteers are delighted to observe the newest generation of Bald Eagles thriving in the Refuge, one of two active eagle nest sites in Philadelphia. Hatched March 13, 2013, two fuzzy-headed eaglets are growing quickly under care of their hard-working parents. The chicks can be seen bobbing their heads above the nestline high atop Oak Island, at the south end of the main water impoundment. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Bald Eagles have nested at Heinz Refuge, signalling increasing health of our riverine eco-systems. Eagles eat almost exclusively fish, which are abundant in the Refuge and nearby Delaware River.
We invite all to post photos and observations on the Friends of Heinz Refuge Facebook page, as the fourth consecutive Bald Eagle nesting season unfolds at the Refuge. Check our "Eye on the Eagles 2013" photo album for frequent updates!
NEWS: PHILLY'S "WILDEST BACKYARD" DELIGHTS YOUNG BIRDERS
On February 16, PA Young Birders guided the annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Heinz Refuge, with wonderful results. Brendan was thrilled to add Rusty Blackbird and Horned Grebe to his life list. Julia’s second look at Saw-whet Owl was just as magical as the first. Bo spotted the first Brown Creeper. Sam and Sophie were amazed at the size of the Bald Eagle nest (with an eagle inside it!). Lucas followed the Red-shouldered Hawk circling over our heads. The boys from Wolf Pack 44 watched shovelers dabbling with pintail ducks. A collective “WOW!” rose up from everyone when a Great-blue Heron sailed overhead and landed on a nearby tree limb. The final report listed 40 species and 348 birds. The enthusiastic energy, impressive engagement, and amazing experience with these young birders are captured only in vivid photos and special memories. Thanks to PA Young Birders, volunteers, and Heinz Refuge for inspiring and connecting kids to birds with this wonderful citizen-science activity! The full photo album is featured on the PA Young Birder's Facebook page.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF HEINZ REFUGE: REFLECTION 33 OF 40
U.S. Representative Curt Weldon, at podium, presents copy of signed legislation allocating nearly $2.5 million to the Heinz refuge to Greg Mallon, executor for the estate of Antonio Cusano, who willed the money to the Refuge. Friends of Heinz Refuge is a non-profit organization that supports the mission of the refuge and is funded in part by donations from people like you. Are you interested in becoming a member of the Friends of Heinz Refuge? Join today!
Heinz Refuge celebrates its 40th anniversary with a collection of articles, stories, and images from the Refuge archives. We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane featuring 40 years of collaborative efforts to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Read more reflections in our archive. If you have a memory or story to share, please email it to info(at)friendsofheinzrefuge.org. We'll be gathering as many as we can for a special retrospect.
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FOHR mailing address: PO Box 333,
Folcroft PA 19032-0333.
Heinz Refuge address: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19153.
Telephone: (215) 365-3118
Email:
Info@friendsofheinzrefuge.org
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