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RTPI To Hold Free Outdoor Guided Tour On Wednesday

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute will hold a free outdoor guided tour of bird nests and nesting behaviors on Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m.

Birds are back and busy. It is nesting season and every bird capable of doing so is in some stage of trying to have, and raise, offspring. Those interested in a closer look at bird nests and nesting behaviors are invited to take a one-hour walk at Roger Tory Peterson Institute with Craig Thompson, vice chair of the Audubon Council of New York State.

“Nesting season is special,” said Thompson. “All these different species of birds have to find mates, build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young in just a few months.”

Bird nests and nesting behaviors are tremendously varied.

“Some birds, like the Killdeer, nest right on the ground,” Thompson stated. “Others nest in the rafters of buildings, or on tree branches, or birdhouses and other cavity nests.”

The program, part of the continuing series of weekly bird outings this spring at RTPI’s 311 Curtis St. sanctuary in Jamestown, is open to the public free of charge, but registration is required and will be strictly limited. To register, email the name of each participant to events@rtpi.org by 5 p.m. today.

Participants are urged to dress for a short hike along the trails of the 27-acre sanctuary.

“RTPI’s grounds are an excellent place to see nesting birds,” Thompson said. “There are plenty of bird houses, nests in the rafters, and acres of woods. Like the other bird walks I have done at RTPI, bird guides and binoculars are not required but will be helpful”

Participants are urged to check the weather and dress for a short hike. In case of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled. Face masks and COVID distancing guidelines are still required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

“On the walk, we will talk about the New York State Breeding Bird Atlas,” Thompson said. “This five-year citizen science project is crucial for understanding where the state’s 244 bird species are and how they are doing. It is easy to contribute, too. You don’t have to be an expert.”

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