Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Birding...on the Farm (SWF)

Aullwood Audubon Center is a small, diverse nature sanctuary within a short drive from downtown Dayton, Ohio. As one of the founding members of the Audubon Centers Network, this property offers opportunities for all to "build an awareness, appreciation, and understanding of birds and other wildlife" within its 350-acre boundaries. And, even on days when the weather outside might become a barrier to this exploration, dozens of hands-on exhibits, fascinating to all ages, are housed within thematic classrooms of the education center or scattered throughout its observation rooms and quiet, reflective areas, while birdsong captured by outdoor microphones is brought in for those who watch.

We drove the hour's drive one afternoon, prepared to walk a portion of the 6 miles of trails weaving between prairie, woods, ponds, and meadow--sure that a blue sky would reveal a bounty of birds in its branches.
But, it did not.



The only birds we could find were those belonging to the Farm--laying chickens and a hen turkey roaming freely along the walkways beyond the huge, old barn that is also Aullwood.
Areas where visitors there can see sheep and ponies and cattle and crops.
And stop to sit, face-to face, with what many have only seen in a book.






Because, fifty years ago, one generous woman with a heart for the natural world, set these lands aside for others' enjoyment. By giving it to Audubon, ensuring it would be untouched by development, and preserved as a natural place.
Because, those birds we had hoped to see, the bounty in the branches, others may not yet know to look for.
And a chat with a chicken, who inquisitively explores your shoelaces, is where that knowing might start.




all photos click to enlarge

There is more information about Marie Aull
and the establishment of the Aullwood property
from the Audubon Society here.



See more Skywatch here.

More Camera Critters here.

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26 comments:

hitch writer said...

Nice captures Nina ! lovely blue skies are here again !

bobbie said...

No birds in the trees, but what beautiful branches!
Your photos, as always, are wonderful

Cicero Sings said...

I like chickens and would like four layers for our own yard ... maybe one day.

Steffi said...

Great pics!Especially I like the pics of the trees!Happy SWF!

Anonymous said...

I think your photos are very nice. I liked the turkey and the chickens.

I thought I would try SkyWatch again. Not sure how far I will get before I tire out but will give it a try.

My Skywatch Post

Brad Myers said...

It looks like you have my luck, but you still got some shutter releases. Good sky watch.

kden said...

I'm enjoying my first visit to your blog. I love the stark tree against the beautiful blue sky.

Appalachian Lady said...

That looks like a lovely place to walk and observe. I bet there will be a lot of birds (meadowlarks, chipping sparrows) in the spring. Nice photos--I have one similar to the one of the sycamore that I took last year. I love the white bark.

Nova said...

nice place, it pretty look relaxing ...

SUPERNOVA and SWEETPAIN
ANGELS IN MY LIFE

Anonymous said...

Love the way the sky immitates the patterns on the barn roof and the siding! (Cute peeps, too!)

Michele said...

I love the capture of the blue sky in the tangle of the bare branches.. it really is beautiful!!

Take care,

Mountain Retreat

SandyCarlson said...

Those trees are gorgeous. Beautifully done.

Rottlady of the Ozarks said...

Very interesting post even if there were no birds, the chickens were cute anyway! Love the tree shots.

Champ Townboy said...

Wonderful post!

Tammie Lee said...

Each of your images is wonderful!! Love that blue sky with the winter trees in the foreground.

KGMom said...

I do think it a shame that too many children today grow up without ever having met a chicken.
When I was a kid, we had chickens galore on the mission station. They are cool birds.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Kgmom--you know, I almost see farm animals in the role as somewhere between pets and wildlife. They're somewhat domesticated (especially at our house, where chickens were bathed and wrapped in towels!) yet, not indoor, snuggled pets--giving us an opportunity to realize that there's more in the world beyond our walls. Let alone, the understanding that can come from an organic operation, where manure nourishes the next year's growth, which, in turn, feed that year's animals.
Such a great example of how we're all tied up in this together.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Oh, and not to mention the goldmine that preserved habitats and farmlands can be--when so many are being sold to the highest bidder, and plotted as the next, cloned housing development.

Dewdrop said...

Lovely collection of shots here. I love the tree again the brilliant blue sky, and your chicken shots are terrific!

Unknown said...

Chickens don't get enough credit: we over overlook them in favor of their domesticated cousins -- the duck -- or the ones free up in the open sky (or this case, empty branches). Sometimes you take what you can find!

cestoady said...

I have to agree with R.V.Sobczak -- Chickens are our forgotten birds. They are wonderful in all ways --rich,comfortable "songs", eggs, and of course --what better soup?

Super portraits !!

Anonymous said...

The first photo looks like a puzzle, with all its intersecting lines.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Wonderful set of photos, i like the clouds peaking through the tree limbs

Bernie said...

Your pictures were beautiful to see, thank you for posting them and thank you for visiting my site. I am a new blogger and you are welcome anytime. I now have found another blogger friend who loves life and especially nature. I will continue to view your blog and enjoy your pictures.

Adrienne Zwart said...

I enjoyed these pictures. I'm thinking that Aullwood is only a couple of hours away from me and might make the list of places to visit this summer once the kids are out of school.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

It is probably a tad early to expect much in the trees yet Nina. I know your feeling of anticipation. We just returned from TX. Nothing like 70 degree days to get your blood to pumping not to mention a few life birds.