Nest box seminar offered at Horicon Marsh

NEST BOX SEMINAR OFFERED AT HORICON MARSH

February 18, 2014

HORICON, Wis. - People can learn about songbirds and raptors that use nest boxes, and how to build and place nest boxes to enhance bird habitat at an upcoming nesting box seminar at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. The seminar will be held March 1, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and no registration is required.

"Spring signals the return of nesting birds to our yards. Many of these birds will be looking for a tree cavity or nest box to lay their eggs and raise their young," says Liz Herman, Department of Natural Resources wildlife educator at Horicon. "We can all assist native cavity nesters by providing and monitoring suitable nest boxes for them. "

There will be displays by the Horicon Marsh Bird Club, Marsh Haven Nature Center, the Wood Duck Society, Bird City Wisconsin, Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology and the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory. Members of these organizations will be available during the event to answer questions and discuss their role in providing "housing" for native cavity nesting birds.

Local nest box enthusiasts and experts will present and share knowledge gained from years of building, mounting and monitoring nest boxes for a variety of species throughout the day.

Jeff Bahls, representing the Wood Duck Society, will give a program on, How to Make your Wood Duck Box Pro-duck-tive. Wildlife educator Herzmann will share stories about Nest Box Treasures. Jack Bartholmai with the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin will share information on bluebird boxes and there will be a presentation by the Central Wisconsin Kestrel Research folks on kestrel nest boxes.

People of all ages may purchase and build their own birdhouses - a great activity for children - assisted by carpenters of the Beaver Dam Senior Center's woodshop, kids also can make an owl greeting card with event-provided materials and bird puzzles will also be available for families. Various nest boxes and kits can be purchased.

Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725 Hwy 28 between Horicon and Mayville. For further information and a detailed schedule please visit horiconmarsh.org or horiconmarshbirdclub.com (both links exit DNR) or contact Jeff Bahls at 920-210-4832 or jbahls@wildblue.net or Liz Herzmann, wildlife educator, at 920-387-7893

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Liz Herzmann, 920-387-7893

Last Revised: Tuesday, February 18, 2014