A "birdtastic" event focused on the family was held Saturday morning, May 2nd at Hummel Park nature center. Activities featured included an opportunity to create a nature journal, paint a bird feeder made of popsicle sticks, use crayons to color bird outlines or go on a scavenger hunt and enjoy the spring woods, including the blooming timber phlox.
The kids could also enjoy touching animal skins, deer horns, read children books with a nature theme, play with stuffed animals and enjoy other items in the nature center.
The birdtastic event was a "complement to other nature-based activities" at the center, said Christine Stehno, camp supervisor.
There was a small, enthusiastic attendance. One child, Isaac, found a turkey feature that was a treasure from his visit. He also took home a painted bird feeder, and some sunflower seeds to place in it once hung at home.
A new addition to the park is a flock of chickens. They - and newly hatched chicks - will be used for educational purposes, especially during the summer day camp, Stehno said. The birds are all white, but some colored varieties are expected to be added.
Birds noted about the nature center during the morning included the Chipping Sparrow, Carolina Wren, House Wren at a bird house, the favorite Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Northern Flicker, a Blue Jay carrying nest material, a Wild Turkey, Tufted titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Turkey Vulture soaring overhead, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker and a vividly territorial Eastern Bluebird.
Although it was not specifically scheduled for Nebraska Bird Month, it was the first-bird related event in the Omaha area for International Migratory Bird Day.
