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Feather Fest takes flight

Mosquito Hill Nature Center and the city of New London will present Feather Fest on Saturday, April 25.

Feather Fest is a family-friendly day for bird lovers and bird watchers of all ages. Events include guided bird walks, bird watching by canoe, picnic, indoor learning sessions and a bird-friendly yard contest. All activities are free.

The following outdoor activities are planned:

A guided bird hike will be held at Mosquito Hill Nature Center from 7–10 a.m. An easy walk on grass paths will lead you to birding hot spots. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the nature center. A shorter, guided bird walk in Hatten Park in New London will feature an easy walk on established trails from 8–10 a.m. Waterproof footgear is recommended for both walks.

Paddle the nature center’s oxbow ponds and Wolf River backwaters while you search for birds. Choose a two hour trip at 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. Bring your own canoe or kayak or borrow one at no charge. This event is best suited for adults and teens.

Two indoor learning sessions will also be held at Mosquito Hill Nature Center. Learn how to make your yard more bird-friendly by landscaping with native plants. Presenters from Wild Ones will give ideas on improving the local landscape from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This program is best suited for adults though all ages are welcome.

At 2:30 p.m. staff from Aves Wildlife Alliance, Neenah, will show live hawks and owls as part of a program on aerial predators. All ages are welcome.

Activities especially for young birders will also be held. Children can learn about birds with help from the Avian Discovery Chest from the New London Public Museum. These hands-on activities will be available at the nature center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A naturalist-led hike for children will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Explore the nature center property for natural and person-made bird homes. Search for old and new nests. Learn how plants we think of as “weeds” provide food and shelter for many bird species.

A picnic at Mosquito Hill begins at 1 p.m. Bring your own sack lunch or join others for a $5 sub-sandwich lunch. Reservations are appreciated.

New London residents are eligible to enter a contest for the best bird-friendly yard. Yards will be ranked on the quality and variety of natural habitat and person-made offerings. Registration is required by April 27. Winners will be announced and notified, and prizes awarded on May 9, International Migratory Bird Day.

For more information or to register for the bird-friendly yard contest, e-mail [email protected], call 920-779-6433 or visit www.mosquitohill.com.

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