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Photo courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited.
Bluebird with juvenile.
Photo courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited.
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Once a month the Williamsburg Bird Club hosts a bird walk at New Quarter Park. The walks are open to the public and anyone interested in birds is welcome.
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Kevin & Meg Ernst, Managers of Wild Birds Unlimited
For all the domestic critters that share our homes, many animal enthusiasts turn to the wild skies for enjoyment.
Kevin Ernst, manager of the local Wild Birds Unlimited, said that people are surprised by what shows up in their backyard given the right encouragement. With a bird feeder and a water feature placed in the right spot, it’s easy to attract native (though elusive) birds, such as bluebirds and a type of woodpecker called a yellow-shafted flicker.
“Even if you start simple, you’d be amazed what you see,” he said. The geography of the Historic Triangle helps to nurture a diverse population of species, from seabirds to woodland species.
Some of Wild Birds Unlimited’s regulars take their avian appreciation to the next level as members of the Williamsburg Bird Club.
Last year the group celebrated its 40th anniversary. The club organizes bird walks, and members venture far and wide in search of all sorts of birds, both common and rare, according to president Cheryl Jacobson. Yet most folks don’t know that the organization also serves two other functions, Jacobson noted.
The club promotes the study of wildbirds, a mission assisted by the proximity of William & Mary and the space and speakers available at the college. What’s more, the club advocates for the protection of habitat, she said, championing the preservation of natural spaces where birds can thrive.
Jacobson said that there’s no better time to stop by for a club meeting; 2018 is Audubon’s Year of the Bird, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
