The Thursday evening “Restoration for Landowners” program will be an Introduction to the Door County Invasive Species Team and Door County Soil and Water. Tim Dahl and Jason Miller will discuss programs that will improve habitats for wildlife and birds. But even after Crossroads’ habitat restoration efforts, we no longer hear the enthusiastic morning choruses, and come to think about it, this time of year, we don’t see as many birds either.
One of the Summer Nature Programs this week will feature Fantastic Flyers, a program about migration.
In the “Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior”, illustrator/author David Sibley wrote: "Migratory activity is exceptionally strenuous, involving peak energy demands as much as seven to fifteen times greater than the bird would use when resting. These higher energy demands may be expended over periods of continuous flight between two and six days without rest.
“Scientists estimate that an equivalent feat of physical endurance for a human would be to run a 4-minute mile for 80 hours straight.”
He then goes on to describe how display and territorial behavior, courtship and mate selection, nest building, egg development, and care of the offspring are extremely energy-intensive.
But those activities are winding down. Male birds no longer sing to attract mates and defend territories. The young have fledged. One would think that this would be a nice respite for the birds…a time to relax and chill. But no!
Depending on the species, birds must replace some or all of their worn feathers before migration. Songbirds lose their feathers gradually, so they are never naked. However, they have a ragged appearance this time of year and usually remain quiet and well-hidden during the process because they are vulnerable to predation. Also, because feathers provide insulation, birds must use huge amounts of energy just to maintain body heat.
Migratory birds are still around, and we don’t notice them much at this time of year. But that is no reason to avoid our trails. Our forested trails offer a cool retreat on a warm day, and our summer programming will help you learn as you have fun.
Wednesday, August 7
10:00 Summer Nature Programs – Fantastic Flyers
Learners of all ages are invited to this free program about bird migration. No reservations are required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Thursday, August 8
5:30 pm Resources for Landowners Series: DCIST and Door County Soil & Water
This summer, Crossroads is hosting the Resources for Landowners lecture series, a speaker series aimed at connecting Door County landowners with the tools and resources available in the county for restoring and managing the natural resources found on their land. Tim Dahl and Jason Miller will speak on Door County Soil & Water and the Door County Invasive Species Team, their programs and the they offer landowners. Free and open to the public. Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, August 12
10:00 Summer Make and Take Program: Make Your Own Fossil (model)
Learners of all ages will enjoy learning how fossils were formed using edible demonstrations. Each participant will take home a model fossil. Free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required, but please let us know if participants have food restrictions. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, August 13
10:00 Summer Nature Program: Insect Safari
Participants will practice “sweeping" with an insect net using bubbles. Then, participants will visit the Pollinator Garden and the upland meadows of Crossroads during this capture/release activity. Nets provided. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Crossroads. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
7:00 pm Meeting of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society
The featured program at this meeting will be “Photographing Auroras,” presented by DPAS member Rebecca Ann Struck. Night sky viewing to follow. Meet at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center, 2200 Utah, Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, August 14
10:00 Summer Nature Program: Frogs!
Learn about the frogs that live at Crossroads through activities and wetland exploration. Fun for the whole family. No pre-registration is required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
1:00 pm Wandering Wednesday
Join the naturalist on this weekly guided hike through the trails of Crossroads. This week, we will wander through the forests and over the bridges on the north end of the Big Creek Preserve. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
