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With 80 acres of open space, most of it untouched and in its natural state, Grace Farms is home to more than 100 species of birds. Over the summer months, more and more of our guests have been spotted with cameras, capturing the landscape and aerial views, and specifically, the beautiful birds that decorate them.
In a recent editorial in The Huffington Post, “Endangered Birds are Flying High,” Grace Farms Nature Initiative Director Mark Fowler discusses the incredible impact the Endangered Species List, first created in 1974, has had on stabilizing bird populations that were nearing extinction due to the widespread use of DDT. Our national symbol, the bald eagle, as well as ospreys, peregrine falcons, California condors, pelicans, and many other birds saw population decreases throughout the latter half of the 20th century. However, “85% of the US Continental birds that have been protected under the Endangered Species Act, have stabilized or populations have significantly increased,” Mark said. According to the article, the average increase was 624%! Wildlife preservation is a central tenant of our Nature Initiative at Grace Farms, and we are honored to be able to draw attention to its importance, especially during special times like the approaching fall migration season.
Starting in September, Grace Farms will welcome Renee Hewitt and Daniel Samperi, founders of @IntoBirds, an online community and resource for all things bird-related. Bird watchers, bird enthusiasts, and all who love birds, will enjoy learning about fall migration and the specific bird species that thrive within our preserve. Learn how to discover and identify different birds during complimentary guided walks of Grace Farms’ trails, on Saturday September 2nd and 9th from 11 am – 1 pm.
Bring your camera and make sure to share your #GraceFarms bird photos with us @GraceFarmsCT. Take a sneak peek at some of the recent bird-sightings at Grace Farms in the slideshow below.
