On February 24th the auditorium at the Wells Reserve was filled with the sounds of joyful kids and thankful parents, Yes, it was our Winter Wildlife Day! We cosponsored this event with the Center for Wildlife and the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. A total of 106 individuals of which over half were children attended the morning session for the Center for Wildlife presentation. This well received live animal show included a Red-tailed Hawk, a Barred Owl, and Edna the albino porcupine. Kids and parents were delighted with these guests, as confirmed by their many pertinent questions and their quiet, respectful enthusiasm.

After this about 40 individuals went snowshoeing and tracking with Tim Spahr of the Maine Warden Service and Bill Grabin of YCAS. Those remaining in the auditorium made binoculars with Bob Watson of YCAS and/or tracks with Suzanne Eder of the Wells Reserve. Later all joined in hot chocolate served by Monica Grabin of YCAS.

A total of 58 folks, including 31 children, attended our afternoon session which repeated the presentation and activities. It was very rewarding to see grandparents and parents fully engaged with their little ones in the Wildlife Day, making and wearing binoculars, tracking, and listening to an educational presentation.

This community event was greatly appreciated and praised by many parents, “Thank you for this free school vacation event.” It took a lot of coordination and cooperation to pull it together. It does take a village to raise a child. Thanks to all who made it work.

Please consider how you might work with us to make a gift of birding and conservation available to our communities.