Bye-Bye Birdies
A More Grand Entrance
The DABG has expanded the area right before the double wooden gates leading to the Japanese Garden. This new entry was designed to provide a snapshot of what you might see in the Japanese Garden. The trees and shrubs in the landscaping are reminiscent of what is to come and the entry steps that lead to the upper parking lot guide visitors into the garden.
Interestingly enough, the Japanese Garden wall and gates were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, a master designer of Japanese gardens. The gate was designed in Japan, shipped to the U. S. and assembled by a carpenter from Japan.
A special thanks to the following people who designed and implemented this new entry: Steve Ulstad, Wylie Bledsoe, Mary Reuland, Barb Bishop, and Judy Curnan.
Also, a special thanks to Linda Claussen who provided the initial funding to get this garden started.
Bye-Bye Birdies
Eastern bluebirds visit the DABG each summer, nesting and breeding in boxes built expressly for them. The birds’ flashy blue and orange colors and their musical two-note call make them a favorite of many birdwatchers.
Specially designed nesting boxes have been strategically mounted in“ Bluebird Watch” areas to attract the beloved birds. In the spring, the male bluebird shows off his colors at the nesting cavity of his choosing, bringing nesting material to the hole. He will go in and out of the housing site, waving his wings and perching above the box or post to attract a mate. When a partner is determined, the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs.
A bluebird’ s diet consists primarily of caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, wild fruit and berries. They have also been known to eat shrews, salamanders, snakes, lizards and tree frogs.
DABG volunteer and bird enthusiast Jeanette Callahan reports a count of two broods during the 2016 season with between 8 and 12 baby bluebirds fledged in the park. Welcome, little ones.
Usually, Iowa bluebirds migrate in October and we must say“ good-bye” for a season. Returning bluebirds will be surprised to discover the smorgasbord of fruits and berries in the new Garden of Eat’ n in the spring.
2016 Cleanup Day
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