JAN/FEB 2014
5
Members of the Audubon Society of Kentucky go on a bird walk
at The Arboretum in Lexington. Photo credit: David Lang.
who think they might not be mobile enough to join ASK’s outdoor
adventures.
“Birders typically do not move at
a very fast pace,” he said. “We are
always stopping to look at stuff, not
just birds.”
Birdwatchers Flock Together
Audubon Society of Kentucky welcomes
novice birders
by Abby Malik, Staff Writer
Even when leaves fall from the trees
and temperatures drop below freezing, nature is still happening all
around us. The Audubon Society
of Kentucky (ASK) provides those
who have a desire to get outdoors
any time of year the opportunity to
explore Central Kentucky’s diverse
bird community, whether you’re
a bird expert, a casual observer
or just starting out as a nature
explorer.
ASK, which is not affiliated with
the National Audubon Society,
organizes bird-watching field trips
throughout the Bluegrass region
that are open to all age groups;
membership in ASK isn’t required.
David Lang, co-secretary of the
organization, says ASK has a membership of around 70 nature lovers.
“We have a lot of retirees and older
people in the group,” Lang said.
They are also joined by young
professionals, college students and
middle agers.
The group bird walks take place in
diverse areas such as the Lexington Cemetery, Shaker Village in
Harrodsburg, Minor Clark Fish
Hatchery and Cave Run Lake near
Morehead, Maine Chance Farm in
Lexington and several others. The
group has even traveled as far as
Cumberland Falls State Park on its
expeditions.
Lang says exploring different locations is important for successful
bird searches.
“Habitat is the key for finding
different species of birds, thus we
offer the range of locations to include as many habitats as possible,”
he said.
The outings are a wonderful way
for older adults to meet other
people, spend time in nature, visit
different areas of the state and, of
course, learn about Kentucky’s
birds. Nearly all of the bird walks
and other activities, which include
bird-seed sales and potluck dinners, are scheduled on weekends,
making participation easy for those
who are busy during the week.
If you’re interested in going on an
ASK outings, you don’t have worry
that your bird education isn’t up
to par. In fact, Lang said, “We love
novice birders. For those of us that
hardly ever see anything new, it is
great to see other people experience seeing new species for the first
time. It makes us appreciate these
‘old friends’ with fresh eyes.”
Lang offers assurance for those
During nature walks, a group, usually averaging around a dozen participants, typically covers not more
than a couple of miles on foot, and
everyone goes at their own pace.
The walks, Lang says, are as much
about socializing as they are about
the nature experience.
Walk participants should bring
along some type of magnification,
preferably binoculars, but a camera
with a large zoom will also do. For
those who don’t own binoculars,
ASK group members have extra
pairs. A bird guidebook is also a
good item to have on hand.
ASK has several bird walks and
other events scheduled from
January through March. Details
are available at www.audubonsocietyofky.org under the “Activities”
tab. While membership is not
required to participate in ASK
nature walks, those interested in
joining can visit the website for a
membership form. Membership
dues are $10 for an individual and
$15 for a family.
The walks are
as much about
socializing as
they are about
the nature
experience.
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