COME JOIN IN ON THE FUN AND ADVENTURE!
LHAS’ Nature Explorers aim to introduce young people and their families to the wonders of nature, including birds, wildlife, and their habitats.
Regular outings and hikes are offered at our three sanctuaries, and at local nature preserves.
Outings are led by knowledgeable naturalists. All activities are open to the public and free of charge.
* Upcoming Events *
Brrr...It's Cold!
Migration is not for everyone!
Quite a few birds skip the trip south and hang around our backyards.
Watch the video below to get to know them (copy and paste in browser)
Did you ever wonder how these small, delicate creatures survive the cold and snowy weather?
Here are a few of their tactics:
- Fluffing up – Birds fluff their feathers in the winter to trap air and stay warm.
- Hunkering Down – When the weather gets blustery the birds seek shelter in shrubs, tree cavities, and manmade structures.
- Huddling Together – Snuggling to share heat and stay as toasty as possible.
- Caching In – they collect food in the fall and hide it for later when food is scarce.
- Tucking Away – Bird feet are made to withstand cold. If needed, some species tuck one leg into their feathers for warmth while balancing on the other. They will also crouch for coverage.
- Fattening Up – Eating more gives birds the energy they need stay warm and survive.
We can help our feathered friends survive the chilly winter months by putting out bird food and water on a regular basis. See the recipe below for a high fat and protein suet you can make for your winter birds.
Zick Dough (Suet for Winter Feeding, from the kitchen of Julie Zickefoose)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lard
- 1 cup peanut butter (may substitute sunflower butter)
- 2 cups non-medicated Chick Starter crumbles (find at Blue Seal)
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Melt Fats: in a microwave-safe dish, melt together lard and peanut butter.
Combine Ingredients: in a separate bowl, measure out dry ingredients. Stir until combined, then slowly mix in melted lard and peanut butter until mixture is crumbly. Makes 12 cups. Store in mason jars in a cool place.
To Serve: crumble mixture and serve ½ cup once a day to wild birds on a dry flat surface. This food is very rich in fat and should only be served as a winter supplement when temperatures are very cold.
Tour of Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy
March 22, 2025
Saturday, 12:15 p.m.
Calling all nature enthusiasts and curious minds! Join us for a VIP guided tour led by one of the Ripley Conservancy’s expert aviculturists. Participants will experience up-close encounters with an astonishing 101 different bird species that live at the Conservancy. At this time of the year the birds will be showing off their dazzling breeding plumage. Males will be performing their fascinating courtship displays.
The tour is 60-90 minutes. Meet at the Conservancy entrance, 55 Duck Pond Rd, Litchfield.
Appropriate for children ages 5+ accompanied by an adult. Tour is limited to 20 lucky participants. Pre-registration is required by March 15 at lhasjunior@gmail.com. If your plans change, please let us know immediately so another family can enjoy this incredible opportunity. Any questions call Ann Orsillo at 910-880-1518.