tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41312135491189784482024-02-22T01:24:43.602-05:00Sylvan Heights BlogSylvan Heights Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776133678031151389noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-91235894897904216892013-03-30T14:33:00.000-04:002013-03-30T14:34:18.477-04:00Come Visit The Landing Zone!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkhQtdGGgRaStYTqz0rrg3E-AVgEjZ9Bm6dHbPhtszTrJ_1wXvH8s6i9VX6Frnxh0rQ6lLBgOFVphwK7Xv29SMIJ73CrXRZBw5Yy2_9-F0EQKTplfUgbdTTNNTtFy7aLtDWuXv3amtuw/s1600/photo+by+Richard+Menard+Jr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkhQtdGGgRaStYTqz0rrg3E-AVgEjZ9Bm6dHbPhtszTrJ_1wXvH8s6i9VX6Frnxh0rQ6lLBgOFVphwK7Xv29SMIJ73CrXRZBw5Yy2_9-F0EQKTplfUgbdTTNNTtFy7aLtDWuXv3amtuw/s400/photo+by+Richard+Menard+Jr.jpg" usa="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By Richard Menard Jr</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are so pleased to invite you to visit our newest exhibit, <strong>The Landing Zone</strong>. Our new interactive exhibit allows visitors like you to enter and feed the birds in a unique setting that allows one-on-one contact. At the entrance, you can purchase seed sticks or flamingo food then enter our walk-in aviary to feed a bird...or ten! But please watch your feet, as our <strong>Budgerigar Parakeets</strong> (also known as Budgies) have no fear and will easily land to explore the ground near your feet. Native to Australia, these little parakeets fly about the exhibit like colorful gems. In the wild, these birds are typically a brilliant green, but our captive-bred birds come in a beautiful variety of colors.<br /><br />Other birds in our exhibit include Victoria Crowned Pigeons, Javan Pond Herons, Green-Winged Doves, Nicobar Pigeons, American Flamingos and more.<br /><br />So grab your camera, your family and friends and meet us at The Landing Zone!</span>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-81354681856093241462013-01-22T13:33:00.001-05:002013-01-23T18:07:58.093-05:00Birds of Prey at Sylvan Heights<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx8V8acG2ri5zQUQO9f65nkGEZvMV3pUgzZ_yVzbRupM4l7HyjDViRhDKtNKt_QPZZWHw3Duy36PviUqWtvHLVFsgftfHT6UyYm6G-34HhKZKjEuBR5-qyMxH0sXiGVm6brJiOuyLPB0/s1600/Redtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx8V8acG2ri5zQUQO9f65nkGEZvMV3pUgzZ_yVzbRupM4l7HyjDViRhDKtNKt_QPZZWHw3Duy36PviUqWtvHLVFsgftfHT6UyYm6G-34HhKZKjEuBR5-qyMxH0sXiGVm6brJiOuyLPB0/s1600/Redtail.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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<em>by Sylvan Heights Staff</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falconry is the use of a bird of prey - such as a falcon -
to hunt with, and is arguably one of the oldest sports known to man. Earliest
records have it dated back to 2000 B.C in the Tigris-Euphrates river system.
Many people think of falconry as the sport of kings, but it wasn’t actually
introduced to Europe until about 350 A.D when Mongol tribes invaded Western
Europe. Falconry has remained much the same since its conception, with only a
few technological advances in the last twenty years changing the sport
slightly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here at Sylvan Heights we have four species of raptor, also
known as birds of prey. The term “raptor” comes from the Latin word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rapere</i> meaning to seize or plunder with
force. The word refers to the hunting style of hawks, eagles, and falcons, with
many species using their feet to grab their prey. Our collection of raptors is
financially supported through the generous donations of our sponsors, with three
of the species on public display. You can see our breeding pair of Eurasian
Eagle owls (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bubo bubo), </i>that are considered
one of the most genetically important pairs in the country, on display across
from our picnic area. And a new pair of burrowing owls (<span class="st"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athene cunicularia) </i>is now on display,
too. We have high hopes of future success with them.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="st">We also have plans for a future </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">bateleur</span> eagle (<i>Terathopius
ecaudatus</i>) exhibit. Currently, our single male is part of only a handful of
bateleurs in the United States, with the last successful breeding almost
fifteen years ago. It is their precarious future in captivity that has us
interested in working with this species. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sylvan is also home to a female<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">red</span></em><span class="st"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">-</i></span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">tailed
hawk</span></em><span class="st"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (Buteo
jamaicensis)</i> named Cara. She is different than our other species of raptors
because she is used as a falconry bird. Our resident falconer trapped her in
October 2012 and has been training her ever since. Red-tails are a favorite
hawk in the sport because the species is found throughout the United States.
Young birds are trapped from the wild because their mortality rate is naturally
extremely high, with an estimated 1 in 10 reaching adulthood. With such a high
mortality, taking a young bird has no detrimental effect on the population. In
fact, many responsible falconers release their birds after several hunting
seasons so they can carry out their natural life cycles, and because these
birds have survived their first year and know how to hunt they tend to be very
successful after their release.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cara is off exhibit, but some of our Sylvan Heights members
receive flight demonstrations for special occasions, getting to meet her and
her falconer up close and personal. But for those of you interested in meeting Cara
or learning more about the sport of falconry, Sylvan will be hosting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Raptors Rule</i> on April 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
an event sponsored by the North Carolina Science Festival. Come join us as
Sylvan Heights staff member and falconer, Dustin Foote, gives a talk about the
sport of falconry and raptors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-57810569446624596302012-10-11T19:34:00.001-04:002013-03-30T19:06:03.043-04:00Our Mill Pond Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuV6G9NpeTlvrwdmkzcZQva9ZNDEUkgpgKAAAlTzv53FSfBHYtTTq0oL8Frh0rmoDtNxSSPTVlLz5bu6hWxIrUzzoU2m2U39cK6DrkVyXxJz4571tVwAWKOZTaLozRDcw72ieal-DpdA/s1600/mills+pond.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuV6G9NpeTlvrwdmkzcZQva9ZNDEUkgpgKAAAlTzv53FSfBHYtTTq0oL8Frh0rmoDtNxSSPTVlLz5bu6hWxIrUzzoU2m2U39cK6DrkVyXxJz4571tVwAWKOZTaLozRDcw72ieal-DpdA/s400/mills+pond.JPG" usa="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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By Dustin Foote<br />
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Water is the foundation for a healthy ecosystem. Sylvan Heights recognizes that relationship and strives to improve upon our natural world. That is why in 2010 we began the steps to procure land on a 150 year old mill pond. Over two years later, and tremendous effort from numerous groups, we are nearing completion on the Mill Pond Project. It is our hope that by Fall of 2013 we will be able to begin to show visitors a primal world, where you will have a exciting opportunity to kayak among an old growth cypress swamp. Sylvan has high hopes that this eco-tour will spur visitors to reconnect with their natural environment.<br />
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While much has been achieved, there are still many steps left for the project. As environmental stewards of this venture, Sylvan has focused its energy on managing the remaining natural flora and fauna, while promoting the growth of those species to which have been lost. A portion of our land grant has been set aside to be returned to natural Long Leaf Pine (Pinus palustris.) Long Leaf Pine is a slow growing native conifer that has largely disappeared from North Carolina, being replaced by faster growing species for the lumber industry. With its disappearance, many species that depended on the pine stands have also vanished. Sylvan hopes that by restoring a small reservoir we can create a natural refuge for species such as the Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) or the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis). Sylvan hopes that its contribution will inspire others to follow in its footsteps, for it recognizes the fact that much effort is needed to save these species.<br />
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Recently Sylvan has begun preparation for a flash burn of the future Long Leaf Pine stand. Long Leaf Pines are one of the species that depend on forest fires for regeneration. During this time, our staff has been lucky enough to observe American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla), Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas), Black-and-white Warblers (Mniotilta varia), Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea), Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus), Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Great Egrets (Ardea alba), Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias), and many more. These are just some of the species visitors will have the chance to see.<br />
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On the bottom end of the 350 acre pond Sylvan has repaired the dam and incorporated a fish ladder. This restoration has raised the water level back to its historic level, and will allow Sylvan to manage cypress growth more effectively. Cypress trees need periods of drought to allow for seeds to germinate. In addition, the fish ladder will allow fresh water spawning species access to the pond. <br />
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We are very excited to continue our work on the Mill Pond Project, and look forward to sharing this treasure with you in the near future. Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-2845386389050072062012-07-04T12:46:00.001-04:002012-07-04T12:47:16.501-04:00Science at Sylvan: The Best Questions Lead to Another<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By SHWP Staff</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_4mjCdkle7Fvw4BcGG6lQt9l9x5rsd43rgFyFdUTtlFScpzoR6z294xIpOrdJGMNIZi1Aqo0laPumvD7fQBFMVkVZ66biC4FqfOheyhm3w9sD-ZvrCiWx8koJ9tuh07IDrK4Gghngvw/s1600/landing_zone_july4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_4mjCdkle7Fvw4BcGG6lQt9l9x5rsd43rgFyFdUTtlFScpzoR6z294xIpOrdJGMNIZi1Aqo0laPumvD7fQBFMVkVZ66biC4FqfOheyhm3w9sD-ZvrCiWx8koJ9tuh07IDrK4Gghngvw/s400/landing_zone_july4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In today’s world, we are so concerned with answers that we often forget the question that was asked. For what is an answer, but a base for another question? Science is all about pursuing questions, and here at Sylvan Heights we love to get you asking them. We ask questions every day, questions that make us better aviculturists, better ornithologists, and better scientists overall. Whether it's participating in one of our education programs, walking through the aviaries, or watching eggs hatch, our goal is to get you up close to birds. We hope that by engaging you, we can get you excited enough to start thinking about the science process. <br />
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Our newest addition is well underway, and it is our hope that it will bring your interaction to a higher level. <strong>The Landing Zone</strong> will be a massive, walk-in aviary with a weight-managed flock of small parrots and many other species of birds. Why are they weight managed you ask? Because you will be getting up close and personal with these birds by feeding them. Visitors will get a rare chance to spend time observing birds as they feed freely out of their hands. We hope this exhibit will excite you as much as it excites us! We look forward to opening it soon.<br />
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So come on out to Sylvan, get excited about science, start asking questions about the natural world, and see where that takes you!<br />
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</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-64202736402655222112012-03-04T23:38:00.000-05:002012-03-04T23:38:14.194-05:00Final Call for Chili Supper Entries!The 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off at Sylvan Heights will take place this March 17th, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sylvan Heights Bird Park! We are still looking for entries, so if you have an award-winning chili recipe, register in the contest and try your hand at winning the Grand Prize or People's Choice Award. To register, please contact the park at 252.826.3186.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMHSSsznDqmB3xkXMIojY1DRG8__Q7PXtB5UOe8HiTvldSLOK-yKYiNQRGLB8jlJTRIso9ui49wsjWHPZxG6gLjTbrGkqmU5TL0yz50JY2vMebvhWnzpYeHLvd5FMPjBDB-o83AjUrXw/s1600/3rd+Chili+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMHSSsznDqmB3xkXMIojY1DRG8__Q7PXtB5UOe8HiTvldSLOK-yKYiNQRGLB8jlJTRIso9ui49wsjWHPZxG6gLjTbrGkqmU5TL0yz50JY2vMebvhWnzpYeHLvd5FMPjBDB-o83AjUrXw/s400/3rd+Chili+Poster.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-40036031004369724272012-01-16T17:38:00.000-05:002013-03-30T19:02:12.426-04:00Welcome to Sylvan HeightsHappy New Year! In celebration of this new year, we'd like to share with you our new welcome video. We hope to see you at the park soon...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/axUB7mqbHrQ" width="400"></iframe></div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-27698403710526947032011-12-01T10:23:00.012-05:002011-12-01T12:04:14.287-05:00Sylvan Heights Kicks-Off Its Annual "12 Birds of Christmas" Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUTH4_g04vlcv4quApSvJqGLAsV1whWaLOf2UuN6L2iJiescHHwUaurfif8cTFfdAciPRk1lolNxrVE7DlA3VnQSZWcXaPDrm-YnrEReekC106jTMa5iN5kHXxCfCwVvQFB4euDbUErI/s1600/12birds-poster-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUTH4_g04vlcv4quApSvJqGLAsV1whWaLOf2UuN6L2iJiescHHwUaurfif8cTFfdAciPRk1lolNxrVE7DlA3VnQSZWcXaPDrm-YnrEReekC106jTMa5iN5kHXxCfCwVvQFB4euDbUErI/s400/12birds-poster-2.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you haven't stopped by the Park lately, now's the best time to do so! Starting today, our annual <strong>12 Birds of Christmas</strong> game will run through the end of the year. This holiday game is fun for people of all ages, and takes our visitors on a scavenger hunt throughout the park for the 12 bird species mentioned in our own version of the popular holiday song, <em>The Twelve Days of Christmas</em>. <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">See if you can spot the swans-a-swimming, geese-a-laying, calling birds, and of course, the partridge in a pear tree!</span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">While you're there, think about catching up on your holiday gift buying. Our gift shop is stocked and ready with lots of fabulous products for children and adults. Take advantage of our current sale on embroidered sweatshirts, or consider buying a membership for a friend.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Happy holidays!</span></span>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-47591802498026392782011-11-30T22:19:00.001-05:002011-11-30T22:21:34.198-05:00Moonlight 2011<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We would like to extend a warm "Thank you!" to everyone who attended our Moonlight in the Park event this past month. And we'd also like to thank all of you who donated such fabulous items to our live and silent auctions. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise over $15,000 for the Park. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The evening was remarkable with fine food, awesome auction items, and the best auctioneer on the East Coast. (He certainly is the most entertaining one anyway!) Over 75 items were donated to this year's auction, so we were able to offer a silent auction as well. Some of the more popular items sold were the Topsail Beach week stay, Wine & Cheese Tasting for 12, and the Jefferson Hotel Champagne package. But the highlight of the evening was the auctioning of the Wildlife Photography Venture (bear-watching adventure), which sold for over $1,300!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We would especially like to acknowledge our volunteers and staff members who worked so hard to make the evening an enjoyable one for all of our guests. In particular, we'd like to thank all the members of our <strong>Friends of Sylvan Heights (FOSH)</strong> board who organized the event. Their hard work and attention to detail contributed to the success of the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In closing, here are a few pictures taken that night by our talented photographer and Assistant Curator, Katie Gipple. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We hope to see you next year!</span></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-62801971155890960912011-11-01T21:45:00.002-04:002011-11-30T21:39:07.106-05:00November's Fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8LYusi8VztV20gtgb8_2jB2pXCx1ZwUKQs5HdfAcwnUNx15TFiWa94SQAkcMRtJiU-6StOVk9-uAz7K9kuEDX28dwcF4Ho6i4BMVfYfXduCtyEMAL36Jf6pkhB9f2irr5yGcRo1PrNs/s1600/invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8LYusi8VztV20gtgb8_2jB2pXCx1ZwUKQs5HdfAcwnUNx15TFiWa94SQAkcMRtJiU-6StOVk9-uAz7K9kuEDX28dwcF4Ho6i4BMVfYfXduCtyEMAL36Jf6pkhB9f2irr5yGcRo1PrNs/s400/invite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our fall fundraiser is less than two weeks away! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you you attended our <strong>Moonlight in the Park</strong> event last year, you know how much fun we all had! This year's auction is shaping up to be even better than before and we have some fabulous items that have been donated, including a week's stay at an ocean-front cottage on quiet Topsail Beach.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some of our other auction items include a champagne brunch package for two at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA; a private black bear viewing excursion near Lake Mattamuskeet; a fabulous capsule coffee machine by Nespresso; Italian cooking classes for two from Capri Flavors; and many more luxury items.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For a complete list of our auction items, visit our <a href="http://sylvanheightsblog.blogspot.com/p/moonlight-auction-items.html">Moonlight Auction Item page</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, you must hurry! We've only a few spaces left. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tickets must be purchased at the Park's gift shop, or by calling (252) 826-3186. All proceeds will support Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope to see you all there! </span>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-70135993022499253712011-10-25T20:12:00.000-04:002011-10-25T20:12:09.170-04:00Trick-or-Tweet at Sylvan Heights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJefz9TVC-HZB4FbVZ2KclclgAsT2nc479adFWOARE-VTe0NZ116UWQ-8S1Y4kIg6Ed_QSqQLS63I0vzrG7Woj2O78GZSW_zS742BJnktdNuJfGXJuV8L6TpAmA6_UVPSAEcyHz9HPMjA/s1600/Trick+or+tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJefz9TVC-HZB4FbVZ2KclclgAsT2nc479adFWOARE-VTe0NZ116UWQ-8S1Y4kIg6Ed_QSqQLS63I0vzrG7Woj2O78GZSW_zS742BJnktdNuJfGXJuV8L6TpAmA6_UVPSAEcyHz9HPMjA/s400/Trick+or+tweet.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parents, if you are looking for a safe place to take your children trick-or-treating this Halloween, why not bring them to the park? On Monday, October 31st, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Sylvan Heights will be open for a special after-hours event: <strong>Trick or Tweet</strong>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last year's trick-or-treat event in the corn maze was a great success. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irene had other plans for our corn maze this year, so we have changed the plan just a wee bit and families will now be able to visit candy stations in the park where friendly costumed characters will be handing out goodies. A $2 donation is kindly requested.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hope to see your little ghosties and goblins there!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-77617634563887695712011-10-01T07:08:00.003-04:002011-10-02T09:02:22.854-04:00Sylvan Height's 5th Anniversary Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bOuvv84NJU_Lox2syNffSw8z3-HRnBji3efQ_Kwe4dCuBfCKFoeoZDGgw6aUWLiRPS5QaXn1xftVkOzXgNAnK1jGHRmGP-uN7fBrphmHqi-ojFCoi25JoKW65IFS3mqTFJfI_b_hFys/s1600/5th+Anniversary+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bOuvv84NJU_Lox2syNffSw8z3-HRnBji3efQ_Kwe4dCuBfCKFoeoZDGgw6aUWLiRPS5QaXn1xftVkOzXgNAnK1jGHRmGP-uN7fBrphmHqi-ojFCoi25JoKW65IFS3mqTFJfI_b_hFys/s1600/5th+Anniversary+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We hope you will join us on Saturday, October 15th, as we celebrate our <strong>5th anniversary</strong>. Adults and children will receive a special discounted rate to enter the park - only $5 per ticket! Special events are scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., including a <strong>live bird show</strong> and a demonstration by the <strong>Lumbee Tribe</strong> of North Carolina.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We are here to serve you and know that nothing we do would be possible without all the support we have received from our community. We appreciate you letting us share our message of conservation and wildlife appreciation with you every day. And we delight in the new friends we have made along the way. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here's to another five years...<em>and many more.</em></span></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-47415379636274948282011-09-21T22:54:00.002-04:002011-09-21T22:56:39.868-04:00Species Spotlight: The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m9JzJnodhnEGcCfVYimh7w5B5bAsNNAAwQF6WVwemREyOTtITrBB7ns9NlRuI4e1VjOf72RcdNBJ4VKv7wqYBbEryz1UYiN5oKmDGMW-EIWcZ2dvCp0dQ1QPDOQMgPj2AaGzqD_egCs/s1600/Abby+hornbill+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="277px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m9JzJnodhnEGcCfVYimh7w5B5bAsNNAAwQF6WVwemREyOTtITrBB7ns9NlRuI4e1VjOf72RcdNBJ4VKv7wqYBbEryz1UYiN5oKmDGMW-EIWcZ2dvCp0dQ1QPDOQMgPj2AaGzqD_egCs/s400/Abby+hornbill+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been a busy summer at the Park and we are glad to see fall arrive. If you haven't been to visit us in a while, now is the perfect time. The cooler weather makes your visit more pleasant, and the birds seem to be enjoying it, as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of our newest birds on exhibit is the <strong>Abyssinian ground hornbill</strong> (<i>Bucorvus abyssinicus</i>). A native of African grassland and savanna habitats, this bird is an omnivorous ground dweller that eats mostly rodents, frogs, and snakes, as well as insects, seeds, and fruits. The hornbill's long beak even allows it to catch and eat venomous snakes, while keeping the bird's body safely out of harm's way. And the long featherless legs help it to move quickly and easily through the grassy environment.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the things visitors notice first about our female Abyssinian is her incredibly long eyelashes. Unlike ours, these lashes are not hairs but actually modified feathers that serve the same purpose and protect the eyes from sand and dirt. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RJhTlFzVxqatsp-flFJRgDUJWlXLu65uvc8GbdG8WIarJFjzX510T6TysgjQ7G3kSEFk9UfO7X2U3topFFhIcj0vj6Nte7UuMSZKB_KVI-_0u39cvfGRFjqhic0p9n30MbczuEcoLv4/s1600/Abby+hornbill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RJhTlFzVxqatsp-flFJRgDUJWlXLu65uvc8GbdG8WIarJFjzX510T6TysgjQ7G3kSEFk9UfO7X2U3topFFhIcj0vj6Nte7UuMSZKB_KVI-_0u39cvfGRFjqhic0p9n30MbczuEcoLv4/s320/Abby+hornbill+1.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That crazy looking thing on top of her beak is not really broken. It is called a casque, and is made of keratin. It is believed to help amplify their vocalizations so that other hornbills who are farther away can hear them. You may have noticed a similar casque on our silvery-cheeked hornbill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our bird can easily be identified as a female by her blue wattle, or throat pouch. Males puff theirs out during courtship, but they are different from the females' in that their wattles also have a bright red color surrounding the blue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Her exhibit is located between the African aviary and the spur-winged geese exhibit. Next time you are at the park, be sure to stop and say hello!</span>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-11683261062205109702011-07-23T16:11:00.003-04:002011-07-23T16:13:24.951-04:00Sylvan Heights Featured On Our State Magazine's Website<strong>UNC-TV</strong> and <strong>Our State</strong> magazine worked together to create this awesome video about Sylvan Heights, and Our State has featured it on their <a href="http://www.ourstate.com/tv/sylvan-heights-waterfowl-park#.TirfX_Mxch9.facebook">website</a>. We appreciate all the work both organizations have done and if you haven't been to the park yet, here's your chance to see what all the fuss is about. Hope to see you soon!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uixu8dKtBq8" width="400"></iframe></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-50318156689734193422011-05-25T14:29:00.001-04:002011-05-25T14:30:36.170-04:00Native Wildlife at Sylvan Heights<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You all know about our wonderful animal collection that continues to grow each year. But did you know that many native species also "call the park home?" On your next visit to Sylvan Heights, take a look around and see how many "wild" animals you see in the park. Here are some that we happen to have caught on camera...</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUOuQscCt5fSHoUJ99lOjDKtjVVWl8bmTNHX0l2Mn40FbXf783yQe61q5J_niMAIg1H0ob6mKo3iUjTwLmAT3BX5KGZxZtPixY9aCiFROpH8z__RfiKI7d-TO9wKXzNtG8qkkMhIBg4I/s1600/Red-shouldered+Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUOuQscCt5fSHoUJ99lOjDKtjVVWl8bmTNHX0l2Mn40FbXf783yQe61q5J_niMAIg1H0ob6mKo3iUjTwLmAT3BX5KGZxZtPixY9aCiFROpH8z__RfiKI7d-TO9wKXzNtG8qkkMhIBg4I/s320/Red-shouldered+Hawk.jpg" t8="true" width="214px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<strong>Red-Shouldered Hawk</strong><br />
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While these birds often wreak havoc on the minds of our captive species, there is no denying their beauty. Red-shoulders are common in this area, and they actually are the diurnal counterpart to the Barred Owl. Both occupy the same niche, but the hawk hunts during the day and the owl hunts during the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzGJvyamb0oCZEw3V_gooZ-KriV6Ww2elDT9ZtXVJH2kQ5HTtmPJVa7KyCpyK7VEgpkP73hHYg4ITklk8Pk6ROYGfPJIg8sjaYtMMHi2wOfAUoxz09NBzrGMn7QmIgrktYq_sEiPJcNY/s1600/White-tailed+Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzGJvyamb0oCZEw3V_gooZ-KriV6Ww2elDT9ZtXVJH2kQ5HTtmPJVa7KyCpyK7VEgpkP73hHYg4ITklk8Pk6ROYGfPJIg8sjaYtMMHi2wOfAUoxz09NBzrGMn7QmIgrktYq_sEiPJcNY/s320/White-tailed+Deer.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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<strong>White-tailed Deer</strong><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These quiet and graceful animals are frequently seen from our Bird's Nest Treehouse and Beaver Pond Blind. Early morning and evening are the best time to see them.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SwbOrAFa3kxntnKR2-bwJoelbgn2IAmUBYiLPKlgs7x1t6AyoMbAfJSiECEYhta2m8sO4Gbli5enr6JqMqsaC69oYIa0ClbyOrPQeP0u2kUFdH01Pk06jHPuzH-waj4qJLL2KvQj08o/s1600/Blue+Jay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SwbOrAFa3kxntnKR2-bwJoelbgn2IAmUBYiLPKlgs7x1t6AyoMbAfJSiECEYhta2m8sO4Gbli5enr6JqMqsaC69oYIa0ClbyOrPQeP0u2kUFdH01Pk06jHPuzH-waj4qJLL2KvQj08o/s320/Blue+Jay.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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<strong>Blue Jay</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These bold and noisey birds are known for their intelligence, which they use to find and consume their favorite food: acorns! They do not frequent our feeders at the park, but they can be seen flitting among the trees and vegetation.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYQ0jCKBqJDN6ZeitF0hsG833pjz-MvFVGfPVu9uSthseHCNy96DAWzjFwg8WcsxPN8RCYWIg7T9s_3Nhw0hraWntLJ4TvI4HOrCIZ2dFYJa019x6fBAZHHpD9fTYVyWe9370KNKr9pA/s1600/Ornate+Box+Turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYQ0jCKBqJDN6ZeitF0hsG833pjz-MvFVGfPVu9uSthseHCNy96DAWzjFwg8WcsxPN8RCYWIg7T9s_3Nhw0hraWntLJ4TvI4HOrCIZ2dFYJa019x6fBAZHHpD9fTYVyWe9370KNKr9pA/s320/Ornate+Box+Turtle.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Ornate Box Turtle</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The staff here at the park has been keeping track of these fabulous reptiles. So many have been found in the park, that a marking system was created to monitor the population. They are often found in the swap area, down by our bridge. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFquahz5IN1tZUBI-zMmll2vbsiQYCKt2vHGlCaj3MJGeSfG2nLYjQQWDqbN4N9xLIwXFzsc858zHebs1x_2B6-zpOgev4T2W23ZVGlr51idG4QWecazYAEuWRCzmDIxi-Zc8dB9gQpk/s1600/Northern+Cardinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFquahz5IN1tZUBI-zMmll2vbsiQYCKt2vHGlCaj3MJGeSfG2nLYjQQWDqbN4N9xLIwXFzsc858zHebs1x_2B6-zpOgev4T2W23ZVGlr51idG4QWecazYAEuWRCzmDIxi-Zc8dB9gQpk/s320/Northern+Cardinal.jpg" t8="true" width="211px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Northern Cardinal</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>This little bird has probably recruited more bird watchers in this country than any other. They are not a migratory species, so their scarlet plumage is a welcome splash of color against winter's drab landscape. In the spring, they are busy, busy making little stick nests in the bushes. Keep an eye out for one in your yard and maybe they will allow you to observe one of nature's precious secrets: the hatching and raising of baby birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5ulmXtVkARwhn4RGgjJtpPed3HweZIMiP0vTGiXs_TC5mi43qrg0usMbLKw6jZkK4m9pwIcz49kpe0tYYSnBYM1tH730FyFRod3zd3KBUwVkpPCG04RWN6UEHJfqkXKuy8mJAbTyC1w/s1600/Flying+Squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5ulmXtVkARwhn4RGgjJtpPed3HweZIMiP0vTGiXs_TC5mi43qrg0usMbLKw6jZkK4m9pwIcz49kpe0tYYSnBYM1tH730FyFRod3zd3KBUwVkpPCG04RWN6UEHJfqkXKuy8mJAbTyC1w/s320/Flying+Squirrel.jpg" t8="true" width="217px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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<strong>Northern Flying Squirrel</strong><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What a surprise it was for us to find this little guy occupying one of the songbird nest boxes that we have set up around the park! And even more interesting is that since this time, we have found two other boxes with flying squirrels inside as well. Two of the boxes are found in the Memorial Garden, each with a messy little nest inside. Be sure to keep an eye on them next time you visit, and you just might see this:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ7Qwef_VaFaMOiItKkf5qhOXT1nHGRUYIU914r0NT_0M2FzdWvy-mD7WtbQObxb0wjvk9sEcZSAd_NIVJSDdOrAZvJVCzmUiFYmR_MtlfcTPrt84O9w8I4RepwO88ucL2RKaohMgKzw/s1600/squirrel+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ7Qwef_VaFaMOiItKkf5qhOXT1nHGRUYIU914r0NT_0M2FzdWvy-mD7WtbQObxb0wjvk9sEcZSAd_NIVJSDdOrAZvJVCzmUiFYmR_MtlfcTPrt84O9w8I4RepwO88ucL2RKaohMgKzw/s320/squirrel+close+up.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by M. Hazelton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOD738fZ21lZ6iUuLHHJB10T6XN0Qrs56NRosBvO2T6JRbylBbjFnHJlydbfgK_CPYQuesfWgIwpvDLzunOsKJ4G1rwsv_8VgjWAadhpPERiRQ7A68uq3JJ7OKsnq2TTRN3ugKBv3Dps/s1600/Great+Blue+Heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOD738fZ21lZ6iUuLHHJB10T6XN0Qrs56NRosBvO2T6JRbylBbjFnHJlydbfgK_CPYQuesfWgIwpvDLzunOsKJ4G1rwsv_8VgjWAadhpPERiRQ7A68uq3JJ7OKsnq2TTRN3ugKBv3Dps/s320/Great+Blue+Heron.jpg" t8="true" width="205px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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<strong>Great Blue Heron</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Down in the swamp by the Bird's Nest Treehouse, a great blue heron has taken up residence. Visitors can watch him fishing in the shallow waters. The largest heron in North America, this species can be found as far south as the Galapagos Islands.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9g7www6bHI0lrPB24ecKJBwanvMnQAUFFgRwDQKrwQo6XSzWCCtT3D1c11zO3UIvgQI99HngFaq6CJNSAVik6LiN699HEL2GN66ow6o21nC08yxu-neHedqc4LYokWuvR3UtYqPXrco/s1600/Five-lined+Skink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9g7www6bHI0lrPB24ecKJBwanvMnQAUFFgRwDQKrwQo6XSzWCCtT3D1c11zO3UIvgQI99HngFaq6CJNSAVik6LiN699HEL2GN66ow6o21nC08yxu-neHedqc4LYokWuvR3UtYqPXrco/s320/Five-lined+Skink.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Five-lined Skink</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These quick little lizards can be found all over the park. Though they can deliver a strong bite, they are not dangerous. And they sometimes become a tasty treat for larger birds like herons, egrets, and others.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcJCX-l1jZ5T7wwDbrFDytK72BDqPOkhKGhiY8y7dlc8NPt3KEBhp5NC3lWmzZbTj1UJhGkeiqr_NwmCOFWt-_LNvHG8kBU693aXz7Dm_V0_9Rd_91fMO3blh14gtOsL9o3Eo-6Tj1hM/s1600/White-throated+Sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcJCX-l1jZ5T7wwDbrFDytK72BDqPOkhKGhiY8y7dlc8NPt3KEBhp5NC3lWmzZbTj1UJhGkeiqr_NwmCOFWt-_LNvHG8kBU693aXz7Dm_V0_9Rd_91fMO3blh14gtOsL9o3Eo-6Tj1hM/s320/White-throated+Sparrow.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by K. Gipple</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>White-throated Sparrow</strong></div><br />
Often overlooked, these dashing little birds are regulars at backyard bird feeders. Many people dismiss them as just another little brown bird, but if you take a moment to really look at this sparrow you will be amazed by its beautiful coloration.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-10440987850161621582011-05-11T21:56:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:24:04.105-04:00Sylvan Heights Celebrates International Migratory Bird Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGM-zZRs7BeaC1nxLTEcBoI3srJzKXwf1511sohiEDGvdwn2Ks_Bx7BRSelDv_ptKFYbtPTkc9bI-y8ydIZeyAP2eyfDN6w8hge8fEKL1cyzSKUPfyW1lwjFkAkMfAV6j8CxKQGuTPes/s1600/IMBD+2011+poster+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGM-zZRs7BeaC1nxLTEcBoI3srJzKXwf1511sohiEDGvdwn2Ks_Bx7BRSelDv_ptKFYbtPTkc9bI-y8ydIZeyAP2eyfDN6w8hge8fEKL1cyzSKUPfyW1lwjFkAkMfAV6j8CxKQGuTPes/s400/IMBD+2011+poster+A.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This Saturday, May 14th, Sylvan Heights will be celebrating <a href="http://www.birdday.org/"><strong>International Migratory Bird Day</strong></a> (IMBD). Developed by the non-profit, <strong>Environment for the Americas</strong>, this program is the only international education program that highlights and celebrates the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.<br />
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<strong>Migration is simply defined as the seasonal movement from one place to another.</strong> The main reason that birds (or most animals, for that matter) migrate is to find food. You might be surprised to learn that many species, like songbirds, shorebirds, and some waterfowl, migrate (fly) at night when the air temperature is cooler and predators like hawks are less active.<br />
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And since most waterfowl are migratory species, this makes Sylvan Heights the perfect location for learning about the migration process. In addition, before coming out to the park on Saturday, you might enjoy visiting the official <a href="http://birdday.org/">IMBD website</a> and downloading some of their <a href="http://birdday.org/education/free-materials">free education materials</a>. The website is a WEALTH of information for both adults and children. There you will find fact sheets, coloring pages, as well as games & activities on a variety of topics including bird basics, migration, and habitats, to name a few. Be sure to investigate the <a href="http://birdday.org/birdday/themes">themes</a> of previous years, as you will find additional educational resources on those webpages, too.<br />
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Here are some additional lesson plans on the topic of bird migration:<br />
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• <a href="http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/assistance/education/water/hopscotch.pdf">Hopscotch Migration</a> (Grades K-6)<br />
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• <a href="http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/ANWR/nie_lesson1.pdf">Bird Migration</a> (Grades 5-8)<br />
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• <a href="http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionEducation/ProvidingfortheEducationCommunity/Crossroads.aspx">Songbirds at the Crossroads of Migration</a> (High School)<br />
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You can also learn a lot at the online <a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/education/default.cfm">Smithsonian's Migratory Bird Center</a>. (I love their Migration Game!)<br />
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And finally, here are some great books on this topic: <br />
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<strong><em>For Children-</em></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMTAj58LOURCPMT9eHHSOLxnu6jSY7mrAT43BmnuQDDfJt-1Nk_csrd0mJqNxXA6V-9-fgnmGRupu_7oip7ETh3R2_isvOTZ-JY3PMf8Pfdijj1wy-AxMiDFmdVfNAgTItEJl7ZBI88g/s1600/Whistling+Wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMTAj58LOURCPMT9eHHSOLxnu6jSY7mrAT43BmnuQDDfJt-1Nk_csrd0mJqNxXA6V-9-fgnmGRupu_7oip7ETh3R2_isvOTZ-JY3PMf8Pfdijj1wy-AxMiDFmdVfNAgTItEJl7ZBI88g/s320/Whistling+Wings.jpg" width="272px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mothergoosebookshop-20/detail/1934359300">Whistling Wings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">by Laura Goering </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQrhBgJWuH4_UW7LEzKyl-q1Z1rmutC3pezWKlyKgiDCA-KUMduYVKqKiNUL30BgMj6x2VkEve46BlTqio94HUeTWXrRBiydtHUTOZK5G1Uom7UJjketQgDV5ks3GgUMKK05NGK4EXsw/s1600/Skylar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQrhBgJWuH4_UW7LEzKyl-q1Z1rmutC3pezWKlyKgiDCA-KUMduYVKqKiNUL30BgMj6x2VkEve46BlTqio94HUeTWXrRBiydtHUTOZK5G1Uom7UJjketQgDV5ks3GgUMKK05NGK4EXsw/s320/Skylar.jpg" width="215px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mothergoosebookshop-20/detail/039924543X">Skylar</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Mary Cuffe-Perez <br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-prLet0JAnx54mexKDLd4N6kfN57QJCk4-2OwqEA5r4WMapzEjvjCPzab4jytn77xL_EjgcbQwoTVrMKXVgR2rDKl82LjA8Pe0jAb9lEoA2b918UIJ2fQWjx0XE_xBBjcDyG8OyGSUxM/s1600/Whoop+Dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-prLet0JAnx54mexKDLd4N6kfN57QJCk4-2OwqEA5r4WMapzEjvjCPzab4jytn77xL_EjgcbQwoTVrMKXVgR2rDKl82LjA8Pe0jAb9lEoA2b918UIJ2fQWjx0XE_xBBjcDyG8OyGSUxM/s320/Whoop+Dreams.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/mothergoosebookshop-20/detail/075691387X">Whoop Dreams: The Historic Migration (Legends and Wonders)</a> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">by Jane Duden </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em> For Adults- </em></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><br />
</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpRvdCfC7Xc4ZiNsYTicME6PDTu8gUrtP1w3-o6rHFesoD1bpXVkIUjOHm2W-PGZa1BZabAScNKMcWc-3CdWz4qm6UGrfDwXww1I37uKbuwVzmPIAVh21_yCou2FATcIlIOwHQkhRIkQ/s1600/migration+of+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpRvdCfC7Xc4ZiNsYTicME6PDTu8gUrtP1w3-o6rHFesoD1bpXVkIUjOHm2W-PGZa1BZabAScNKMcWc-3CdWz4qm6UGrfDwXww1I37uKbuwVzmPIAVh21_yCou2FATcIlIOwHQkhRIkQ/s1600/migration+of+birds.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Migration-Birds-Seasons-Wing/dp/1554074320/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305175663&sr=1-3"><span id="btAsinTitle">The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing </span></a></div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">by Janice M Hughes </div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaETne8y5_PcC98MlmXAKMXkuQd2Vj7DZPBe2HsrSxV-IRYTpAlqxhbZi6-DQ1uNbkmr2aS7jseMI9IdkzawTipFRGWueHKzSbPwq86xh84aV04oaNfp7oX4F04lCUHVxPB06C13ZG7Zw/s1600/global+change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaETne8y5_PcC98MlmXAKMXkuQd2Vj7DZPBe2HsrSxV-IRYTpAlqxhbZi6-DQ1uNbkmr2aS7jseMI9IdkzawTipFRGWueHKzSbPwq86xh84aV04oaNfp7oX4F04lCUHVxPB06C13ZG7Zw/s1600/global+change.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Migration-Global-Change-George/dp/1597266884/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305175663&sr=1-8">Bird Migration and Global Change </a></span></div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">by George W. Cox </div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi105St5e4tym79gXygwBIaqQkJ8EE-v6FWqCKZ9qgKyQmBI0E7cIHHRzBwbecnFixyTpvvoWfFhYE9rK5pspYRg25oWiIjQ1-sfIc1MbePvnzTNG_5-JBVitbhHiM4Pe5s52oW-IcHA5w/s1600/atlas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi105St5e4tym79gXygwBIaqQkJ8EE-v6FWqCKZ9qgKyQmBI0E7cIHHRzBwbecnFixyTpvvoWfFhYE9rK5pspYRg25oWiIjQ1-sfIc1MbePvnzTNG_5-JBVitbhHiM4Pe5s52oW-IcHA5w/s1600/atlas.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div></div><div align="center"><a class="title" href="http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Bird-Migration-Tracing-Journeys/dp/1554079713/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305175663&sr=1-2"><strong><span style="color: #003399;">Atlas of Bird Migration: Tracing the Great Journeys of the World's Birds</span></strong></a> </div><div align="center"><span class="ptBrand">by Jonathan Elphick and Thomas E. Lovejoy</span></div></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-20168752111816788812011-05-05T23:05:00.001-04:002011-05-06T07:41:55.262-04:00A Mother's Day Gift From Us..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO62YkmxPHyTXkBLfn-M8lRozXdi245GmMRxzjlNPoCS_sOADpJx16AXaOnz-oLQGjLJZ4kDazWX9KVblLWWvvadws7MSz14EXTx3wij2xcSbMgR1WUbHTEIRBdlrvhmsZ3m0ZbYcrMME/s1600/swan+and+babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO62YkmxPHyTXkBLfn-M8lRozXdi245GmMRxzjlNPoCS_sOADpJx16AXaOnz-oLQGjLJZ4kDazWX9KVblLWWvvadws7MSz14EXTx3wij2xcSbMgR1WUbHTEIRBdlrvhmsZ3m0ZbYcrMME/s400/swan+and+babies.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black swan with cygnets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong>Mother's Day</strong> is just two days away, and if you haven't thought of a special gift to give yours, then we're here to help! This Sunday, May 8th, if you bring your mother to Sylvan Heights, we'll let her in free (with the purchase of at least one regular admission)! This is a unique gift that allows your mother to spend some fun quality time with her family in beautiful surroundings. <br />
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So pack a picnic lunch, grab a blindfold, and surprise your mother with a joyous outing she won't soon forget!</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-47475140223565325972011-04-18T23:08:00.000-04:002011-04-18T23:08:48.748-04:00Mark Your Calendars for Waterfowl Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_WU-sbf2mYbIKqTO7RIitjItThlHrgSkG9bJVBZvADoCShkEy9lee7tvKt8ucGjHeBqQlofjaTjN5zSZxxuhxzUgt1KkxjCa9xPILfOpygF54mgZaomAO9eE5FpBwbtZcLvWwiHmr7k/s1600/Waterfowl+Reunion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_WU-sbf2mYbIKqTO7RIitjItThlHrgSkG9bJVBZvADoCShkEy9lee7tvKt8ucGjHeBqQlofjaTjN5zSZxxuhxzUgt1KkxjCa9xPILfOpygF54mgZaomAO9eE5FpBwbtZcLvWwiHmr7k/s1600/Waterfowl+Reunion.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Another reason to become a Sylvan Heights member! All members are invited to join us for the <strong>2011 Waterfowl Reunion</strong> on April 30th from 9am to 12pm. Meet our education program birds face-to-face, and see our new hatchlings! Author <a href="http://www.davidgessner.com/">David Gessner</a> will be giving a presentation on the migration of ospreys, based on his book, <em>Return of the Osprey</em>, after the event at 1:00 p.m.<br />
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We hope to see you all on the 30th! And if you plan to attend, please RSVP by April 27th to enjoy complimentary gifts and refreshments.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-71512226215623329862011-04-18T23:00:00.001-04:002011-04-18T23:20:03.521-04:00Congratulations to our Chili Cook-Off Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wP-ghVZfxXqCq6eBjpp_Fagr7RSdyRihQpGNSaiOXeeyvFkF2ONrfs7oreJTzwD5JQRmGDUVDjpi596um3CHJmER7q2aFRdQIm80KPopCRThN4yym8lk034OE85S8eT6HE5PEHi7OXM/s1600/chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wP-ghVZfxXqCq6eBjpp_Fagr7RSdyRihQpGNSaiOXeeyvFkF2ONrfs7oreJTzwD5JQRmGDUVDjpi596um3CHJmER7q2aFRdQIm80KPopCRThN4yym8lk034OE85S8eT6HE5PEHi7OXM/s400/chili.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos by Katie Gipple.</span></em></div><br />
March’s “supermoon” shed an abundance of light on this year’s chili competition at Sylvan Heights.<br />
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On Saturday, March 19th, the Friends of Sylvan Heights (FOSH) hosted the Park's 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off from 6-9 p.m. Nine chili cooks entered a variety of chili recipes that included everything from sweet potato to pineapple. And the event attracted about 200 visitors who came to support the Park and act as “taste-testers” by voting for their favorite recipe.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Among the entrants were: Karen and Bill Bunn, with their “Southern Spice” chicken and pineapple recipe; Michelle Hawkins’ “Hot Momma’s Chili;” Kevin Hawkins’ “Fireduck;” Reginald Newsome and his spicy “Sweet Temptation Remix;” Medoc Mountain’s “Fire on the Mountain;” and “Dead-Eye Dick’s Chili” by Hunter Letchworth. </div><br />
A panel of three judges blind-tasted each chili for appearance, texture, flavor, and aroma. There were also marks for best presentation. Elizabeth Murphy with her sweet potato and black bean chili came in 2nd place with the judges, while contestants Kathy and Chris Lewis won the grand prize of $250 for their “Poppa's Original Recipe” chili.<br />
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The People’s Choice award was given to the contestant who received the most votes from the guests. The Scotland Neck Lion's Club came in second place, and the $100 top prize was also awarded to Kathy and Chris Lewis!<br />
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The contestants were set up around the Multinational Pond, a layout that allowed for greater accessibility, which everyone liked. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and it was a beautiful evening for such a fun event. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Chili Cook-off is a fundraiser organized by FOSH, with all proceeds of the event going to help meet the daily needs at the Park. To date, more than 20,000 visitors have toured the Park so far this year.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Plans are already being made for next year's event, which promises to be bigger and better. Mark your calendars now for the 3rd annual Sylvan Heights Chili Cook-Off, March 17, St. Patrick's Day. Plan to come and enjoy the chili or be a contestant - either way you're a winner and the Park wins, too.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pMABHS6TRa1jphkx6NX6IH_OJs1yCpULqcCQpfZ3_Fh7zXjd9ufBAJkkncCeqHNwAxn8NS7pb6dZyHoVFslpiCCVZHenkt0vOtqKFME5RdxSU8s9Srey_nSVxX_IqKRVg_1si25lN-A/s1600/Hot+Mamas+Chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pMABHS6TRa1jphkx6NX6IH_OJs1yCpULqcCQpfZ3_Fh7zXjd9ufBAJkkncCeqHNwAxn8NS7pb6dZyHoVFslpiCCVZHenkt0vOtqKFME5RdxSU8s9Srey_nSVxX_IqKRVg_1si25lN-A/s400/Hot+Mamas+Chili.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht70T-yOwvWffBjqkNDMw5NyAn6nXK-f8Gk3VFxUMN8ip9DicYkvdAihfuT9uv_K60_nh9gAJEVqUtgSojRjvoOC0_6S_80-MGbyk5rQWVzlKuZfc4S1KVNRKsh27kHLK9na-W10zTNts/s1600/Tim+Hopkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht70T-yOwvWffBjqkNDMw5NyAn6nXK-f8Gk3VFxUMN8ip9DicYkvdAihfuT9uv_K60_nh9gAJEVqUtgSojRjvoOC0_6S_80-MGbyk5rQWVzlKuZfc4S1KVNRKsh27kHLK9na-W10zTNts/s400/Tim+Hopkins.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-19308243700130819142011-02-28T17:54:00.002-05:002011-02-28T17:55:41.778-05:00The Second Annual Sylvan Heights Chili Cook-Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrh12YfoRzn9RYoZzSK2rJvlyw38OyPHjVJ4dy5dW1DIiw2-BvoTDeDU3Oyi223jNBZtPUQpGif34oeh9ff4e-AZHK4FR2XxVJvAxUsGu9CPB9hDGrVmr_TMiq3zQg1UStx0hf_YJNNs/s1600/chili+cook-off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrh12YfoRzn9RYoZzSK2rJvlyw38OyPHjVJ4dy5dW1DIiw2-BvoTDeDU3Oyi223jNBZtPUQpGif34oeh9ff4e-AZHK4FR2XxVJvAxUsGu9CPB9hDGrVmr_TMiq3zQg1UStx0hf_YJNNs/s400/chili+cook-off.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Does the mere mention of your chili bring tears of joy to your family's eyes? Do dinner guests magically appear at your door when you are in the kitchen stirring a bubbling pot of chili? Then maybe you should think about entering the <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">second annual Sylvan Heights Chili Cook-Off</span></strong>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Grand Prize winner will take home $250, and a second $100 prize will be awarded to the winner of the People's Choice. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What's that you say? You can't cook worth beans, but you are a chili-lover at heart? Or maybe you are on a deadline and can't enter your winning recipe this year? Then never fear, you can still join us and bring all your friends to cast your votes for your favorite chili. We'll supply the tasting cups, you supply the taste buds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The event takes place on March 19th, at Sylvan Heights from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets are now available for $15 at the Park's gift shop. For more information and contest rules, send an email to </span><a href="mailto:info@shwpark.com"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">info@shwpark.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> or call 252.826.3186</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>We hope to see you ALL there!</em></span>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-81522934347886496582011-02-15T17:37:00.001-05:002011-02-15T17:39:33.438-05:00The Great Backyard Bird Count<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbv3PgQZQNdIZR5uaIjnGaJaGq6zYxAfpDJwOAmAWjijQXTda_Og3m-GoVQSm8mAaSj7OMamt1UmGDuVHlHkuSIRi1vvZwSPNvpfm77Hp73tlrHQn8EGfYHOZf0sO_jqDbOepTGox2M8/s1600/GBBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbv3PgQZQNdIZR5uaIjnGaJaGq6zYxAfpDJwOAmAWjijQXTda_Og3m-GoVQSm8mAaSj7OMamt1UmGDuVHlHkuSIRi1vvZwSPNvpfm77Hp73tlrHQn8EGfYHOZf0sO_jqDbOepTGox2M8/s320/GBBC.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />
This weekend, people all over the United States and Canada will be participating in the 14th annual <strong><a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Great Backyard Bird Count</span></a></strong> (GBBC). This year, the GBBC runs Friday, February 18th, through Monday, February 21st.<br />
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Sylvan Heights is happy to welcome local students who will be counting our native birds at the park on Friday at 10 a.m. And we invite all of you to come out and visit us this weekend.<br />
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Our location has attracted a wide variety of bird species over the last few years, including pileated woodpeckers, prothonotary warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and many, many more. Just a few weeks ago, a small group of sandhill cranes were seen regularly around the park.<br />
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The four-day count takes place every February, and averages 10 million bird observations. People of any age can participate and no experience is necessary. Contrary to its name, you do not have to count birds in your own backyard, but can elect to count them anywhere - at a local park, school, etc. The project itself is as easy as 1, 2, 3: <br />
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• <strong>First</strong>, participants commit to counting birds for at least 15 minutes during one or more days of the count.<br />
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• <strong>Second</strong>, during your count, you record the highest number of birds of a single species (i.e., 5 cardinals, 8 house finches, 2 chickadees, etc.) that you see at one time.<br />
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• <strong>Last</strong>, submit your data by going to the website and entering your checklist.<br />
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A joint effort between Cornell University and the Audubon Society, as well as Bird Studies Canada, this <strong>Citizen Science Project</strong> is a valuable tool for scientists studying local bird populations. The data recorded help them to monitor the effects of changing weather patterns or diseases on bird populations, compare migratory behaviors to previous years, and monitor "irruptive" species (birds that appear in great numbers some years and not in others).<br />
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To learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit their website at <a href="http://www.birdcount.org/">http://www.birdcount.org/</a>. It has a wealth of information and includes games and activities for kids like puzzles, coloring pages and bookmarks. You can also learn more about birds, flip though their photo gallery, and even see last year's bird count results.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-7738733037502016002011-01-04T15:13:00.002-05:002011-01-04T15:13:51.421-05:00We Are Open Again!The park is now open once again. Our South America exhibit will remain closed until all the repairs have been made, but all other areas of the park are now accessible to the public. Hope to see you all here soon!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-35749167781672135402010-12-28T14:45:00.002-05:002010-12-28T14:49:17.568-05:00Closed For The Year...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrVcT_vqnmgBdVxnwEdo7G-KfQ2VBzxQ1TQ7Xc99TfACPtHWhhpdKsHRs56FAeJX8BkhAzczbzdL2-ViXzYJc0a-v02Ojrag136BOcu_dIMbPF8UQT7lTVr2M9ZH-WOTaFAZP3M-ADUc/s1600/pheasant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrVcT_vqnmgBdVxnwEdo7G-KfQ2VBzxQ1TQ7Xc99TfACPtHWhhpdKsHRs56FAeJX8BkhAzczbzdL2-ViXzYJc0a-v02Ojrag136BOcu_dIMbPF8UQT7lTVr2M9ZH-WOTaFAZP3M-ADUc/s400/pheasant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos by K. Gipple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Sylvan Heights will be closed until the end of the week</strong> while we assess the extent of the damage and begin repairs to the Park and the Breeding Center, which resulted from this past weekend's heavy snow storm. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While the majority of the damage occurred at the Breeding Center, all the staff from both the Park and the Center have been working throughout the daylight hours to save birds and salvage the aviaries which collapsed under the tremendous weight of snow. A few birds were injured by the collapsing pens and some were buried under the snow that ranged from 12 to over 15 inches in depth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you to all our friends who have quickly responded to our call for help. We are most grateful for your generosity. And we are also extremely appreciative to those zoos who have responded to our request by sending crews over to help rebuild pens and aviaries.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the moment, birds have been relocated into unaffected aviaries and temporary pens have been built while repairs are being made. <strong>If you would like to help</strong>, the park could use <strong>live Christmas trees</strong> as cover and sight barriers to help these relocated birds adjust to their new surroundings and provide shelter. So rather than leave your trees by the curbside this year, please consider donating them to us. To donate your tree, please call 252-826-3186.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6KxYyYUQCk6qNtXyBfGH68MM0uDPJWzRT8zEqIyPQnlAcZ93BxWZe2Em1TAFrai6zF5siYOEUBJLkB3KVWUXcSpdAdcGUATE2uaLzvWFjWv_jwvr38lPVw7T_2tKSotPmdh1O2QPTUs/s1600/nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6KxYyYUQCk6qNtXyBfGH68MM0uDPJWzRT8zEqIyPQnlAcZ93BxWZe2Em1TAFrai6zF5siYOEUBJLkB3KVWUXcSpdAdcGUATE2uaLzvWFjWv_jwvr38lPVw7T_2tKSotPmdh1O2QPTUs/s400/nancy.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PuYLpqubXewGTZz_Pyx8jd66sSjq5b66ype8C0wjRPAfbp81l-jI7-JIXkzU1mLQHz026_EXiQY9VAbUK6w0eXHivi2xmUwKM2AloaEO453roNfsuqFLe4url6sIaaXwUTpvBKE1ctw/s1600/freckled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PuYLpqubXewGTZz_Pyx8jd66sSjq5b66ype8C0wjRPAfbp81l-jI7-JIXkzU1mLQHz026_EXiQY9VAbUK6w0eXHivi2xmUwKM2AloaEO453roNfsuqFLe4url6sIaaXwUTpvBKE1ctw/s400/freckled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBrpNJSoh2U_Dm17J0MNivhanD27oaNzFmTfliK0Ota2FhlMfjz_FH-kI3aVPpAAy_6smGS18obHpcTbGT98qpyKbKgPZBVoyE4dsTOj5bzWSZOJdCpoM6MWb7BYmxHi5suKr6pDt_8s/s1600/harlequin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBrpNJSoh2U_Dm17J0MNivhanD27oaNzFmTfliK0Ota2FhlMfjz_FH-kI3aVPpAAy_6smGS18obHpcTbGT98qpyKbKgPZBVoyE4dsTOj5bzWSZOJdCpoM6MWb7BYmxHi5suKr6pDt_8s/s400/harlequin+2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23S_j6Ea3euVCHENgi8Xy-hLJoaTDZkCVpmeI24pWNzCOnOxsK95_4zxkr6Q0k2Hl8sSS26NlmvH6UzvD7J2gxhFskMzif9mEpL9wUslV5BBs6VEA0VHx8ANtgX3D_KfUbB5_phr2LPc/s1600/holding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23S_j6Ea3euVCHENgi8Xy-hLJoaTDZkCVpmeI24pWNzCOnOxsK95_4zxkr6Q0k2Hl8sSS26NlmvH6UzvD7J2gxhFskMzif9mEpL9wUslV5BBs6VEA0VHx8ANtgX3D_KfUbB5_phr2LPc/s400/holding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaK7hXVPM0j-vATKdvQfmmfgLWevJ_nCADy61q96P27EeHWYZivyfVODxtg3arUad3sTkq0U1AJhsCIlQNaFyqFAy5OGfFXD1LSfxu1wiEg1MX3gCYq4keHiSZjsWoIiITJa9pZu2fUY/s1600/freckled+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaK7hXVPM0j-vATKdvQfmmfgLWevJ_nCADy61q96P27EeHWYZivyfVODxtg3arUad3sTkq0U1AJhsCIlQNaFyqFAy5OGfFXD1LSfxu1wiEg1MX3gCYq4keHiSZjsWoIiITJa9pZu2fUY/s400/freckled+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-1176687344309984902010-12-22T14:17:00.001-05:002010-12-22T14:19:40.122-05:00Unique Gifts for Your Friends and FamilyIf you are still looking for some unique gift ideas this holiday season, here are some that the park has to offer...<br />
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• <strong>Gift Passes:</strong> Next year our price of admission will be going up a wee bit. But if you buy a gift pass to the park now, you'll lock in this year's rate!<br />
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• <strong>A Year's Membership:</strong> Members receive free admission to the park all year long, a 10% discount in the gift shop, and a subscription to our Park newsletter. In addition, your membership also grants you free admission to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, the NC Aquariums, and the Nature Center in Asheville. Members are also invited to a special program, Waterfowl Reunion, once a year in the spring, where members enjoy complimentary refreshments and can get up close and personal with the park's new hatchlings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww15RRrMDQF9idmnkW6R0XgPHYC2mwzDRfZKZFDTZQ2qORsq-4JOnRwzAemum2YdWQCYnR_mHUsYYeHpJ5jEVBdEEvmv9JmlEBcR09H4TQ0x0V2lEn3EmMHPGqAWu6P3Q6b3fgGETPCQ/s1600/feed+a+duck+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww15RRrMDQF9idmnkW6R0XgPHYC2mwzDRfZKZFDTZQ2qORsq-4JOnRwzAemum2YdWQCYnR_mHUsYYeHpJ5jEVBdEEvmv9JmlEBcR09H4TQ0x0V2lEn3EmMHPGqAWu6P3Q6b3fgGETPCQ/s400/feed+a+duck+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>• <strong>Feed a Duck for a Year:</strong> This special program helps to care for the birds in the park. Your donation of $100 enables you to be the proud sponsor of one of the amazing birds in our collection for a year. Comes with a sponsorship certificate that you can display at home or at work.<br />
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• <strong>Visit the Park's Gift Shop:</strong> Our store has many beautiful gifts in a wide ranges of prices to please anyone on your list. From books to clothing, puzzles to jewelry, we have some excellent products that people of any age can enjoy.<br />
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• <strong>Gift Certificate to the Park's Shop</strong>: Take the guess work out of your holiday and give a gift certificate which allows the recipient to choose their own favorite item!<br />
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<em>With warmest holiday wishes to you all...</em>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-86060034872717348402010-12-10T13:26:00.001-05:002010-12-10T13:29:55.350-05:00Celebrate the 12 Birds of Christmas at Sylvan Heights!Now through January 2nd, stop by the park and celebrate the <b>12 Birds of Christmas</b>! From french hens to calling birds, geese a-laying to swans a-swimming, test your skill by participating in our scavenger hunt and see if you can answer all the questions we've put together for you. A fun activity for young and old, bring your family and friends with you this holiday season!<br />
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Check out this video with our director, Mike Lubbock, for more information about the 12 Birds of Christmas...<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ezrOncfL0Qc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ezrOncfL0Qc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347426995107090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131213549118978448.post-86807950520771314792010-12-02T09:37:00.002-05:002010-12-02T21:30:16.714-05:00Snapshots of Moonlight in the ParkThank you to all who attended our Moonlight in the Park fundraiser. It was a smashing success, raising over 14,000 for the Park. Attendees enjoyed a meal provided by On the Square in Tarboro and live music. <br />
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But the highlight of the evening was definitely the live auction - thanks to our wonderful auctioneer, Phil Stanton. Some of the most popular items of the evening included the large globe made of semi-precious stones, a wine and cheese tasting for 12, a pet portrait by portrait artist Dorothy McLennan, and a pair of hand-carved harlequin duck decoys. <br />
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Sylvan Heights would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the individuals and companies who donated items for the evening's auction, as well as all those who attended the evening's festivities and who gave so generously.<br />
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