Sylvan Heights has a large number of interns and researchers who come to stay for various lengths of time throughout the year. It is such a pleasure to meet so many individuals - young and old – who are interested in conservation.
We are also proud to have been able to participate in so many scientific research projects and to share the wealth of knowledge that has been acquired here throughout the years. We look forward to contributing to many more studies in the years to come.
One of our most recent visitors was Jessica Meir, an American scientist at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Jessica is a physiologist working on a research project with bar-headed geese. She came to the park to hand-raise and imprint a group of bar-headed goslings that she plans to train to fly in a wind tunnel for her study.
We are fortunate to be able to share more about Jessica’s work with you in the following video that she made while she was here. Thanks so much to Joe Holliday of the Commonwealth Progress for capturing her story on video…
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
What the Heck is a Lek?
Have you made a trip to the Park recently to discover our little secret? If not, let us introduce you to our newest exhibit and its distinguished inhabitants: Ruffs.
Visitors are now treated to a rare sight in North American zoos, as our group of 19 birds is the largest in the country. In fact, only one other facility in the U.S. – the San Diego Zoo – displays Ruffs, and we are happy to be able to join them in educating the public about this spectacular species.
Ruffs are named for the dramatic collar of feathers that encircles the male’s neck during the breeding season. Reminiscent of the fashionable “ruffs” worn by Europeans in the 17th century, these collars are impressive to behold.
Ruffs are also unusual for the variety of plumage colors and patterns among individual males during the breeding season. In the winter months, it is hard to distinguish males from females. But when summer arrives, individual males develop a breeding plumage in shades of black, brown, rusty red and white – all in unique combinations and patterns. This phenomenon is thought to be a means of identification, unlike most bird species, which use vocalization to distinguish one from another.
But perhaps this species is most remarkable for the fact that they are the only “lekking” sandpiper. A lek is best described as an arena where male birds gather for the purpose of competitive breeding displays. For example, in the summer, groups of Ruffs will migrate North to their breeding grounds in Northern Eurasia. Once there, males will come together on a daily basis at a particular spot and compete for the opportunity to mate with a female.
Dominant, or “resident”, males are dark in appearance and aggressively defend a small territory within the lek. “Satellite” males have lighter plumage with white ruffs and, although they do not defend a territory, they are tolerated in the arena by the resident males.
With Ruffs, there is a third group of breeding males. "Faeder" males mimic females in plumage and behavior. They do not possess the colorful feathered collar of most males and do not perform any breeding displays. Instead, faeders roam between territories posing as females, and covertly mate with females when an opportunity arises.
At the leks, males perform a number of courtship displays such as “Wing-fluttering”, a “Strut-walk”, or “Flutter-jumps” to name a few. Females visit the leks to mate with the male of her choice. Afterwards, she leaves and assumes all responsibility for the care of the eggs and chicks. The male’s job is done.
Other lekking species include Sage Grouse, Prairie Chickens, Musk Ducks, Birds of Paradise, and Hermit Hummingbirds.
Breeding Ruffs primarily eat insects, but this diet varies during migration and in winter based on food availability, and may include small crustaceans, fish, grains and grasses. Here at the park, our group is fed a commercial diet for sea birds.
Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park is taking advantage of this unique learning opportunity and is participating in an on-going Ruff behavioral research project with East Carolina University and Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
So next time you visit the Park, be sure to stop by and check out our Ruff exhibit. It is located along the path leading to the Beaver Pond Blind.
Ruffs are named for the dramatic collar of feathers that encircles the male’s neck during the breeding season. Reminiscent of the fashionable “ruffs” worn by Europeans in the 17th century, these collars are impressive to behold.
Ruffs are also unusual for the variety of plumage colors and patterns among individual males during the breeding season. In the winter months, it is hard to distinguish males from females. But when summer arrives, individual males develop a breeding plumage in shades of black, brown, rusty red and white – all in unique combinations and patterns. This phenomenon is thought to be a means of identification, unlike most bird species, which use vocalization to distinguish one from another.
Three of our male Ruffs beginning to come into breeding plumage.
But perhaps this species is most remarkable for the fact that they are the only “lekking” sandpiper. A lek is best described as an arena where male birds gather for the purpose of competitive breeding displays. For example, in the summer, groups of Ruffs will migrate North to their breeding grounds in Northern Eurasia. Once there, males will come together on a daily basis at a particular spot and compete for the opportunity to mate with a female.
Dominant, or “resident”, males are dark in appearance and aggressively defend a small territory within the lek. “Satellite” males have lighter plumage with white ruffs and, although they do not defend a territory, they are tolerated in the arena by the resident males.
With Ruffs, there is a third group of breeding males. "Faeder" males mimic females in plumage and behavior. They do not possess the colorful feathered collar of most males and do not perform any breeding displays. Instead, faeders roam between territories posing as females, and covertly mate with females when an opportunity arises.
At the leks, males perform a number of courtship displays such as “Wing-fluttering”, a “Strut-walk”, or “Flutter-jumps” to name a few. Females visit the leks to mate with the male of her choice. Afterwards, she leaves and assumes all responsibility for the care of the eggs and chicks. The male’s job is done.
Other lekking species include Sage Grouse, Prairie Chickens, Musk Ducks, Birds of Paradise, and Hermit Hummingbirds.
Breeding Ruffs primarily eat insects, but this diet varies during migration and in winter based on food availability, and may include small crustaceans, fish, grains and grasses. Here at the park, our group is fed a commercial diet for sea birds.
Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park is taking advantage of this unique learning opportunity and is participating in an on-going Ruff behavioral research project with East Carolina University and Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
So next time you visit the Park, be sure to stop by and check out our Ruff exhibit. It is located along the path leading to the Beaver Pond Blind.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Aviculturist Members Enjoy Duckling Day
On May 29, the Park hosted its annual Duckling Day event. Aviculturist Members enjoyed a delicious breakfast provided by the staff and volunteers of Sylvan Heights. Afterwards, the members were divided into groups and treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Park's breeding facility, which is not open to the general public.
We'd like to thank all of our members for their continued support of the Park. We'd also like to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers for all of their efforts and contributions, which enable us to produce quality events for our visitors.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Looking to Improve Your Photography Skills?
Geared for beginners and intermediate level photographers, this class can help you become more comfortable with your camera. In addition to learning how to compose images in an outdoor setting, the workshop will also discuss your photography equipment and the affect that the changing outdoor lighting has on it. Budding photographers from 14-years-old and older with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a bit of patience are welcome to participate in this course.
Sol is an award-winning nature photographer whose work has appeared in books, magazines and calendars, as well as museums and art centers. His most recent award was in a Canon Worldwide Photo Contest. Fuji Film has used Sol’s photographs in show booths and two were chosen for an exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Sol is a member of the Carolina Nature Photographer’s Association, the North Carolina Master Photographers Association and the North Carolina Wildlife Artists Society. To learn more about Sol Levine, you can visit his website http://www.naturesimagesbysol.com/
To register for this exciting workshop, you can contact Sol Levine via email at naturpix@mindspring.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it) or by calling him at 919-453-2653.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Celebrating Members and Birds
Here are a few pictures from our Waterfowl Reuinion and Migratory Bird Day events. Members enjoyed meeting many of our outreach animals up close as well as brunch and touring the Park. Many were also able to witness the grand opening of our new Beaver Pond Blind, which was made possible by funding from Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
Hope to you all get a chance to come out and see some of our new changes soon!
Hope to you all get a chance to come out and see some of our new changes soon!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Celebrate Earth Day and International Migratory Bird Day at the Park
Things have been extremely busy the last few months at the Park. In March, we hosted our first Chili Cook-off, which turned out to be a resounding success. Thanks so much to our Friends of Sylvan Heights (FOSH) Board for all their hard work, and especially to Board Members Jackie Jones and Michael Procino for organizing the event. Twelve fabulous chili entries came from different areas within the Roanoke Valley area and over 200 people attended the event to sample and vote for their favorite chili. The “Taster’s Choice Award” was won by Gra Whitehead representing Down East Animal Refuge. And the grand prize went to Carol Shields whose “Roanoke River Chili” was created using locally grown and harvested ingredients.
So far this month, the Park has enjoyed record-breaking numbers as families and friends eager to get out and enjoy the arrival of spring, have visited with picnic baskets and cameras in hand. But the birds aren’t the only things our visitors are looking at; Photographers have been spotted snapping shots of the landscaped grounds also, as tulips, azaleas and many other plants have opened their blooms to welcome the warm, spring sunshine.
This Thursday, April 22nd, is Earth Day, a global celebration of our environment. People around the world will be participating in events and activities that show a commitment to the protection and responsible stewardship of the planet. Why not celebrate by taking a little trip out to visit us and learn more about the amazing creatures that share our world?
Also, on May 1st, all members of the Park are invited to attend our annual member appreciation event, “Waterfowl Reunion,” from 9 am until noon. Join us for a fun-filled morning where you can meet our special program birds, see the new hatchlings, get hands-on with many of the young birds, and enjoy complimentary gifts and refreshments. Not a member? No problem! You can purchase your membership when you arrive. For more information on individual and family memberships, please visit our website.
Your family can even make it an all-day trip and stay for our International Migratory Bird Day celebration. The Park opens to the public at noon and visitors will be treated to an entertaining and informative program on Operation Migration, a project to help save the endangered Whooping Crane. You can read all about our ties to the project here.
Remember the movie, Fly, Away Home? In case you thought that was just a Hollywood stunt, come to the Park to learn how a similar project is carried out each year to save the Whooping Crane population in North America. Meet staff from Operation Migration and learn just how they are able to train those cranes to fly behind ultra-light airplanes. You’ll also be able to watch a handler don a crane suit and hand-feed our own young Whooping Crane! This promises to be a fun and informative program for all ages.
We hope to see you all there!
So far this month, the Park has enjoyed record-breaking numbers as families and friends eager to get out and enjoy the arrival of spring, have visited with picnic baskets and cameras in hand. But the birds aren’t the only things our visitors are looking at; Photographers have been spotted snapping shots of the landscaped grounds also, as tulips, azaleas and many other plants have opened their blooms to welcome the warm, spring sunshine.
This Thursday, April 22nd, is Earth Day, a global celebration of our environment. People around the world will be participating in events and activities that show a commitment to the protection and responsible stewardship of the planet. Why not celebrate by taking a little trip out to visit us and learn more about the amazing creatures that share our world?
Your family can even make it an all-day trip and stay for our International Migratory Bird Day celebration. The Park opens to the public at noon and visitors will be treated to an entertaining and informative program on Operation Migration, a project to help save the endangered Whooping Crane. You can read all about our ties to the project here.
Remember the movie, Fly, Away Home? In case you thought that was just a Hollywood stunt, come to the Park to learn how a similar project is carried out each year to save the Whooping Crane population in North America. Meet staff from Operation Migration and learn just how they are able to train those cranes to fly behind ultra-light airplanes. You’ll also be able to watch a handler don a crane suit and hand-feed our own young Whooping Crane! This promises to be a fun and informative program for all ages.
We hope to see you all there!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Vote for Your Favorite....Chili!
Join us this Satuday night, March 13th, at Sylvan Heights' first official Chili Cook-Off! Experience the park after hours as you sample chili from more than 10 different contestants. The park will be open for this event from 6 to 9 pm.
Two awards will be given; one to the most popular chili voted on by you, the general public, and the other to be determined by a panel of local celebrity judges that includes Miss North Carolina. Visitors to the event will receive a ballot that will allow them to vote on their favorite chili based on appearance, aroma, flavor, and creativity.
Don't miss out on your chance to vote for your favorite chili!
A silent auction comprised of various types of animal-themed art will also be held that night.
Tickets for this fundraiser are $15. Why not enjoy a fun evening while supporting your favorite local park?
Tickets are on sale now at the park's gift shop. Or reserve your tickets by calling (252) 826-3186.
Hope to see you all there!
Two awards will be given; one to the most popular chili voted on by you, the general public, and the other to be determined by a panel of local celebrity judges that includes Miss North Carolina. Visitors to the event will receive a ballot that will allow them to vote on their favorite chili based on appearance, aroma, flavor, and creativity.
Don't miss out on your chance to vote for your favorite chili!
A silent auction comprised of various types of animal-themed art will also be held that night.
Tickets for this fundraiser are $15. Why not enjoy a fun evening while supporting your favorite local park?
Tickets are on sale now at the park's gift shop. Or reserve your tickets by calling (252) 826-3186.
Hope to see you all there!
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