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Download the Winter 2011 edition of Marsh Musings
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Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is engaged in a wide diversity of projects, programs, and services which serve to raise awareness of and support for John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, as well as the National Wildlife Refuge System and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
WILDLIFE WATCH: WINTER WATERFOWL, WOODPECKERS, AND MORE
Winter provides picturesque opportunities to explore Heinz Refuge with camera, binoculars, or just a friend. Waterfowl congregate in large numbers on the impoundment, so long as the water is open. Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, Pintails (above), Wigeon, Gadwall, Coot, Ruddy Ducks, Hooded and Common mergansers dive or dabble in search of fish or aquatic vegetation. Downy and Hairy woodpeckers scoot along bare trees in search of insects, occasionally in flocks with nuthatches, kinglets, chickadees and titmice. The resident flock of Wild Turkeys mill around the base of the bird feeder where they peck seeds dropped by sparrows, cardinals, and blackbirds. The Northern Shrike, first discovered on Thanskgiving morning, is still being seen, as of the end of January.
NEWS: SERIOUS NESTING MODE
Philadelphia's most famous Eagles — the flying kind — are beginning their third consecutive breeding season at Heinz Refuge. Our resident Bald Eagles now spend serious time on their Oak Island nest. They can be seen standing on it together or soaring overhead nearby. Refuge Biologist Brendalee Phillips predicts the female will lay eggs sometime in mid-February. After that occurs, both parents will take turns incubating the eggs non-stop for about 35 days. Keen observers may be lucky to witness a "change of guard" when one eagle flies off to find food, and the other one quickly scoots over the eggs to keep them warm. Check our website and Facebook page for updates. We'll be sure to announce the news when egg-laying and incubation begins!
REFUGE STAFF UPDATE: STORM DAMAGE AND TRAIL CLOSURES
Hurricane Irene's high winds and heavy rains damaged the little boardwalk that connects the .6-mile accessible trail with the Pipeline and Haul Road Trails; this boardwalk is currently closed for public safety concerns. Refuge staff are working to replace it as soon as possible. While repairs are being made, try hiking to Hoys Pond, which is located approximately 1.5 miles from the Visitors Center along the Impoundment Loop Trail.
In addition, there will be closures to the Dike Road and Trail at various times throughout the winter as the Refuge works to improve the dike to reduce flooding effects. All public entry to work areas will be prohibited during these closures. Any persons found within the closed areas will be subject to fines and or imprisonment. For daily closure information, please call the Refuge the day of your visit at 215-365-3118. A map of the impacted area is available for download. |
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FOHR mailing address: PO Box 333,
Folcroft PA 19032-0333.
Heinz Refuge address: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19153.
Telephone: (215) 365-3118
Email:
Info@friendsofheinzrefuge.org
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