Wings OF LOVE!
FEATU R E
ON THE
By Dr. Ed Rubin
When Wycliffe received the Audubon International certification in environmental planning in August 2015, it was the beginning of a process to make our Club a wild life sanctuary. Wycliffe’s first undertaking was to create a popular stopover and destination for migrating birds from North and South America, while providing a world class golf and tennis facility in the heart of a beautiful nature preserve. Over 60 species of birds have been identified at the Club to date. Wycliffe has installed 24 bird nesting boxes throughout the two golf courses. The boxes were placed by ornithology expert Brian Beckner, Ed Rubin, and our Director of Agronomy, Andrew Fike and a dedicated group of volunteers. They were placed out of harm’s way from errant golf shots with wooded protection for three quarters of the box and clear front views for the birds to comfortably nest. There is not one task or procedure on the golf course and tennis courts in which consideration to the environment and ecosystem has not been measured.
You probably have seen many of the boxes in your travels around the property. There are elevated nesting boxes for Screech Owls; Red Headed Wood Peckers nesting in two boxes on the West Course. Plus, two boxes for Purple Martins, one at the end of the driving range and one at the point of land just opposite the sixth hole on the East course. That box had a full complement of 12 nests with at least 12 hatched fledglings. Next, flora will be planted near the nesting boxes that will supply nutrients and protection for the bird population. Be inspired by our efforts and flock to us when we institute our “birding” group that will tour the property so that you can further appreciate and enjoy these beautiful creatures.
W YC LI F F E M AGA ZI N E
NATIONAL BIRD DAY is January 5 – stay tuned for fun and interactive birding activities and tours to celebrate our winged wildlife.
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