Saturday Bird Bandings at Audubon, April 29 – May 20

how this is done and why.

Come on your own or bring the kids with you to view this amazing process. Watch how these bird scientists capture migrating and resident birds in “mist” nets – so-called because they are so fine they are almost like mist – fit them with identification bands, measure, weigh, and then release them. You might even be selected to help release a bird.

If the weather is too harsh for the safety of the birds, the nets are not opened and an alternate date is chosen.

While not necessary to enjoy the demonstrations, you may want to bring bird guides and binoculars if you have them, and remember to dress for the weather. Plan to listen closely to the scientists and follow their instructions carefully, as safety of the birds is the priority.

Photo Submitted

You can observe bird scientists in action and birds up close at bird banding demonstrations every Saturday morning from April 29 through May 20 at Audubon

Community Nature Center. This photograph of flycatchers, “Two Birds on Perch,” by Olean, New York, photographer Paul G. Beretta, was an adult winner in an Audubon Nature Photography Contest. For information on submitting to and voting for the 2023

Photo Contest, visit GoGoPhotoContest.com/ACNCPhotoContest2023.

Come to the picnic pavilion on the west side of the Audubon property at 1600 Riverside Road, just east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Look for a “Bird Banding” sign at the entrance closer to Route 62. Drive in and park on the grass along the edge of the trees. Or park at the Nature Center parking lot and walk to trail over to the banding site, especially if it has been raining.

Birdbander Emily Thomas Perlock holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degres in Wildlife

Pre-workout tips for seniors

adversely affect workouts.

• Emphasize stretching. Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle injuries. It also can improve range of motion in the joints. Stretching before and after a workout prepares the body for exercise and helps it recover.

and Fisheries Science from Penn State. She has worked as a wildlife biologist for the United States Forest Service Northern Research Station’s Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Irvine, Pa., and is currently an Instructor in Wildlife Technology at Penn State DuBois. Since learning how to band in 2005, she has banded over 4000 birds; she has a Master Banding permit and is certified as a bird bander by the North American Banding Council. She established a banding program at The Arboretum at Penn State and has participated in banding programs for Audubon and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

Audubon offers these demonstrations to the public free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. No reservations are required. No dogs please.

To learn more and donate if you choose, click through “Programs and Events” at AudubonCNC.org.

While at ACNC, you can visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free. typically must change how they approach exercise. For example, rather than jumping two feet first into new activities like they might have done when they were younger, seniors may improve their endurance prior to lacing up their sneakers. For most, that may boil down to taking various pre-workout steps.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, the 2022 Nature Photography Contest winners, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for nonNature Center members.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.

• Get enough rest. The body requires adequate growth and repair. Exercise may not be as effective and it may be more dangerous if seniors are engaging without enough sleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can reduce reaction times, which can

• Wear the proper footwear and clothing. Sturdy, supportive athletic shoes and well-fitting workout wear can make working out more comfortable and safer. The National Institute on Aging recommends finding footwear designed for the specific activity you’ll be engaging in. Footwear that offers sufficient heel support and nonslip soles is beneficial as well.

• Warm up. Give the body an opportunity to acclimate during a warm-up period that will facilitate healthy breathing. Warming up also loosens up the joints and muscles for the exercise ahead. After a workout, seniors should cool down to reduce their heart rates and prepare for recovery.

• Carefully consider preworkout supplements. Preworkout powders and pills have become quite popular for exercise enthusiasts. Manufacturers may advertise that their products are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will help energize the body for a workout. However, they also may be fortified with caffeine. Do not take a pre-workout supplement without first consulting your physician, as certain products may adversely interact with medications you’re taking for preexisting conditions. Pre-workout steps can keep seniors safe and reduce injury risk from exercise.