Welcome to my photoblog on:
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
My name is James. I am a senior at South Johnston High School in Benson, NC.
I am a huge outdoor enthusiast. Nothing like being out in nature to me. I am
considering a career in ecology or environmental research but not 100% certain at this
point. My family and I have been visiting Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
in Four Oaks, NC for many years. Last year I was lucky enough to become a volunteer
at Howell Woods. Although I do not get to volunteer as often as I would like
due to my school schedule, I am grateful whenever I can. I spend my time there helping
where ever needed and learning as much as possible.
So what is Howell Woods?
The Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center, or Howell Woods, is a unique 2,800-acre natural resource designed to provide excellent recreational and educational experiences while fostering environmental stewardship. It is a great place to explore, hike, bicycle, bird watch, hunt, fish, camp, picnic or come to see the exhibits, museum, and visit the birds of prey, just to name a few. Howell Woods also offers classes and rents out conference rooms for corporate meetings.
As a project for school and to help bring awareness about Howell Woods I decided to start a monthly photoblog. Over the months ahead I plan to add info and share photos on the many different aspects of Howell Woods. Both my father and I take photos for this blog. This is my first attempt writing a blog so I want to keep this simple and pretty straight forward. I hope to make improvements in future blogs as I learn more. I plan to eventually add videos as well. Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to ask questions, make comments and suggestions.
If you've never been to Howell Woods I hope this blog will peak your interest enough that you will visit. It is a treasure located in Johnston County and one of my favorite places.
To learn more about Howell Woods click on the link below.
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/
Jordan Astoske
Director of Howell Woods
jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu
(919) 938-0115 ext. 221
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"
James
See below for the January blog and photos.
_______________________
January 2014
I've selected January as the month to introduce or reintroduce you to the Birds of Prey at Howell Woods. The raptors center at Howell Woods is home to Hawks, Owls and other birds of prey that have been injured and can no longer live in the wild. They now live in the safety of their roomy enclosures and are cared for daily. Donations are accepted to help pay for the upkeep of these birds.
Come pull up a chair (a benched seat) and spend some time bird watching. You'll be glad you did. It is a GREAT way for people to observe Birds of Prey up close.
One of my favorite duties when volunteering is helping to feed the animals. Feeding and watching the birds of prey being fed is a real treat in my opinion.
The Red Tailed Hawks
Observations: The Red Tailed Hawks are very interesting and beautiful birds. There is a male and a female that usually nest every year. It is rare that chicks survive but if they do they are released when they are able to thrive on their own. The adult birds share their meals with each other and their young if they have any. I will post additional photos of the hawks, their nesting process and their young in the future. Please check back to see those.
Red Shouldered Hawks
Observations: The Red Shouldered Hawk is very vocal and energetic at times, especially feeding time. She is fed mice and other small rodents that she pounces on and plays with before eating.
The Barred Owl
Observations: The Barred Owl can make a wide variety of sounds. These sounds are anything from hoots, to tweets, to clicks. She wastes no time in seizing any meal that is placed in her enclosure. She fluffs her feathers to appear bigger and makes clicking sounds when visitors first approach her enclosure.
The Great Horned Owls
Observations: The Great Horned Owls are shy, but still a sight to behold. They do not like to share food with each other and each rushes to gobble down as much food as they can before the other tries to take it. Notice in the next to last photo of the Great Horned Owl taken when the owl blinked. His third eyelid is called a nictitating membrane and is visible in the photo.
The Black Vulture
Observations: Despite her injured wing, the Black Vulture is very active. She will turn her head to watch you and will on occasion copy your head motions. She is fed with small dead animals. She also makes some interesting sounds.
That's all for now. Hope you liked the blog. Please check back again soon as I may post additional information and photos of the birds of prey, if there is interest. Also every month I will feature some aspect of Howell Woods. All photos are copyright of James Giddens and Wade Giddens.
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"
Jamesjandwgiddens@gmail.com
