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| Paradise for birds | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 4 2006, 10:47 PM (63 Views) | |
| Deleted User | Aug 4 2006, 10:47 PM Post #1 |
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Paradise for birds Berkshire facility home to local and imported species By David Schaffer For the Poughkeepsie Journal http://poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.d.../LIFE/608030304 The area along the Massachusetts border in northeast New York is an area rife with wildlife, including many species of birds. The Berkshire Bird Paradise in Grafton provides a habitat for hundreds of these local birds, and also includes several imported species among its population. The Berkshire Bird Paradise has become one of the most respected and trusted bird sanctuaries in North America. It has rehabilitated hundreds of birds, restoring many to the wild, and provides life-long care to others with permanent disabilities. The facility also has an impressive record of breeding bald and golden eagles in captivity and transitioning them to the wild. Most recently, two bald eagles born there to disabled parents were released into the wild in the Lake Champlain area during the summer of 2005. The sanctuary was started by Peter DuBacher in 1974 on his parents' vacation home property. His commitment to providing humane treatment for birds was first stirred when he was in the Army and stationed in Panama City. There, he witnessed disturbingly poor treatment of birds, seeing beautiful, exotic birds crammed into cages and boxes and sold by street vendors on a massive level. "I would buy a case of finches for $5, which was a lot of money in Latin America in those days, and release them into the wild," DuBacher recalled. Such inclinations on DuBacher's part have been vastly expanded since he started Berkshire Bird Paradise. He has taken in birds from all over the world, from animals recovered by government agencies to pets owned by people in the local area who are unwilling or unable to properly care for them. Huge responsibility While he expresses fulfillment with his role as sanctuary director, it does consume nearly all of his time and energy. "This is a 24/7 job; I'm here every day. If I ever do take a vacation, it will be for a day or two. And I don't plan on retiring — I'm going to keep going as long as my health holds up." Living environments at the bird sanctuary are tailored to the birds' specific needs. Healthy birds adapted to the environment fly and wander freely within and beyond the sanctuary. The entrance is an extended indoor flyway bustling with a variety of doves, pigeons, pheasants and tropical birds. Be prepared for a cacophony of birdcalls and a flurry of creatures swooping low past your head. DuBacher and volunteers often allow visitors, especially school and youth groups, to feed and handle the birds under their supervision. There are two pond areas for ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl, and a large chicken coop. These birds wander freely along the footpaths of the sanctuary. Hunting and scavenger birds, those that are likely to bite and those in need of special care are kept in enclosed pens. Bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and an assortment of owls, hawks and vultures are among the species kept in protective areas. Zelda the ostrich At the far end of the developed area of the sanctuary is a large area enclosed by a high wire fence containing an African ostrich. Known as Zelda, the creature stands eight feet high and when fully perched can reach her head over the top of the fence. . |
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8:06 AM Jul 12