Foxes and chickens, birds and snakes

CORNWALL — The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will host a series of wildlife programs at its Outdoor Discovery Center in January.

The entrance to the center on Muser Drive is across from 174 Angola Road in Cornwall.

Here’s a rundown of what’s happening and when:

Identify winter birds

Saturday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m.

Join environmental educator Megan Hoffman to learn how to identify winter birds using characteristics such as size, color, patterns and movement. Find out what types of bird food attracts which species of birds.

“The Dark-Eyed Junco was the most frequently reported backyard bird in New York,” Megan said in the museum’s press release announcing the programs. “This social bird spends its winter in a flock of up to 30 birds that will remain together throughout the winter season!”

Participants will make a simple bird feeder to take home. For adults with or without children and children ages 5 and up.

Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for children. For museum members: $5 for adults; $3 for children ages.

Live snakes

Sunday, Jan. 6, at 10 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m.

“To snakes, humans are very large predators,” Environmental Educator Carl Heitmuller said in the museum’s press release. “They would rather avoid us or hide than strike to protect themselves.”

Come get a close-up look at their adaptations and learn about snakes that live in the Hudson Valley. There will be live snakes to observe up-close plus snake artifacts available for hands-on interaction.

For adults with or without children and for children ages 5 and up.

Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for children. For museum members: $5 for adults; $3 for children.

Pre-paid registration is required.

For information and online pre-paid-registration visit www.hhnaturemuseum.org or call 845-534-5506, ext. 204.

Raising your own poultry

Saturday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Join Audrey Reith of the Cornell Cooperative Extension to learn the basics of keeping your own backyard flock of chickens.

“Eggs come in many colors, depending on the breed of chicken,” said Environmental Educator Judy Onufer. “However, the insides of the egg are all the same. Besides being fun and entertaining there is nothing fresher than an egg right from the hen.”

Chickens also help control ticks and produce fertilizer for your garden. This three-hour program will provide information including: Coop requirements, chicken breeds and how to obtain chicks, feeding and general care, local and state regulations.

This course requires pre-paid registration and is recommended for adults and children ages 7 and up.

Admission: $25 for adults, $12 for children 7-16. Museum Members: $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 7-16.

For information and online registration visit hhnaturemuseum.org or call (845) 534-5506, ext 204.

The sly fox

Saturday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.

Fox are well known for their cleverness and adaptability and though seldom seen, fox are quite common throughout our region. Join Environmental Educator Pam Golben to learn about this handsome and resourceful member of the canine family.

“The red fox has a wide range of vocalizations that are used to communicate with each other,” Golben said.

Weather permitting, after the program, take a walk with Golben to search for evidence of fox at the Outdoor Discovery Center.

This program is recommended for adults with or without children, and for children ages 5 and older.

Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12. For museum members: $5 for adults; $3 for children ages 5-12.

Woodland animal scat

Sunday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m.

Join Environmental Educator Carl Heitmuller to discover clues not only about what animal has been present but also about their habitats. Learn how to identify who left what behind.

“As in the case of Turkey scat,” Heitmuller said, “the shape can determine whether a male or female was present.”

Weather permitting, after the program, take a walk with Heitmuller to search for evidence of scat at the Outdoor Discovery Center.

For adults with or without children, and for children ages 5 and older.

Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for children. For museum members: $5 for adults; $3 for children.



For more information visit hhnaturemuseum.org or call 845-534-5506, ext. 204.