Saturday Morning at Hagerman's Visitor Center

A gray chilly morning...wonder if we will have any visitors this morning...We did see two does in a field south of Refuge Road as we drove in, instantly making the whole effort worthwhile!

Then, shortly after we put out the "Open" flag, the first visitor arrived, out photographing wildlife. He showed us some of his pix on his camera view screen and voila, we saw that 18 American White Pelicans are now in at the Refuge.

Next a small group came in, members of Texoma Trails Alliance, gathering for a group hike. They were interested in the printed Refuge trail guides and looking at the various items in the nature exhibit area. Once everyone arrived, they walked the Harris Creek Trail and brought in some white goose feathers picked up on the trail before leaving for the day; they saw no geese but at least had "evidence" geese had been there!

Another photographer came in toting the largest lens we had ever seen! She was very excited about trying out this newest addition to her camera equipment, and received many admiring oohs and ahhs.

Among other visitors was a couple from New Mexico, who traveled to this area for a family celebration. They had recently been birding in Coast Rica and were awed by the birds seen there, but they also enjoyed watching birds at the Refuge feeder.

An Eagle Scout candidate came to check in before working on his project, replacement of benches along Harris Creek Trail.

Our last group for the morning was a youth group from West Sherman Baptist Church; they came to hike one of the trails. We were excited to see these young people interested in being outdoors and in learning about nature. Someday they will be the volunteers in the Vistor Center at Hagerman.

The Visitor Center hours are 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, and 1 - 4 p.m., Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day .

To download guides to each of the five trails at Hagerman NWR, go to http://www.friendsofhagerman.com/ - Click for NEWS and then About Hagerman. (Photo - American White Pelicans at Refuge, by Rick Cantu)

Second Saturday for Youth Begins at Hagerman NWR

Nine youngsters and their parents and grandparents braved sub-freezing temperatures earlier this month to attend the first Second Saturday for Youth program at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.

Led by Ed Supina, the children crafted bird feeders from natural materials, to take home, a perfect activity for a winter morning as well as a treat for the backyard birds. Popcorn, peanut butter, pine cones, bird seed, corn cobs, and natural fiber rope all went into the making of the feeders.

Future programs, geared for youngsters ages 6 – 12, will include more nature related crafts such as making gourd birdhouses, which will be led by Sandra Haynes on February 13, and wildflower seed balls, led by Mary Ann Kelley on March 13.

On April 10, Kay Karns will lead the youngsters in creating butterfly feeders, and on May 8, Katie Palmer will lead a session on Animal Adaptations and their Environments.

Part of each session will include outdoor nature fun, weather permitting, according to. Supina, a Friends of Hagerman NWR board member and Education Committee Chair.

These events begin at 10 a.m. and end at noon; they are free and open to the public, but reservations are necessary due to limited space. The programs are sponsored by Hagerman NWR and the Friends of Hagerman; to reserve a spot in the next session, call 903 786 2826.

For more information about programs at Hagerman NWR, please visit http://www.friendsofhagerman.com/, and for inforamtion about the Refuge, see http://southwest.fws.gov/refuges/texas/hagerman/index.html.

Photo by Kay Karns