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Left to right: Jim Hoagland, Ranger Michael Bain, and Laura Haslett
im Hoagland
The SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Hiking Club and the Birding and Nature group conducted a “seed drive” to support the needs of Oracle State Park. SBR resident Laura Haslett, representing the Hiking Club, and Birdman of SBR Jim Hoagland, representing the Birding and Nature group, recently presented over 125 pounds of nyger seed, 15 quail blocks, and 125 pounds of wild bird seed to Michael Bain, Senior Ranger of Oracle State Park. In all this totaled over 500 pounds of seed! If you have not been to Oracle State Park’s Kannally Ranch Patio to view the many bird species at the feeding stations, you are missing seeing an amazing birding opportunity. You will likely see Gambel’s Quail, Northern Cardinals, Cactus Wrens, Lesser Goldfinches, White-crowned Sparrows, Curved-billed Thrashers, House Finches, and many other species at the feeders. The State Park does not receive funds from the state to cover the cost of bird food, so this donation will fill the feeding stations for many days to come. Ranger Bain said, “We are extremely grateful to the SaddleBrooke Ranch community for the donation of the bird food, especially the nyger seed and quail blocks. We encourage you to come, bring your lunch, and relax at one of the chairs and tables to enjoy the birds as they come in to feed on the seeds. With lack of winter rains this year, food sources for the wild birds are scarce and this will definitely make a difference.” He went on to say, “If you would like to learn more about the events we have at the Park, check out our website at AZstatepark.com/oracle or our Facebook page for times and dates of nature walks, geology walks, star parties, and many other programs and events for the whole family to enjoy.”
They thank all the folks of SBR who made a donation to this worthy cause. If you missed out and would like to donate, the Hiking Club and Birding and Nature group will conduct another seed drive this fall or you can drop off seed anytime at the Park’s office.