Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center has launched its new exhibit – the C.E. Blevins Nesting Birds of Reflection Riding.
The addition to Reflection Riding is the result of a permanent loan from the C.E. Blevins Avian Learning Center, where for years, artist C.E. Blevins crafted intricate egg replicas using clay and PVC molds.
“Reflection Riding created the C.E. Blevins Avian Learning Center to display an amazing collection of art and to educate the public,” says Education Director Corey Hagen. “Having these nests and eggs will allow us to teach visitors of all ages about the diversity in birds as well as about the amazing process of egg creation.”
The new Nesting Birds area replaced the Visitor Center’s “Hidden Creatures of the Forest” exhibit that housed its collection of small animals such as pond sliders and green anoles.
Now, guests at Reflection Riding will be able to explore the Nesting Birds exhibit, which showcases 30 nests, like those of local bird species that nest in the wild on the Reflection Riding property.
“Mr. Blevins hand-painted all the eggs and crafted them to scale as exact replicas of the natural eggs,” says Hagen.
The late C.E. Blevins was permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to collect natural nests from the wild. These authentic nests hold the appropriate number of replica eggs to match the number of real eggs each particular species of bird lays in the wild.
“Each nest with eggs has a label with a picture of the bird and information about its nesting habits and other facts,” Hagen says. “Some of the displays include a button to push that will play the bird song as well.”
Currently in the design phase are new educational programs that maximize the new resource in furthering Reflection Riding’s goal of connecting people of all ages with nature.
“We’ll be able to look at the fascinating color schemes on the eggs and why those colors are necessary for survival,” Hagen says. “We’ll also be able to look at egg shape as it relates to the type of nesting, whether cup nest, ground nest, or cavity nest. We’ll be teaching a lot of amazing things through this exhibit. I can’t wait to get started.”
Important to remember: Collecting bird nests, feathers, or other items from the wild is illegal. You must obtain a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to do it.
Source: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center