Naturalists hope new bird blind attracts nature enthusiasts
The Maloney family, from Pearland, was camping in the park when they happened upon the celebration. Heather Maloney and her son Jase, 5 months, take in the wildflowers and butterflies.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
Only a few generations ago almost everyone was, by necessity, a master naturalist: we labored outside and understood the weather without the help of a meteorologist. At night we looked at the stars, unpolluted by city light, breathing crisp air. We watched and listened to birds because they are often harbingers, of a person, weather, seasons.
Organizations like the Texas Master Naturalists and the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society keep traditions alive by engendering an understanding and love of nature.
Now there is a place, only a 20 minute drive from Marble Falls, where you can sit in the shade, protected from the elements, and watch birds in their natural habitat and butterflies swarming wildflowers.
The Highland Lakes chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists has been working for three years to bring the bird blind to Inks Lake State Park in Burnet.
“This is the Taj Mahal of bird blinds, compared to others in the region,” said Master Naturalist Kay Zagst at the grand opening ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 7. The blinds at Blanco State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park and even Inks Lake Hatchery don’t compare.
“We have bragging rights on this,” said Terry Young, Inks Lake State Park assistant manager for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
The Master Naturalists were responsible for 750 hours of labor and the $7,000 it took to build the structure, surrounded by native trees and plants.
“It’s fabulous beyond belief,” said Master Naturalist Sue Kersey. “We want people to see the huge variety of birds here. You have a better chance of seeing birds in blinds with feeders nearby, rather than walking through the woods.”
The ultimate goal is to make the bird blind an essential stop along established birding trails.
For the full story, see Friday's Highlander.
