Sandhill Crane Tours This Winter

Barren River Hosting Sandhill Crane Tours This Winter

Nature Watch Weekends Jan. 24-25 and Feb. 7-8

by: Gil Lawson

LUCAS, Ky. –  During the colder winter temperatures you may to hear the distinct cry of migrating birds overhead. You may want to take a second look at the flock soaring above you, because it just may be Sandhill Cranes rather than Canada geese. 

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is again offering two weekends in January and February to view these beautiful birds.

Sandhill cranes are tall, gray birds reaching heights up to 4 feet, weighing up to 12 pounds with a wingspan of 6-7 feet.  They have two distinct features about them: one is their appearance of a crimson, red-crowned forehead, white cheeks, and fluffy rear end; the other is when in flight, the long dark legs trail behind and the long neck is kept straight out, rather than tucked in towards the body.

Each year thousands of Sandhill Cranes make Barren River Lake a stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate. The lake’s exposed mud flats in winter provide the birds with a perfect spot to rest and socialize as they settle in for the night. Ample farmlands and wet meadows offer an abundance of food.

If you would like to learn more about these intriguing birds with a unique sound, Barren River Lake State Resort Park offers Nature Watch Weekends Jan. 24-25 and Feb. 7-8, 2014, to view these cranes as they migrate through the area.

Each weekend begins with an educational session conducted by a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Registration is $40 per adult and $20 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The fee includes all educational sessions, a box lunch, a T-shirt and a choice of a Saturday sunrise or Saturday sunset tour. 

For more information, contact Jamie Avery at THIS LINK or 1-800-325-0057. When making reservations ask for the Sandhill Crane lodge room rate of $49.95 plus tax. 

The Park is surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills, on the edge of a beautiful 10,000-acre lake. There are 51 lodge rooms, 22 cottages and 99 campsites at the park. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of an upscale fish camp in the Driftwood Restaurant. If you are looking for something to do during your visit, you can play on the 18-hole golf course, hike along a nature trail, visit the marina to rent a boat, check out a fishing pole or sports equipment, browse the gift shop or just enjoy a peaceful seat overlooking the lake.

The resort is 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take Interstate 65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to U.S. 31E south.

Sandhill cranes in a field (photo by Don McCoy)

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

Meet me under the mistletoe!  Yes, mistletoe has intrigued people for years.  I remember as a small lad taking a shotgun and shooting the mistletoe out of trees in hopes that the succulent, evergreen plant would work its magic with some "kissing" adventures.  As I look back on those years, I cannot help but chuckle with much laughter about that.

Several years ago, while driving down I-75, I asked my two sons, “What type of plant is that in the top of those trees.”  Their reply was, “I don’t know.”  After telling them the answer, they both wanted me to immediately stop the vehicle, get out, and climb the tree for a sprig of mistletoe.  Why?  It was the “kissing thing” again!  I guess you could say that history does repeat itself.

Where have I seen the most mistletoe plants?  The stretch of Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, between Winchester and Clay City, has trees along the roadway that are absolutely covered with these parasitic plants.   Also, in Frankfort, you can get a quick view off route 421 near Hardees'.  During this time of the year, look for the succulent evergreen plants hanging in the branches.

There are so many songs with lyrics about mistletoe.  Some songs that mention mistletoe include: “Blame it on the Mistletoe,” “It Must Have Been The Mistletoe,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” and  “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," just to name a few.  Why even Justin Bieber has a song out about Mistletoe. I guess there are a lot of people out there that believe in mistletoe powers.  Go figure!

I also came across this article and wanted to share it with you.  It was written in 2005 but has a lot of interesting information about “Mistletoe.”  I think you too will find it useful as you learn more about this mysterious, kissing plant.  See "Read More" below.

Before closing, I wish you and yours a splendid year filled with much happiness.  What are your waiting for?  Now get out there and find a sprig of mistletoe, so you can secure your  kiss!

John James Audubon State Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary Nov. 2

by Gil Lawson –  John James Audubon State Park will close out its yearlong 75^th anniversary celebration with a special museum event November 2.

All three parts of the historical anniversary exhibit will be on display, along with a special collection of future plans for the next 75 years.  Hors d’oeuvres, museum tours and music by Eric Scales will be on the main level of the museum from 6-7 p.m.

In the lower level, from 7-9 p.m., guests will enjoy a gourmet meal by Avarice Watson, music, a preview of short films about the park, special speakers and the unveiling of the newest print from the most recent Audubon copper plate purchase, “The American Bittern,” plate No. 337. The copper plates were used to print books that featured Audubon’s work. One print, or “re-strike,” will be auctioned off at this time. 

The American Bittern

Prints of “The American Bittern” will be available for sale after November 4 at the museum.

Michael Aakhus, dean of arts from the University of Southern Indiana, will speak. Aakhus will discuss the unique process of printing from the historical plates, which the park museum has exhibited in its gallery. This is the second plate from the Audubon collection from which Aakhus has produced restrikes.

Park manager Mark Kellen will present a multimedia program on the park history, including the recognition of key people throughout the park’s growth.

For tickets, contact: Mark Kellen, park manager, at 270-826-2247 mark.kellen@ky.gov or Kim McGrew-Liggett at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov Cost: $50 per ticket; limited to the first 100 people.

John James Audubon State Park is the site where Audubon studied and painted birds from 1810-1819. The park is equipped with cottages and a campground, and offers many recreational opportunities, including a nine-hole golf course, 6 miles of hiking trails, fishing and more. It also has a museum and nature center that interprets Audubon’s life through a collection of his paintings and memorabilia.

The park is located on U.S. 41 in the northern outskirts of Henderson, ½-mile south of the U.S. 41 bridge over the Ohio River.

My Travels to Prestonsburg

My travels this week took me to beautiful eastern Kentucky.  The colors were spectacular. I guess I am rather bias since I spent 13 years as park naturalist at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park from 1992-2005.  A great park with great people….wonderful communities.

The old saying, “That photos are worth a thousand words. ” I hope you enjoy the scenic views.  A very special thanks to Mrs. JoAnn Harvey, Prestonsburg, Ky, for the pictures.  Spectacular in color.

Fall colors are peaking all around in Kentucky.  Get out there and enjoy the views with your family.  And, remember KyPARKS are great places to spend the weekend.  Visit THIS LINK and make your reservation.

Safe travels.

Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick October 18-20

Salt Festival
Journey back in time as Big Bone Lick returns to days long past. There will be numerous hands on demonstrations and activities for people of all ages; including flint-knapping, pioneer life, salt making, weaving, spear throwing, storytelling, music, and lots more. Browse the crafters' corner to see the many wondrous hand crafted items for sale; then refresh yourself and your family at the food court. While you are visiting don't forget to see our bison herd and stop by the visitor center..


For more information, please call Big Bone Lick State Historic Site at (859) 384-3522.

A Trip down the AA Highway

Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  And, Kentucky has a lot to offer in beautiful, scenic places.  Recently, I traveled the AA Highway from Grayson to Alexandria.  The colors were creating a myriad of spectacular views.  I know a lot of times we think of areas like the Red River Gorge, Pine Mountain, Cumberland Falls, when it comes to fall colors.  However, this AA Highway is a great place to view fall colors.  And, there are about five state parks in the vicinity....Kincaid Lake, Blue Licks, Carter Caves, Grayson Lake, and Greenbo.  Stay at one of these parks and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Moreover, there are quite a few covered bridges along the route that add to the beauty of this region.  I highly recommend this travel trip from Alexandria to Grayson.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

A Fall Ride along the Dawkins Line Rail Trail

Photo by Joann Harvey of Prestonsburg, Ky

Spectacular fall beauty can now be found along the Dawkins Line Rail Trail.  This 18 mile trail begins in Hagerhill, Ky (Johnson County) and presently ends in Royalton (Magoffin County) with future development to extend another 18 miles to Evanston (Breathitt County).  For additional information on biking, horseback riding, or hiking along this trail, please visit THIS LINK  You can also find directions and a trail map.