Feathered Friends On A Fair-weather Day!

Young boys from several scouting troops of varying ages enjoyed the Feathered Friends display

It was Patriot's Day, September 11, and a lovely cool front had blown in the night before, ushering out the terrible heat and humidity of summer and replacing it with crisp, fresh and mildly hot but dry air for this late summer Sunday. At the Soldiers Delight visitor center, staff members Jenna and Allison, with Park Ranger Jamie Petrucci, erected a fence display to show off three of the avian ambassadors who represent the Patapsco Valley State Park's Scales & Tales program at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area.

They expected a few patrons on this beautiful hiking day, but were bowled over when an entire scout battalion, including Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos troops (grades one through five) with accompanying parents in tow, arrived at the visitor center parking lot to convene for a hike. Suddenly the quiet venue was overrun with exuberant young boys who oohed and ahhed at the sight of the magnificent raptors, all natives to Maryland.

This delightful avian display, held weekly on Sundays at the SDNEA visitor center, was suddenly a beehive of activity, excitement and enthusiasm. What a wonderful way to celebrate and honor America on Patriot Day!