Making Room For the American Kestrel and Screech-Owl at Harris Township Park

Harris Township Park, or HTP, became a little more bird-friendly on April 28th of 2015 when volunteers from the local Audubon Society and Boy Scouts installed two, very tall bird boxes.

A new home intended for an American Kestrel (in the falcon family) was installed in the southeast corner of the park, near the toll road.
A new home intended for a Screech-Owl was installed in the woods, just off the entry driveway.
Earlier in 2015, while snow was still on the ground, the welcome mat was rolled out for bluebirds with the installation of 8 boxes along the western border of the park, along Gast Ditch.

Once the new tenants move in, we'll try to capture them in pictures.

The South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society is a great partner of the township, lending their expertise, time and energy to make our green spaces more wildlife friendly. Thanks to Bob L., who not only installed the boxes but built the cool poles on which they mount - such that they can be checked once a year. Thanks to Laura F., who is leading the effort to monitor the activity at the bluebird boxes, and who performs periodic bird counts.

If you're interested in birds, contact the township for ways to get involved. It's free and fun!