Looking Up

Young Wyatt* is a passionate and knowledgeable birder. At twelve years old he has spent much of his life observing birds, learning their calls and what makes each unique. He is fascinated by birds of all kinds, but there is one, in particular, that has evaded him despite his search.

Through his studies, he has become fascinated with the Pileated Woodpecker. But, he has yet to encounter one in the wild.

He and his dad recently joined us for one of our “Winged Wonders Bird Walk Series” events held at one of our conservation properties. This new birding series came about from an idea shared by a friend of KLT.

“I would love to have more opportunities like the bird walks that the Audubon Society hosts,” she told our Executive Director Katie Cox.

A few days later, when board member and Audubon Society Member Rich Del Carlo visited her at the KLT office, she shared the idea. That’s when the concept of a series of bird walks held on properties where KLT has conservation agreements with private landowners was hatched. 

"This is such a beautiful and unique opportunity," said KLT Conservation Director Regan Plumb. "Not only do participants get to enjoy a bird walk led by an expert birder, but they get to experience some of our conservation properties that would otherwise not have public access. 

Over the course of three summer mornings, participants would have the rare opportunity to join a regionally respected bird expert on private conservation lands normally closed to the public.

The first two walks have already taken place, drawing bird enthusiasts of all ages.

Among them was twleve-year-old Evan who told Regan about his years-long desire to see a Pileated Woodpecker in real life.

And while we can't yet report whether he has checked that bird off his life list, something wonderful happened a few days later.

Regan spotted a Pileated Woodpecker at Pine Street Woods.

Knowing about Wyatt's goal, she immediately sent a message with the location and time of day she had seen it, hoping he and his dad might have a chance to find it too.

Maybe they did.

Maybe they didn't.

But we'd like to think that somewhere out there, Evan and his dad are quietly looking up into the trees together.

Sometimes conservation isn't just about protecting land. Sometimes it's about creating the moments that happen on it.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the young person.