Zoo & Scout conservationist are ‘birds of a feather’

MINOT, N.D. – A new habitat is complete at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot.

In pursuit of his Eagle Scout rank, Harvey Gorecki created two purple martin birdhouse habitats so zoo staff can best care for not only its zoo residents, but for those who fly-over as well.

Gorecki, a member of Troop 1433 and a Minot High School Central Campus freshman, conducted much of his own research before construction. He learned that purple martins are the only bird entirely dependent on humans to make their nesting structure. They are the largest members of the swallow family and have adapted to living near humans.

“Purple martins depend on human-made homes for nesting because they do not make their own homes. They are at risk from other predators including invasive bird species and other dangers in migration. When purple martins settle in birdhouses, they are likely to return yearly as they are assured by human presence,” said Gorecki. Plus, he said,“The first martin to arrive is called a ‘scout.’”

In pursuit of his Eagle Scout achievement, Gorecki also learned about construction, community and communication. He was able to acquire metal roofing material from Tecta America Dakotas, a company also currently working on a construction project at the zoo.

Roosevelt Park Zoo staff said they appreciate Gorecki’s attention to detail and common interest in saving animals from extinction. “Conservation starts in our own backyard,” they said.

–

Volunteers welcome

Volunteers are welcome at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot.

“We have 20 acres of beautiful trees – and ‘many hands make light work’ when it comes to raking,” according to zoo staff.

Those interested in volunteering can stop by the Visitor Center during the zoo’s winter hours Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or call with a Sunday group. Those volunteering this spring will receive as a thank you a day pass to return to the zoo to enjoy it on another day.

Zoo & Scout conservationist are ‘birds of a feather’

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Trending Slider

Gov. Armstrong honors former North Dakota governor Allen I. Olson following his death at 87

Blizzard warning trimmed as northern Red River Valley conditions improve

Highway patrol warns of zero visibility and travel hazards on US Hwy 2

Bismarck Police Department welcomed families for 2025 Santa at the Station event

Governor Kelly Armstrong responds to final environmental impact statement on Dakota Access Pipeline

Bismarck fire department holds pinning and promotional ceremony

Follow us on News Break

Categories

Zoo & Scout conservationist are ‘birds of a feather’

Related posts

Baby was born covered in bIack dots all over, then doctors discovered the stunning truth and shocked everyone!

Mother heard a disturbing sound coming from the baby’s monitor, rushed to the nursery to see that the baby isn’t alone!

Pit buII gɾabbed baby and dɾagged her outside, mom scɾeamed in disbeIief when dog did the unthinkabIe!

Man kept girI as ṣeӽ sIave in dog cage, but judge decỉded to Iet him go without prỉson time for a dỉsturbing reason!

Proposed buffalo-themed amusement park in Jamestown could get state backing

Baby died immediateIy after birth, mom screamed in disbeIief when she reaIized what doctors gave him!

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Gov. Armstrong honors former North Dakota governor Allen I. Olson following his death at 87

Blizzard warning trimmed as northern Red River Valley conditions improve

Highway patrol warns of zero visibility and travel hazards on US Hwy 2

Bismarck Police Department welcomed families for 2025 Santa at the Station event

Governor Kelly Armstrong responds to final environmental impact statement on Dakota Access Pipeline

Bismarck fire department holds pinning and promotional ceremony