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

NDHP K9 helps locate wanted individual near Elgin

Grain truck rollover temporarily closed lanes near Broadway Bridge in Minot

Lane reductions begin at Washington Street and Front Avenue/Memorial Highway intersection September 4

Bismarck Police report Day 1 results of Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

NDDOT to begin fall mowing operations along state highways in September

Motorcycle crash in Bismarck sends 28-year-old rider to hospital with serious injuries

Follow us on News Break

Categories

Zoo & Scout conservationist are ‘birds of a feather’

Related posts

Camera catches moment when inmates decided to welcome chiId rpist with brutaI dose of prison justice!

Stepdad vioIated 7-year-old daughter as his wife and mom of the child watched ‘because they were trying to teach her this’!

Foster mom showed chiId around her house, the toddIer’s next words left everyone in disbelief!

Homeward Animal Shelter looks for people to foster animals

Officers got a desperate call from a mother unable to feed her baby, ‘they arrived and quickly realized the truth’!

Man ɾaviʂhed 13-year-oId girI, but won’t go to jaiI after the judge heard he did this!

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

NDHP K9 helps locate wanted individual near Elgin

Grain truck rollover temporarily closed lanes near Broadway Bridge in Minot

Lane reductions begin at Washington Street and Front Avenue/Memorial Highway intersection September 4

Bismarck Police report Day 1 results of Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

NDDOT to begin fall mowing operations along state highways in September

Motorcycle crash in Bismarck sends 28-year-old rider to hospital with serious injuries