Raptor perches have been installed at Broomfield County Commons and in the Lac Amora open space. The project was a cooperative effort of the Broomfield Open Space Foundation and the City and County of Broomfield.
Raptors are birds of prey. In addition to being fun to watch, they are part of the prairie ecosystem along with prairie dogs and coyotes. The new raptor perches were installed adjacent to existing prairie dog colonies, as prairie dogs serve as a food source for raptors. Raptors use the perch sites to oversee the landscape when hunting. Raptors are already reported to be using the newly installed perches.
The city recycled old utility poles to make poles for the perches. Gordon McKellar made the parts for the perches that were placed on the poles. Members of the foundation board attached the perches to the utility poles in what became a battle of rechargeable power drills. I had a 19.2-volt. Gordon had an 18-volt. Both had attachments to drive the lag screws and an extra battery. We both gave it all we had. In the end, Nathan Kelbe of Parks and Open Space operations, had to go back to the truck for a ratchet wrench to finish the job. Other foundation members who helped with the perch installation were Judy Enderle, Ellie McKinley and Rick Erickson.
This project marks the first of many designed to improve wildlife habitat and viewing in cooperation with the City and County Broomfield Open Space program. The Broomfield Open Space Foundation was founded in spring 2006 by a group of Broomfield residents interested in open space.
Its mission is “to protect, enhance and promote the enjoyment of Broomfield’s open spaces, trails and wildlife.”
Saturday, the all-volunteer organization placed birdhouses in strategic locations at Broomfield County Commons. Based on input from local bird-watchers, 20 birdhouses were built. Two will be for kestrels, six will be for flickers, six for black capped chickadees and six for tree swallows and house wrens.
This project was in conjunction with the city and Boy Scout Troop 337, which meets at Broomfield United Methodist Church. The foundation supplied the materials and designs. The Boy Scouts made the birdhouses.
On April 19, the foundation and volunteers will plant willows, chokecherries, plums and cottonwoods at Broomfield County Commons. Wildlife habitat also will be created from tree limbs at the Commons. Anyone interested in finding out more or getting involved with the organization can call president Dan Wilkie at 303-466-2507.
Broomfield Enterprise Staff