Annual Virtual Baby Bird Shower spotlights black-necked stilt chicks
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge is holding a second annual online fundraiser to help support education and conservation efforts at the refuge and in the community.
The DDWS recently kicked off its “Virtual Baby Bird Shower: Black-necked Stilt Edition” to help sustain the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s wildlife, research and educational programs. Last year, the first-ever baby bird shower was held to help raise critical funds during the pandemic.
“We did it because, like every other nonprofit, we lost funds due to COVID,” Development Officer Sierra Hoisington said, adding that they came up with the quirky campaign to bring a smile to people’s faces and raise support. “We decided to make it an annual event because we had such great success.”
She noted that every year will feature a different species found at the refuge.
For 2021, the fundraiser spotlights black-necked stilt chicks. A “snowbird” species that spends only part of the year on Sanibel, they are most notably known for their unique appearance — long pink legs with black and white plumage. With their look and quirky personality, they can put on quite a show.
“When you think of ‘Ding,’ you think of our iconic wading birds,” Hoisington said, adding that the black-necked stilts are different from those. “They also highlight a different part of the refuge.”
The species is most commonly found at the Bailey Tract.
“It’s always kind of fun to try and find where their nests might be every year,” she said.
“What’s so cool about the black-necked stilt, the male and female actually choose their nesting site together,” Hoisington added, explaining that the pair share the work of building the nest, too.
She noted that the behavior of the species serves as a fun metaphor about conservation.
“It takes all of us working together to better the environment,” Hoisington said.
The website for the campaign features a couple of things.
“We’ve got some really cute pictures of black-necked stilts,” she said.
In addition, there is a video called “Growing Up: Black-necked Stilt.” It offers a highlight reel as an overview of a chick’s life, from the parents getting together, to chicks hatching and growing up.
“And just really growing into those long pink legs,” Hoisington said.
Site visitors also have the option to symbolically purchase a baby gift for the refuge:
– Aquatic Invertebrate Formula for $25
– “Popcorning” Lessons for $50
– Nesting Material for $100
– Habitat Protection for $500
She explained that “popcorning” is an act that black-necked stilt parents will perform by circling a predator, calling loudly, jumping up and down, and flapping their wings as they protect the nest.
“It is a common behavior seen when chicks hatch,” Hoisington said.
“They’re very protective of not only their chicks, but their nest,” she added.
Stilts create their nests by scraping soft ground and forming a depression 2 inches deep. During incubation, they add lining to the nest, which may consist of grass, shells, pebbles and bones.
“Anything they can find to build it up,” Hoisington said.
Those who donate will receive a thank you gift.
“We created another baby bird activity sheet that’s got a word scramble and fun, black-necked stilt chick themed activities,” she said, adding that the printable sheet is fun for the whole family.
With a fundraising goal of $5,000, about $2,500 had been raised by June 24.
“We’re just over halfway right now,” she said, explaining that people can still donate if the goal is met. “People all over the world have been giving, especially those who love their black-necked stilts.”
As for the education and conservation efforts at the refuge and in the community that the funds will support, Hoisington pointed to the Wildlife on Wheels urban mobile classroom. In its first four months on the road, from February to May, the refuge’s new WoW connected with approximately 5,600 students.
“We got to bring the refuge to them in a really safe, inclusive and inviting way,” she said.
Hoisington added that for the Title I students, especially during COVID, it was their only field trip. In addition, the WoW travels to schools that are too far from the refuge to visit, even in a normal year.
“It was an opportunity to experience nature and learn about it, all in their school yard,” she said.
The public is invited to hop online, enjoy and donate.
“It’s showing your support for an organization that had done a lot through COVID and will continue to do so much more for the refuge, and to make sure everyone has the same opportunity to learn about conservation and the environment,” Hoisington said.
To check out the “Virtual Baby Bird Shower: Black-necked Stilt Edition” site, visit https://www.classy.org/campaign/ding-baby-shower-black-necked-stilt-edition/c341179.
For more information, visit online or call 239-472-1100, Ext. 4.