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Prime Hook Refuge posts February calendar

February 1, 2014

The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge has announced its schedule of events for February.

P.R.I.M.E. time is scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10. P.R.I.M.E. time stands for Preschooler Reading Initiative to Magnify the Environment. Preschoolers (and their parents) are invited to listen to a nature-based story and participate in a related activity that will help them learn about the environment. This month’s topic is Geese. Participation is free but preregistration is required; call the refuge at 302-684-8419. Meet at the refuge auditorium.

The Nature Through a Lens program, Photographing the Hook, is set for 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Feb. 12. Participants select a location on the refuge and photograph plants, wildlife, and landscapes every month. Images will be printed and displayed in the refuge auditorium to showcase nature’s seasonal transitions. Participants should bring their own cameras or borrow one from the refuge. Meet in the refuge auditorium.

An Evening at the Hook Lecture Series presents "Forest Loss and Fragmentation - Implications for Rare Birds" from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13. This presentation will be given by Rick McCorkle, fish and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Bay Estuary Project office. McCorkle will describe the forest area requirements for many of these species and the impacts associated with forest fragmentation. An update on the status of several forest-dependent bird species in Delaware will also be provided. The lecture is free, open to the public, and fun for the entire family. Seating is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis in the refuge’s auditorium. Come before the lecture at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments.

Night Sounds on the Refuge - A Guided Walk, is scheduled for 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15. Discover the sounds of nature during this evening walk with a volunteer guide. Come prepared for the weather and expect frequent stops. Beginner nature enthusiasts are welcome. Trips are free and open to the public. Meet at the refuge office.

A Birding Field Trip will take place from 8 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 27. Led by volunteer birding guides, beginner and experienced bird watchers will enjoy observing and learning about the bird species frequenting the refuge at this time of year. Come prepared for the weather and expect to walk up to a mile. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and spotting scope (the leader will have spotting scopes also). Binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the refuge office. Trips are free, open to the public, and last approximately three hours.

Many activities, programs, and special events are planned this year. The refuge is also open every day from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in designated areas. The Visitor Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday year round. On weekends, the Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from December through March and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April through November.

Visit the refuge’s new website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Prime_Hook or call the refuge office at 302-684-8419 to learn more about other events and programs throughout the year.

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