TREE DECORATING, AVIAN CHRISTMAS BRING CHEER

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Though it began with just a few eager eyes, the room was quickly filled as Christmas for the Birds and the tree decorating party for kids kicked off a fifth year Friday at the Delta Rivers Nature Center in Regional Park.

This year the two events were combined into one evening with children and adults given the opportunity to make pinecone feeders for feathered friends during the winter season. They were also able to make ornaments for decorating the trees inside the nature center, which will be visible to all who drive through the 12th annual Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends. The lighting display will open 6 p.m. Tuesday and continue nightly from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 31.

Delos McCauley, a member of the Three Rivers Audubon Society in Pine Bluff, started off the event with a presentation on birds he had photographed, many of which can be found in Southeast Arkansas. He picked up the hobbies of bird watching and photography in Nepal.

He held the attention of most of the children Friday night before they headed off to make ornaments.

“Only the Lord himself has seen more birds,” joked McCauley. “You can find many of these birds in your own backyard.”

Tammie and Glen Drennan brought their two boys, Cameron and Jayce, who enjoy participating in regular family nights. They noted that their boys love the outdoors and they always look for something educational, especially for Cameron, who just started kindergarten.

Diane McAlister, assistant treasurer at Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union, brought her grandson Corey Jewell, who has become quite the bird enthusiast. She said he enjoys putting out bird feed every chance he gets when he visits his grandfather, which made the event a perfect night.

“He loves feeding the birds with his granddad,” added McAlister. “He’s really interested in birds right now.”

Larry Cyr, a lieutenant at the training academy at the Arkansas Department of Correction, came with his wife and two of their boys, Daniel and Ryan Cyr, who go to the nature center whenever possible. The boys are active in the Jefferson County 4-H Club and enjoy outdoor activities.

“We try to get the boys involved in a lot of activities,” added Cyr. “We’re just waiting for our youngest boy to be old enough to come.”