Monday 7 October 2019

The Wild Center

We took a drive through the yellows, oranges and reds of the fall leaves.  Our destination was the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. 
The Wild Center is focused on natural history and local wildlife.       

Along our winding walk through the I-Forest to the entrance we heard the enchanting sounds of I Walk Toward Myself by Peter Wyer.

Our lesson in otter life certainly made us appreciate this clever water mammal.  This one, named Squirt,  is 18-years-old, a long life made possible by being rescued and brought to the Center. 
The treat of a ball filled with fish offers him a bit of a challenge.
Another demonstration showed the cleverness of these skunks who only come out if it is worth their while.
The Center has a strong Native American connection with members of the Mohawk tribe contributing their knowledge and art to the exhibits.
This NOAA Planet Globe, basically science on a sphere, shows airplane traffic, bird migration, weather patterns, global warming and more for studying both the history and current effects of man upon nature.    This particular view is of aircraft currently in the air.
The most prominent feature of the Center is the Wild Walk, a dirt and metal ramp trail through the area and to the river.  Along the way is an area for bird feeding.  A fence protects the birds from predators.
Further up is a bird nest providing a bird’s eye view of the area.  The nest is the size of an actual bald eagle nest found in the area. 
A giant spider and his web are ready to trap careless walkers.
We only ventured a short distance on the metal suspension bridge.
Back at the main building we enjoyed a movie combining nature and music.

This chair is made of one tree trunk.
Then is was back to Saranac Lake for swimming lessons.

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