If you have taken a walk across the blue bridge lately, you may have noticed that there is a new structure off of our Blakeslee Bluebird trail. Thanks to a donation from Myron “Mike” Wilson, we’ve been able to build a bird blind.
Mike Wilson made the donation in honor of his wife, Esther Wilson, before he passed away in September, roughly one month shy of his 100th birthday. Mike and Esther were wonderful supporters of the Nature Center’s mission over the years. They believed in the mission unequivocally and without hesitation and they showed it with their generosity.
The Wilsons were early supporters of Amazing Space through the naming of the Esther & Myron Wilson Exhibit Hall. They will be remembered for their dedication to helping others across our community, and, now, also for the new bird blind donated in Esther’s name. Mike’s donation for the new bird blind also funded the installation of a new feeder system behind the birdroom.
The construction of the bird blind had a slower start this summer with all the rain we had at the beginning. (Keep scrolling to see photos of the entire process.) Thankfully, we were able to assemble the parts of the structure behind the scenes before bringing it out to the site. We had tables set up inside of the 5-bay workshop where we would put together the beams and roof panels. During this stage of building the blind, we had a lot of help from two summer interns, Brady Leuhrsmann and Erica Dodge.
After assembling the structure in parts and pieces in the month of June, our first steps out in the field were to stake and string the site. After having the dimensions secured, we then got started with digging the footings the first week of July. At the very beginning of August we took to pouring concrete footings for a couple mornings, the turn out of volunteers for this project has been incredible and we’re grateful for everyone who has signed up to help with this project!
Next step in the process, after the concrete footings had cured, was to assemble the structure. We started with putting together the frame and attaching the top roof support. Lots of ladder work needed, leveling, and making sure that the frame sits even on the concrete footings.
The following project day that week we took to installing the roof panels. We were able to place the large roof panels up over the frame and into the roof supports using the skid loader forks and several steady hands to set them.
After securing the roof panels to the frame and installing steel trim over the edges, the bird blind looked like a small pavilion. We were getting close, but still missing an essential part of the building — sides.
After installing the sides, the structure has the “blind” effect to not disturb birds while inside. One side of the building has a series of slats and gaps for viewing. These were placed at different heights so that all ages are able to spend time viewing birds.
The wood used to assemble the sides is actually wood that was salvaged from an old barn that was being torn down. Much of the wood from this barn was used in the construction of Amazing Space back in 2016. We held onto the wood knowing we’d find a way to use it eventually. After cutting and staining the wood, it now provides a beautiful look to the new bird blind.
Lastly, we placed shepherds hooks for bird feeders to hang off of to bring birds close. We can’t wait for this to be a place for summer campers, field trip students, bird enthusiasts and casual visitors to gather and enjoy more bird watching on the property!
See the project from start to finish!
Preparing the footings
Assembling the frame
Putting the roof together
Getting everything just right
Finishing work on the roof
Frame and roof complete
Ready for walls
Staining the salvaged wood
Cutting boards to size
Esther Wilson Bird Blind is ready for visitors