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Male Cowbird
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The
Brown-headed Cowbird is North America’s
most common “brood parasite.”
A female cowbird makes no nest of her
own, but instead lays her eggs in the
nests of other bird species, who then
raise the young cowbirds.
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Hogback Ridge Preserve was left to Preservation Parks in the estate of Mary Barber McCoy in 1998. With initial renovations made by the
Kiwanis Club of Delaware, the District offices were moved to the 32 acre site in 1999. In 2001 and 2002, the building underwent a complete renovation, increasing the office space and functionality of the building without increasing its size. It now houses not only the District offices but also the Mary Barber McCoy Nature Center. The Park District purchased an adjoining five acres, bringing the total to 37 acres in Brown Township. This purchase added two ponds and a meadow to the woodlands and stream corridor of the original site.
Facts
- 37 acres of mixed habitat, including wooded ravine systems, stream corridor, two ponds and small meadow
- Opened in 1999
- Houses Park District administrative offices
- Hours of operation:
Park – 7:30 a.m. – Dusk
Nature Center – Saturday Noon
– 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Noon
– 5:00 p.m.
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Drinking water
- Window on Wildlife viewing area
- Mary Barber McCoy Nature Center
- Meeting/conference space for rent
- Trails
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* Leashed dogs are allowed on these trails,
but you must clean up after your pets. “Mutt mitts” are provided at the kiosk to
assist you in the clean up.
Future Plans
- Expanded wildlife viewing area
- Expanded picnic facilities
- Wildlife viewing blind
- Expanded trail system
Trails at Hogback Ridge Preserve
Woodland Ridge Trail - This 1/2 mile mulched loop trail can be entered either near the parking lot or near the nature center. It follows the ravine ridge through an upland woodlot. Along this trail you will see a large stone deposited by a long-ago glacier and many varieties of wildflowers in season. If you are observant, you may also see a pileated woodpecker, or the holes made in the trees by one, as well as groundhogs, ground squirrels and deer. During bird migration seasons, you may catch a glimpse of a variety of warblers. And, you may see nuthatches, gold finches, downy, hairy and red-bellied woodpeckers, as well as Carolina wrens and blue-gray gnatcatchers.
Approximate walking time: 15 minutes.
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Not
my Nest?