Lets talk about birds! There are many that call Camphill home, some year round, and some as summer or winter visitors. One of the largest is the Sandhill Crane. You will hear their prehistoric call echoing around the hills in the spring. It has been present on earth over 2.5 million years. The oldest fossil known was found in Florida. At 5 feet tall, with a 7 foot wingspan, it is hard to miss them. They weigh 5-8 lbs. They are known to mate for life and to return to the same areas year after year. But the most remarkable thing is that they live up to 40 years. In the wild! So the pair that comes around the village each year may well be the same pair that has been here since the village started!

Another large bird that lives in the village, has a different type of existence. The Barred Owl lives here year round. They do not migrate anywhere, and since they also mate for life, they may spend their whole life within a 6 miles territory. And they can live up to 24 years. So the ones that are in this area are the same ones, or decendents of the original owls that lived here at the villages inception. They are about 17-20 inches long and weigh 1 to 2 pounds. While you are not so likely to see the owls, you can frequently hear them calling in the woods and swamps. Their call sounds like "Who, who cooks for you!" I was honored to see two of these owls while out hiking along the East side of the village the other day. I was able to capture a photo or two which really made my day!