Protecting our Environment...Connecting People with Nature...For Birds & Wildlife

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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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QR Trail – Station 8

DOAS Barn

The DOAS Barn serves as our base of operations here on the mountain, providing shelter and storage throughout the year. The barn is most utilized during our summer programs such as the John G. New Audubon Day Camp, during which youth have hands-on experiences with the diverse ecosystems present on the DOAS Sanctuary grounds. 

The Franklin Mountain property has not always been a wildlife sanctuary. Before it became the site of the DOAS Sanctuary and Hawkwatch, this property was utilized as farmland. Alongside some land-marking rock walls found among the sanctuary trails, the barn is the main remaining indicator of the property’s agricultural history. 

During the warmer months, the perimeter of the barn is also a hot spot for spotting garter snakes weaving in and out of the foundation in search of prey and warmth! These critters are harmless and great for pest control as they feed on slugs, bugs, and sometimes small rodents.

(DOAS Barn; Illustration by James Van Gelder)

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President

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THE BELTED KINGFISHER - ARCHIVED ISSUES
 
We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

© 1968-2025 Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society

Images and drawings on this site are used with permission of the artists and are subject to copyright.

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