In March of 2001, I visited
Mr. Don Litz at his home in Butler, MD, north of Baltimore. It
was a wonderful visit seeing a number of different flights and
species spread throughout his property. The next four pages are
a representation of what I experienced there.
At Don's request:
"Please include my name, phone number and address for possible
correspondence. Thanks again, Don."
Don Litz
2030 Belfast Rd.
Butler, MD 21023
410-771-4894
Hillside Flight
(Click on the BLUE
framed pictures to view them enlarged.)
An overall view
of the Hillside Flight. The flight complex was built to utilize
and conform to a steep grade and to provide for a number of different
species of birds. The upper portion has a box area built as a
small greenhouse with electric for a supplemental lightbulb for
heat in the winter. The slant provides flying and running area.
The lower pen is another large flight area with a rocky ground
and lots of water. A natural spring within the hill feeds the
stone-ringed pool in this section. The upper and lower sections
are about 6 feet in height.
The upper flight,
looking down the slope of the hill and the bottom compartment
where the spring is collected in the pool.
Inside the upper
flight and looking down the hill from inside the flight. The
areas are fairly open and free from obstructions. Some ground
cover and brush provides hiding places for the birds. Different
size perches are located troughout.
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A better protected
compartent is built at the far end of the upper flight. "SunTuf"
Panels are used to create a "greenhouse" effect in
this compartment. A 100 watt bulb is also provided in this compartment
through the colds of winter for the Diamond doves. During my
visit in March of 2001, a Diamond dove was setting on eggs in
this compartment. Outdoor temperatures during this time of year
still reach below freezing.
Some of the
inhabitants of this flight complex:
A few pair of
Diamond doves find the flight and the "SunTuf" compartment
cozy throughout the year. I watched the male Blue Diamond dove
(above-right) select the edge of the 2x4 as a suitable nesting
site and try his best to entice a hen to his selected site. The
Diamonds traveled freely throughout the flight.
A bright male
Golden Pheasant and his brown hen enjoy free roam up and down
the hill.
A pair of Bob
White quail find the hillside flight a great home as well.
Wood and Teal
ducks really enjoy the lower section and its spring-fed pool.
A box is provided for the Wood ducks to breed.
Other Pages: The
Quail Flight, Finch Flight, Other
Birds
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