Cuckoo for 'Ding'

Register to attend Cuckoo for "Ding" today!

It served its time out in the field as a decoy to attract mangrove cuckoos. Now the carving by renowned island sculptor Jim Sprankle is getting an upgrade to a work of art that one lucky bidder will own next winter following the Cuckoo for “Ding” Trailgate Party on Feb. 15, 2013, at the Refuge.
 
Biologists used the cuckoo decoy, part of an ongoing groundbreaking mangrove cuckoo study at the refuge, to lure the elusive birds for radio-tagging so they can learn more about their range of travel and other habits. Mangrove cuckoos had never before been tagged.

 Jim is currently putting the final touches on his new and improved Mangrove Cuckoo sculpture for the fundraising event. He has been out in the field himself, researching mangrove leaves to add realistic touches to his work.
 
Cuckoo for “Ding,” hosted by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, will include a tent party with a “trailgate” theme, food served off of tailgates, live music by islander Chris Coile, and other silent and live auction items. Proceeds will benefit the Mangrove Cuckoo research project, education, and other research at the refuge.   

“Jim’s work typically fetches bids well into the four-figure range. Given its original use as research tool in a study that is tagging Mangrove Cuckoos for the first time in history, his cuckoo piece is priceless,” said DDWS Executive Director Birgie Vertesch. 

Register to attend Cuckoo for "Ding" today! 

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Jim's bird out in the field attracting Mangrove Cuckoos.