For the Birds, Neptune City senior earns Eagle Scout rank
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
 Neptune City Eagle Scout Brian Sudol researched the information for this sign which is part of his Eagle Scout Project at Memorial Park. |
Bird watchers in Neptune City will soon be able to sit by the river in Memorial Park and watch birds building their nests.
Thanks to the efforts of resident Brian Sudol, there are now three county-style birdhouses at Memorial Park.
Sudol built the bird houses, which are 2 feet by 2 feet by 21/1 feet and sit on posts 10 feet high, to earn the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.
According to Sudol the bird houses will most likely become inhabited by Purple Martins, a grey bird with purplish tones, that is the only bird in New Jersey to build its nest in birdhouses.
Sudols mother, Lisa, said building in shrubs and trees is a safety measure for most birds.
All other birds are smart enough not to get cornered in a box, she said. These birds are missing a few brain cells I guess.”
Sudol is a senior at the county Allied Health and Sciences High School and plans to attend Monmouth University in the fall to study education and United States History.
Sudol has been a scout since joining as a Tiger Scout when he was in the first grade.
He is still active as an Eagle Scout and assistant scout master in Troop 72 in Neptune City
In addition to the houses, which he built from wood donated by Standard Supply in Neptune, he researched and created an acrylic sign which is posted near the birdhouses.
The educational sign depicts birds which are native to the area.
The sign was donated by Power House Signs in Red Bank, which is owned by a former scout master.
I contacted the owner and he was more than happy to help me with the project, he said.
Sudol says he picked the project because he has always been interested in nature and wildlife.
He also wanted to give back to his community.
I wanted to give back to the Neptune City community they helped me through school I wanted to give back to the town.
Sudol says he was taking a walk through Memorial Park one day and thought, There could be something here. There was one birdhouse there but it was old and small, it looked more like a decoration.
He said a family friend knew someone who works in the county park system in Holmdel and after discussing his project the friend gave him the plans for the bird houses.
Sudol, who built the houses in July, said the birds should start nesting towards late spring.
He said although it is not a requirement, he will be checking to see if any birds build nests and make the birdhouses their home.
Sudol painted the houses white, which he says deflects the sun so the inside does not get too hot.
He also put cedar shakes on the roof to help keep them cool.
Inside there are separators so each bird has its own little nesting quarters.
Sudol said he is glad the project, which took 250 man hours, is complete.
Lisa Sudol talks about her sons project with obvious pride.
Its really cool, she said We always loved birds. Its exciting for me. When he was younger I was assistant den mother.
Sudol was awarded his Eagle Scout medal at a ceremony Sun., April 20 at Memorial United Methodist Church in Neptune which sponsors the troop.
Contact Joanne Papaianni at joanne@thecoaster.net.
 This birdhouse was built by Brian Sudol for his Eagle Scout Project. |
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