Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Region
 

International Migratory Bird Day

Saturday, May 9, 2009


Join us at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for a
guided bird walk led by an expert birder.
See Weekend Nature Programs for more details.

IMBD Theme 2009: Tundra toTropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People

International Migratory Bird Day is an annual celebration of one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird – its journey between summer and winter homes. IMBD was created to focus public attention on the need for action to conserve birds and their habitats. Celebrating bird migration is your opportunity to learn about the wonder of birds and to help ensure that they will always be a part of our future.

International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was originally created to specifically highlight more than 350 species of birds that migrate between their nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  IMBD is held annually on the second Saturday in May, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all bird species that bring so much life to our surroundings.  There is no better place to see migratory birds than at a national wildlife refuge, as refuges are established to safeguard habitat for these very birds.

IMBD events take place all over the Western Hemisphere and include a variety of creative activities focusing on birds and conservation. Get involved in bird conservation by taking part in IMBD 2009. Check out the education web site and get up-to-date information about events at www.birdiq.com. You can order IMDB products at www.birdday.org.

What are some ways you can celebrate IMBD?

  1. Even though it is not held on IMBD, visit the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival, which celebrates the arrival of migratory shorebirds in the Grays Harbor estuary
  2. Take notice of the birds around you
  3. Point out these birds to someone else
  4. Create or improve habitat at home or school.
  5. Build and maintain a bird feeder or house
  6. Buy or wear an IMBD hat.
  7. Keep your cat indoors!
  8. Reduce your use of pesticides in the yard and garden.
  9. Drink bird friendly, shade grown coffee.
  10. Use "green" home paper products to conserve forest habitat
  11. Buy a Duck Stamp! The proceeds benefit habitat preservation efforts.
  12. Buy a Junior Duck Stamp!  The proceeds benefit environmental education and the Junior Duck Stamp program, which educates children about waterfowl.
  13. Join or give to wildlife preservation groups.
  14. Volunteer your birding abilities.
  15. Participate in a bird count study.
  16. Donate your old binoculars to Bird Exchange.
  17. Get involved in community land-use planning
  18. Lead or attend a bird watching walk such as the bird walk being held at Nisqually NWR on IMBD at 8:30 am.
  19. Take a class on migratory birds
  20. Teach students about migratory birds and IMBD
  21. Write a related article for a local paper
  22. Create an IMBD display for a school, library, or wildlife refuge
  23. Attend or host an IMBD festival.
Last updated: May 1, 2009