Biologists with U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will demonstrate bird netting, identification and banding in Portage Valley near the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center on Saturday, May 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. At Potter Marsh just outside of Anchorage biologists will identify different varieties of shorebirds, waterfowl and passerines, and talk about ecology and migration beginning at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Each spring and summer more than 70 species of birds migrate to Alaska from as far away as Argentina. The state lies in the path of four major flyways. Arctic terns, buff-breasted sandpipers and warblers are a few of the species that journey here to breed, returning south for the winter.
"Unfortunately, migratory bird habitat all across the Americas is shrinking," said Walter Stieglitz, the Services Regional Director for Alaska. "Preservation of Alaskas wetlands for migratory birds is of prime importance because more migratory birds flock to Alaska than to any other state."
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a member of Partners in Flight, an international organization comprised of public and private sector businesses spearheaded by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. The organizations mission is to promote conservation of migratory birds. The Service has co-sponsored other birding activities for International Migratory Bird Day in Adak, Dillingham, Ketchikan, Seward and Tok. Cordova and Homer have planned shorebird festivals. -FWS (907) 786-3487 -TTY available Photo/story opportunity For further information contact Gloria J. Maschmeyer.
FWS
