Birds Help Make our City Flourish
International Migratory Bird Day Celebration Scheduled
This year Anchorage celebrates the sixth annual International Migratory Bird Day borrowing Mayor Rick Mystroms theme of "beautification for the City., While Mystrom stresses the importance of lights and flowers to add color to the community, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) suggests that the millions for migratory birds that visit our City every year bring beauty and music to our surroundings.
During this years celebration mayor Mystrom plans to release a rehabilitated bald eagle, the Nations symbol for freedom.
From the majestic eagle to the tiny hummingbird that darts around our backyards feeding frantically on the flowers, birds add beauty and color to our lives,, said Service biologist Brad Andres. "Im sure there isnt one of us that hasnt awaken to the sounds of birds on a summer morning.
From the dedicated bird watchers who travel all over the world to see a certain species of birds to the child who delights in seeing her first baby bird in a tree, 65 million adults watch birds and spend up to $9 billion a year on everything from bird seed to birding trips.
International Migratory Bird Day provides the opportunity to share the passion for birds. "Its a time to celebrate the millions of birds who embark on their arduous journeys to breeding grounds. Its a chance to introduce children and adults to the fantastic and interesting aspects of birds lives," Andres said. "Perhaps we could change Anchorage from the city of flowers and lights, to the city of lights, flowers and birds."
This year, Andres and other birding experts throughout Alaska will help members of the public learn more about the importance of birds to the environment during observations of international Migratory Bird Day.
International Migratory Bird Day
Sunday, May 17, 1998
Kincaid Municipal Park
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
international Migratory Bird Day Celebration
Where: Kincaid Municipal Park Kincaid Chalet
When: May 17, 1998 11:00 a.m.-4 p.m.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage is hosting this years International Migratory Bird Day celebration on May 17. The activities will include live bird demonstrations, mist-netting and banding demonstrations, duck wing identification, bird walks, craft stations for children, computer demonstrations and face painting.
The highlight of the day will be the release of two rehabilitated bald eagles. Mayor Rick Mystrom will be on hand to release one of the eagles, as well as the Ducks Unlimited live auction winner.
Last years migratory bird day celebration took place at the Elmendorf Air Force Base and drew hundreds of bird watchers, potential bird watchers, children, bird lovers and curious members of the community.
