The Fish and Wildlife Service Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region is "Celebrating Special Places for Birds" with hundreds of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) events planned across the nation around the official date of May 11, 2002. The IMBD 2002 theme of "special places" reminds us that the conservation of birds requires that we provide and protect their habitats.
"International Migratory Bird Day is the perfect time to emphasize the need to set aside places for wildlife . . . and to get outside and experience these locations ourselves," said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams.
Birds are found all around us, in cities, farms, schoolyards, backyards, parks, roadsides, forests, beaches, and fields. They live wherever they can find suitable habitat -- space enough to find food, water, and cover. Migratory birds, because of their annual movements, require wintering and nesting habitats, as well as stopping points along their migratory routes. In some locations, birds may congregate in large numbers, providing curious human onlookers with breathtaking natural spectacles. Other locations harbor rare or secretive birds, and it is the lucky observer who spots the seldom-seen species.
"Migratory birds are among the most familiar wildlife that this agency works to protect," said Regional Director Bill Hartwig. "Many people enjoy their beauty by watching them on backyard feeders. But all of us can enjoy the rainbow of colors these birds provide at our national wildlife refuges. International Migratory Bird Day encourages people around the world to celebrate the beauty of these creatures, and reminds us of our need to do all we can to protect them and their habitat."
The Services National Wildlife Refuge System provides the public with many of the best opportunities to see thrilling natural spectacles or witness a rare bird in nature. The National Wildlife Refuge System is comprised of 538 units encompassing 95 million acres of wildlife habitat, with at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every State. More than 200 of these refuges, along with the Services thousands of waterfowl production areas, were established specifically for migratory birds. Many are designated as Important Bird Areas under BirdLife International criteria (see http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/); as sites in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (see http://www.manomet.org/WHSRN.htm); and as Wetlands of International Importance, also known as Ramsar sites (recognized under the intergovernmental treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971) (see http://www.ramsar.org). Finally, refuges are ideal locations to celebrate IMBD!
IMBD was created to bring attention to the plight of dozens of birds whose populations have declined at rates exceeding two percent per year (resulting in a net decline of 50 percent or more) over the last 30 years, due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors. IMBD is the hallmark event of Partners in Flight, an international coalition created in 1990 that includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other federal and state wildlife agencies, conservation groups, academic institutions, corporations, and private citizens dedicated to reversing these declines in migratory bird populations. Over the past decade, IMBD has grown to become the premier celebration of birds and their habitat in our hemisphere. IMBD is celebrated at hundreds of locations in addition to National Wildlife Refuges, including member facilities of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball Park at Camden Yards, national parks and forests, city and state parks, bird sanctuaries, and other nature reserves.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. In addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Service also operates 70 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
Here are some of the events scheduled in the Midwest:
Illinois
Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington, May 12 -- Bring your Mom to a "special place" for Mothers Day! If you are interested in learning about migratory birds, and seeing birds which are returning to the Chicago area from their far away winter homes or are stopping to rest before migrating further north, then this event is for you! Crabtree Nature Center (located on Palatine Rd. in Barrington)is a special place for birds - more than 250 species have been recorded here, including 80 species known to breed here. Outdoor viewing stations will be set up on the trails within wetland, forest, and prairie habitats. The stations will be staffed with knowledgeable instructors to assist you with identification, and binoculars and spotting scopes will be available for your use. Indoor exhibits will feature information about what you can do to help protect migratory birds, birding optics, and build your own wren house. This event is sponsored by the Services Chicago Illinois Field Office, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and the Prairie Woods Audubon - Chapter of National Audubon Society. Contact: Cyndi Duda, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (847)381-2253, cyndi_duda@fws.gov
Weekend celebration at Chicagos Brookfield Zoo, May 11-12: This will be their fifth annual celebration of IMBD. Activities include four birding stations staffed by experienced birders to help guests spot birds. At their Migratory Bird Information Station, guests will be able to pick up a Brookfield Zoo Birders Map and check list, play a migratory bird game, discover more about Chicago Wilderness, learn about the "Keep Your Cat Indoors" campaign for safer birds and cats, and see a list of birds spotted each day. There will also be activities for children as well as a display of birdhouses, feeders, and samples of bird seed. Contact: Aggie Blesy, agblesy@brookfieldzoo.org, www.brookfieldzoo.org
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, May 11: There will be tables set up with information on the following: how to help protect migratory bird populations, threats against migratory birds, popular birding spots in Chicago, which seeds attract certain species of birds, beginning birding info, which plants and flowers attract birds, how to have a bird friendly backyard, how to get involved in bird counts, and nest box information. There will also be information and posters on shade-grown coffee as well as free samples. The activities will include "bird banding," binoculars will be available for adults and children to look through, and a migratory bird game designed to educate kids on destruction of wild bird habitats. Staff will also be giving away samples of sunflower seeds with instructions for planting to encourage people to start a bird-friendly backyard. Contact: Nicole Kehl, birdhouse@spzoo.org, www.lpzoo.org
Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Heights, May 11: All-day event includes bird walks, presentations, nature tours of the parks "Special Places," crafts for kids, and more. Contact: John Mullen, Forest Park Nature Center (5809 Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights, IL 61616), (309) 686-3360.
Indiana
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, May 11-12: Wings Over Muscatatuck Migratory Bird Festival will be held May 11-12, 2002. Activities include guided bird tours to Muscatatuck and Big Oaks NWRs, bird banding demonstrations, interpretive programs on birds and other wildlife, guided walks, kids activities, bird house building, a birds of prey program with live birds, and many other activities from dawn to dark Saturday and from morning till afternoon Sunday. Contact: Donna Stanley, Muscatatuck NWR, 12985 E. U.S. Hwy. 50, Seymour, IN 47274, 812-522-4352, donna_stanley@fws.gov
Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo, May 11-12: As with past years, Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo will have educational programs throughout the day provided by a local raptor rehabilitation center, shade grown coffee sampling, a booth from the local bird club and information/artifacts provided by zoo docents. Activities take place in the zoos Indonesian Rain Forest which is home to many wonderful feathered friends. Contact: Karen Reilly, karen@kidszoo.org, www.kidszoo.com
Sugar Ridge State Fish and Wildlife Center, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Regional Headquarters, Pike County, May 11: Activities include a morning seminar from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at Sugar Ridge Center (SRC). There will also be afternoon tours: a refuge tour and canoe tour for limited number of participants. Contact: Audubon at 1-800-659-2622 (audubonaction@audubon.org) or Patoka River NWR, 812-749-3199.
Michigan
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Saginaw, May 11: A fun filled day of activities beginning at 8 a.m. with a birding workshop, including a songbird banding opportunity. A special auto tour route will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to view the refuge from your vehicle. A photography workshop will be held at 10 a.m. and noon for those interested in learning techniques for outdoor photography. Childrens activities will also be held throughout the day. The Friends of Shiawassee NWR will have concessions available and gifts for purchase at the main entrance. Activities planned will celebrate the return of migratory birds and preview events for the National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial in 2003. Contact: Michelle VanderHaar, Shiawassee NWR, Green Point ELC 6975 Mower Rd. Saginaw MI 48602, 989-759-1669, michelle_vanderhaar@fws.gov
John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids, May 11: Activities planned include: an early morning bird watching excursion in the zoo; a chance for visitors to build bird houses to take home, a migrations stations game where younger visitors can learn the challenges of migration, talks given by zoo staff regarding caring for your home bird feeder, how to plant a bird friendly yard, bird banding and the scientific study of birds. Information from our local animal shelter regarding how and why you should keep your cat indoors, talks presented by local wildlife biologists on specific species of native Michigan migrant species. Also, talking signs at bird exhibits, shade grown coffee, and free giveaways for kids. Contact: Norah B. Fletchall, Asst. Zoo Director, norah@zoo.co.kent.mi.us or Cheryl Dykstra, Animal Curator, (616) 336-8472, cheryld@zoo.co.kent.mi.us
Minnesota
Minnesota Zoo, May 4-5: Join in the third annual Wild Bird Weekend, where the Zoo will be highlighting its conservation efforts with the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project. Guests will be able to visit with the staff that care for the Zoos bird collection. There will also be opportunities for close-up encounters with some of the bird show raptors, and kids can make a bird house or bird feeder to take home for their own backyard. The Zoo will also have displays featuring loons, backyard birding, and Minnesota migratory birds. Contact: Jimmy Pichner, Avian Zoologist, jpichne@mail.mnzoo.state.mn.us or Judy Thompson, Special Events Manager, 952-431-9257, cell 952-0250-8940, fax 952-431-9300, judy.thompson@state.mn.us, both at Minnesota Zoo, www.mnzoo.org
Upper Mississippi River/Lake Pepin, May 11: The Upper Mississippi River NW&FR is joining with the Audubon Society to help celebrate the Great River Birding Event. Activities include guided boat trips into the backwaters; Ducks on a Stick waterfowl identification; and a Service/Upper Mississippi Booth. This event also follows a route around the lake, with events occurring along the stretch in towns, parks and overlooks. Contact: Cindy Samples, at Cindy_Samples@fws.gov
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Zimmerman, May 11: Migratory Bird Day will be observed at Sherburne NWR with guided bird programs open to the public. The first program, Songbird Search, includes a hike along the trails to look for migrating warblers and other songbirds and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced birders. The second program, Birds in the Wetlands, designed for beginning birders and families, will follow the Wildlife Drive in search of eagles, cranes, ducks and other waterbirds. Both programs begin at the Old School House on Co. Rd. 9. Contact: Nancy Haugen, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, 763-389-3323 x213, nancy_haugen@fws.gov">
Upper Mississippi River/Winona, May 18: Continue the IMBD celebration with a trip birding on the Mississippi River. The Upper Mississippi River NW&FR, Minnesota and Trempealeau NWR, Wisconsin, will be the site for this partnership with the city of Winona, Audubon Society the Audubon Ark, and the Hiawatha Bird Club. The Ark will take folks on guided bird trips, We-no-nah Canoe is donating the use of canoes for backwater canoe bird trips and there will be a bird banding demonstration. Contact: Cindy Samples, at Cindy_Samples@fws.gov
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge 22996 290th Street Northeast Middle River, May 19: An open house will be held from 1-5 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters. Greg Brooks, Gilby, North Dakota and his live adult bald eagle and great horned owl will be the main attraction. His presentation will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. under the big tent, rain or shine. Thief River Falls Lincoln High School magna arts students will be displaying their bird artwork they completed during the school year from 1-4 p.m. Children and the public will have the opportunity to learn how to draw birds from these high school students. Several gravel refuge roads will be open to the public for vehicle travel, weather permitting. Refuge personnel will be stationed along the open roads to discuss various bird species. Additionally, the Region 3 Centennial display will be set up for the public to view, International Migratory Bird Day posters will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, and bird-nesting boxes and fruit bearing shrubs will be given away. Cub Scout Pack 59 will be serving popcorn, cookies and refreshments. Many bird species will have migrated north and will be on the refuge for the publics enjoyment. Contact: Gary Tischer Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, 218-449-4115, ext. 214, gary_tischer@fws.gov
Missouri
Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, May 10: For the zoos event, members of The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society will be staffing stations related to migration and birding. Staff and volunteers will be presenting programs and visiting with zoo guests. Contact: Alice Counts, Education Director, Dickerson Park Zoo (3043 North Fort, Springfield, MO 65803), (417)833-6420, accounts@dickersonparkzoo.org
Ohio
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, May 7-9: Celebrate the mystery and science of bird migration at the zoo. Students grades K-12 can take part in written activities targeting science and social studies learning objectives that will be sent to participating schools in advance of their Zoo visit. Their visit will include games of "Migratory Musical Chairs" and the "Avian Olympics." Visitors can also see bird presentations, including bird banding demonstrations, and receive information about tri-state bird rehabilitation. Contact: (513) 475-6137, www.cincyzoo.org
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, May 10-11: The celebration includes a variety of activity stations, where visitors will receive stamps on their "passports" as they visit and learn about birds. There will be special Wings of Flight bird shows and Hawk Talks as well. Audubon Ohio is providing information and a map of the important bird areas in Ohio. The zoo will also feature displays about purple martins, bluebirds and tree swallows, and there will be games for the kids to play. On May 10, zoo staff will give away 200 teacher resource bags filled with posters, bird feeders, curriculum, stickers and other items that pertain to migratory birds. Contact: Barbara Revard, brevard@colszoo.org, www.colszoo.org
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor, May 11: This years event includes an auto tour and open house with a refuge centennial celebration focus. Refuge staff will also be unveiling a painting by Adam Grimm (2000 Federal Duck Stamp Artist), which has been made into a poster to celebrate the refuge system centennial. The Services blue goose mascot will be here along with Muddy the Mudhen, a local pro-baseball teams migratory mascot. Activities also include the Ohio Junior Duck Stamp Award Ceremony here and a local Volksporter group will have a 5K and 10K walk on the refuge. Contact: Rebecca E. Hinkle, Public Use Specialist, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 419-898-0014 x815, rebecca_hinkle@fws.gov
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, May 11: Activities include: a bird show, puppet show, "get close" opportunities, games, crafts, and booths for Division of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited and local merchants. Contact: Chris Kmiecik, cdk@clevelandmetroparkss.com, www.clemetzoo.com
Eldon Russell Park, Burton, May 11: Activities include the Flaming Feathers Canoe Float, 7:30-10 a.m. Paddle the calm Upper Cuyohoga River to see brilliantly colored "jungle birds," including the rare and radiant prothonotary warbler which nests here. Pre-registration required - call for details. Another event scheduled will be Bluebird Trail Monitoring, at 10 a.m. Accompany Bluebird Box Docs on their rounds as they make house calls to monitor nesting bluebirds and tree swallows. This offers a chance to see these beautiful birds up-close and learn first hand how to become a successful bluebird landlord. If timing is right, visitors may see nestlings banded for scientific study. Contact: Geauga Park District, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, OH 44024, 440-286-9504.
Toledo Zoo, Toledo, May 11: A folk singer, story teller, education tables, a special movie in the Zoos historical Museum, hands-on activities, unlimited fun and learning, and poster giveaways. Approximately 6,000 visitors attended last year on Saturday alone. Contact: Terri Heminger, Toledo Zoo,(419)385-5721 x2009, birdkeeper@toledozoo.org
William H. Harsha Lake Visitor Center, Batavia, May 11: Activities include an 8 a.m. bird walk along the Deer Ridge Trail to search for birds and wildflowers. From noon - 4 p.m. There will be activity stations about birds and migration geared for families, and scout groups. Display about International Migratory Bird Day and the parks designation as an Important Bird Area in Ohio will be set up through the entire month of May. Contact: Linda Romine, Park Ranger, William H. Harsha Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2185 Slade Road, Batavia, OH 45103), (513) 797-6081, Linda.G.Romine@LRL02.usace.army.mil
Wisconsin
Madison Event, May 11: Celebrate IMBD with our Big Birding Day activities. This is a 14-hour event that begins at 4 a.m. And includes travel throughout Dane County in search of as many species of birds as possible. Teams of up to four people compete for fun, prizes and to raise money for the Madison Audubon Society. There is a social banquet afterwards for attendees and others to share their days experiences. Contact Ken Barmore at KCBOUTDOORS@aol.com. Please use the following subject heading on your email: BIG BIRDING DAY INFO PLEASE.
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens, Milwaukee, May 11: Activities include the Migration Game, where children are given the opportunity to become a bird and migrate from South America to Wisconsin. At some point, each "bird" is banded by a researcher during its journey. The children learn about the perils a bird faces and how far the species they have chosen migrates. There will also be a Federal Duck Stamp art tour, with the artwork from the Junior and Adult Federal Duck Stamp competitions displayed in the Peck Welcome Center. Also, children are welcome to have an official IMBD bird tattoo applied to their hand or face. Music will be performed during the event by Blackhawk, a Native American musical group. Various conservation organizations that work with birds will have information booths set up throughout the zoo, and staff members who have been involved in a migratory bird study of the zoo grounds will answer questions and provide demonstrations. Contact: Kim Smith, ksmith@milwcnty.com, www.milwaukeezoo.org
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau, May 18: Various activities are planned throughout the day which will introduce people to birds through sight and sound and using various modes of transportation. Ongoing activities include education stations, nature crafts, bird banding demonstrations, and wildlife observation. Staff will also offer bird walks, bird bike trips, bird canoe trips, canoe workshops, a "Leave No Trace" activity, and there will be music from Prairie Smoke, a local celtic music group. There will also be an "owl prowl" in the evening. Participants can test their skills at identifying all of the birds in this years International Migratory Bird Day poster and guessing the number of feathers in a jar. Pre-registration is required for all of the canoeing and bicycling activities as space is limited and some restrictions apply. A limited number of canoes are available. This event is sponsored by the Services Trempealeau and Upper Mississippi Refuges, Friends of the Upper Mississippi River Refuges, Hiawatha Valley Audubon Society, and We-no-nah Canoes. Contact: Lisa McCurdy, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (off Highway 35/54, 3 miles west of Centerville, WI), (608)539-2311, Lisa_McCurdy@fws.gov
Visit http://birds.fws.gov/IMBD/ to find out about activities specifically planned for IMBD at refuges and other sites.
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