World bird sanctuary, live bird banding at Cape Nature Center

By: Candice Davis, Missouri Department of Conservation

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Watch up close as live birds are banded at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center Saturday, May 2, as part of the Nature Center's annual Migratory Bird Day.

The event is timed to coincide with natural migration patterns as millions of birds are making their way north this month. Nature Center Assistant Manager, Steven Juhlin, said this event offers a great chance to "join" the birds in their journey.

"There are so many marvelous aspects of bird migration and if these birds could talk, the stories they would tell of their treacherous journey would be amazing," Juhlin said.

Visitors will discover these elements of migration through activities based on the acclaimed children's book "Flute's Journey".

The World Bird Sanctuary will make special appearances with flying birds of prey demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1p.m.

Live bird banding demonstrations begin at 7:00 a.m. and continue throughout the morning with a variety of family activities and programs running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Activities include "Bird Hurdles" and "Bird Olympics", sessions on landscaping for wildlife and bird identification, birding walks, a "Flute's Journey" puppet show, door prizes and more.

For more information on the day's activities, call the Nature Center at 573-290-5218.