Migratory Birds Flock to Nature Center

Many birds are making their way north this month and people can "join" them in their journey by celebrating International Migratory Bird Day at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, Saturday, May 10.

International Migratory Bird Day

International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD)is designated to focus attention on one of the most spectacular events in a migratory bird's life - its journey between summer and winter homes. Now celebrating it's 15th year, IMBD's creation has involved the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is now the premier education project of Environment for the Americas. Today, it is celebrated in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Central America through bird festivals and education programs.

A Bird in the Hand will mean Two in the Bush

As education and conservation come together, great things happen. When someone learns about birds in a hands-on environment, their future actions result in improved habitat for more birds. Programming at the conservation nature center focuses on providing meaningful experiences and challenges visitors to take action that benefits nature.

The annual Migratory Bird Day event at the Conservation Nature Center, located in North County Park, Cape Girardeau, is designed to connect people to the world of migratory birds through hands-on activities and programs. Live bird banding demonstrations begin at 7:00 a.m. A variety of family activities and programs running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day's events include activities such as "Bird Hurdles", "Jeop-bird-y" and "Bird Olympics", making bird houses, a session on landscaping for wildlife, birding walks, door prizes and more. By special appearance, the World Bird Sanctuary will fly birds of prey during their programs at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 573-290-5218.