Free Birding Tours and Birding Class Offered for International Migratory Bird Day

Fish and Game's version of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is rapidly approaching. For those who missed the International event last week, our local event is coming up this Friday and Saturday. Because spring often takes its time getting to Idaho Falls, birding enthusiasts have always pushed the date for IMBD back a week in order to give more birds a chance to move through. This year, the theme for IMBD is "Restore Habitat Restore Birds." Activities will not only focus on birds, but the various habitats they require to live. On May 15th, there will be birding tours of either The Nature Conservancy Flat Ranch in Island Park or the Gold Ranch on the Henrys Fork. Because numbers are limited, reservations are required! Contact Rob Cavallaro at 208-525-7290. On May 16th, there will be tours to Market Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Mud Lake WMA, Camas National Wildlife Refuge and the Snake River. Space is limited and reservations are required. Because of the aquatic nature of some tours, canoes are required. Contact Brian Wehausen at 208-241-5410 to register. Other events scheduled for the 16th are as follows: 9:00 - Ducks Unlimited Market Lake Ranch (Formerly Western Wings) will be open to the public and biologists will be on hand to answer questions from the public about bird-related topics. 9:30 - Beginning Birding Classes - Reservations required call 208-525-7290. 10:00 - Birding related fun activities for kids. Ducks Unlimited Market Lake Ranch 11:30 - Free Lunch until 1:00 - Ducks Unlimited Market Lake Ranch 1:10 - Live Bird Demonstration from Teton Raptor Center! Ducks Unlimited Market Lake Ranch To register, for more information or directions, call 208-525-7290. All activities are free, but donations will be accepted by the various sponsoring groups.