Bird enthusiasts of all ages can celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 10, at several Treasure Valley locations.
This event is a world-wide annual event to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. This year's theme for International Migratory Bird Day is "Tundra to Tropics" to call attention to the importance of connected quality habitats. Some migratory birds need three habitats: one for nesting, another for resting and eating while migrating, and a habitat at the Southern end of their journey.
MK Nature Center, Boise:
Enjoy a full day of bird observation and educational activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can participate in bird watching, owl pellet investigation, wood carving demonstrations, bird Olympics, face painting, bird nest building, journal making and other children's activities.
In the afternoon children participating in activities will meet the Red Robin Restaurant Robin and receive a kid's meal coupon. The Anser Charter School Kindergarten students will once again be selling their hand-made bird cards.
Biologists and experts from Boise National Forest, Idaho Bird Observatory, Idaho Fish and Game and Golden Eagle Audubon Society will be on hand to share their expertise. Bird house kits will be sold for $5 each to raise money for the Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program. Starbuck's Coffee will be handing out free shade grown bird friendly coffee samples.
No admission, for information call 208-334-2225.
MK Nature Center Scheduled Events
- 9 a.m. to noon: Live bird banding, Idaho Bird Observatory biologists.
- 11:30a.m.: Birds of Prey program (live birds) Larry Ridenhour BLM.
- 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: American Kestrel Program (live birds), Susan Ziebarth Idaho Fish and Game.
The Foothills Learning Center, Boise:
Celebrate migratory birds at the Foothills Learning Center's monthly second Saturday event. Excellent bird watching opportunities abound on the trails. Golden Eagle Audubon will have spotting scopes set up to give folks a close look at the resident owls and red-tailed hawks.
All workshops are family friendly and open to beginners. Children's crafts, on-going bird song presentations and other activities will take place throughout the day. Some binoculars will be available, but if you have your own, please bring them.
No admission, for information call 208-514-3755.
Foothills Learning Center Scheduled Events
- 7 to 9 a.m.: Beginning birding class, Vicky Runnoe, Idaho Fish and Game.
- 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Bird sketching workshop, Edna Ray-Vizgirdas, local artist and naturalist.
- 1 p.m.: Bird painting (focusing on lines and shapes), Joni Frey, local painter and birder.
The World Center for Birds of Prey, Boise:
Live bird presentations, lectures, videos, a scavenger hunt and children's activities will take place throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All day receive a 10 percent discount in the gift shop.
General admission prices: Adults - $5; seniors 62 and older - $4; children 4 to 16 - $3; Children under 4 - free.
For information call 208-362-3716.
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Nampa:
This water oasis in Southwest Idaho is a significant resting and feeding area for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
A family treasure hunt is scheduled at 10 a.m. during which children and their parents will combine the elements of look, listen and touch.
A live hawk and owl program will be at noon by Monte Tish Rehab for Injured Raptors.
No admission fees. 467-9278.
Contact: For additional information contact Brenda Beckley, wildlife educator at the MK Nature Center 208-287-2901.
