International Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 11

Enjoy a fun family day out as the MK Nature Center hosts its International Migratory Bird Day Event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Nature Center is behind the Fish and Game headquarters building at 600 S. Walnut in Boise. This year's theme is "Life Cycles of Migratory Birds," which details all aspects of migratory birds' lives, from nesting and migration to breeding and raising young. Most importantly, it addresses the need for conservation throughout the life cycle. Families can participate in bird watching activities, live bird presentations, owl pellet investigations, face painting, feather printing, and watch live bird banding. The Nature Center will also have native Idaho plants for sale, and the Burgerlicious food truck will be available for participants to purchase lunch. Admission for this event will be $3 per person over the age of three. No free admission to the MK Nature Center will be available during this event between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on May 11. Scheduled events: - Game and Activity Stations: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Guided Bird Walks: begin at 9:30 a.m. and 11a.m. - Live Bird Banding: 9 a.m. to noon (depending on the weather). - Live Bird Presentations: begin at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. - Burgerlicious Food Truck: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. While ongoing threats continue to endanger many of the nearly 350 species of birds that migrate annually between summer and winter habitats, conservation organizations, federal and state agencies, and individuals have shown that they can make a real difference. Launched in 1993 by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, International Migratory Bird Day is now coordinated by Environment for the Americas, based in Boulder, Colo. Migratory Bird Day is the largest-known bird conservation and education event of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Partners and sponsors this year include the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Bird Observatory, Boise National Forest, U.S. Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station, Golden Eagle Audubon Society, Idaho Watchable Wildlife, Anser Charter School, Doug Rose, Whole Foods Market, Wild Birds Unlimited and Cabela's. Contact Sue Dudley at 208-287-2900 or sue.dudley@idfg.idaho.gov with any questions.