Lewiston & Moscow Plan International Migratory Bird Day Celebrations

MOSCOW - - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, in conjunction with Book People of Moscow, Friends of the Clearwater, Moscow Food Co-op, Nez Perce Tribe, Palouse Audubon Society, Washington State University Raptor Rehabilitation Club, and Winchester State Park will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 10, 2003 by hosting an event in downtown Moscow. Activities begin at Friendship Square and will last from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At 10:00 a.m. there will be a live birds of prey demonstration. Bird enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are invited to learn about the migratory birds recently returned, and en route to our region. A concurrent event will be held in Lewiston, Idaho, to celebrate the recent recognition of the Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area by the National Wildlife Federation as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site. A guided tour of the area will be led by Dwight Kilgore. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional office parking lot, 1540 Warner Ave., Lewiston, Idaho. International Migratory Bird Day is an annual event that focuses attention on migratory birds that travel between wintering grounds in Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, and nesting habitats in North America. It is an opportunity to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. "Migratory birds are winged miracles, and face enormous challenges as they make their journeys home," says Rita Dixon, Regional Nongame Biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. "And although the focus of this event has traditionally been migratory birds, this year in our region, we will also celebrate migratory bats, who face similar challenges to birds and must also make phenomenal journeys between their breeding and wintering grounds." The Moscow event will offer interactive displays, children's crafts and games, and refreshments. A local bird walk will be scheduled based on a first-come, first-served basis. All activities are free.