What:
In
celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, Woodland Park Zoo’s
Festival for the Birds pays tribute to the world’s migratory
bird species and the yearly journey they undertake between their homes
in Central and South America and their nesting sites here in the Pacific
Northwest. Flock to the Family Farm and enjoy a variety of activities
and bird demonstrations to help you rediscover some of the wildlife
in your own backyard. Visit special displays featuring bird conservation
and biology, sample shade-grown coffee, observe bird-banding demonstrations
and play “Bird Bingo” with the kids!
Photo: Ric Brewer
The early
worms can kick off Festival for the Birds with the zoo’s
annual Early Morning Bird Walk starting at 6:45 a.m. Zoo staff will
lead small groups around the zoo to locate migrant birds. Children
and birders of all levels are welcome. The walk will last approximately
two hours. Please bring binoculars and weather-appropriate clothing.
When:
Festival for the Birds, Saturday, May 17, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Early Morning Bird Walk, Saturday, May 17, 6:45 a.m.
Where:
Festival for the Birds activities will take place in the Family Farm exhibit,
near the zoo’s South Entrance at N. 50th Street and Fremont Ave. N.
Early Morning Bird Walk participants should meet at the zoo’s South
Entrance.
Cost:
Festival for the Birds and Early Morning Bird Walk are free with paid admission
or zoo membership. You must reserve your space to participate in Early Morning
Bird Walk; RSVP by calling 206.548.2500. Space is limited to the first 50
people who RSVP. Festival for the Birds is open to all. For more information
visit the zoo’s website at www.zoo.org.
Info:
International Migratory Bird Day highlights the migration of nearly 350 bird
species between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds
in South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Many think of migratory
birds as symbolic harbingers of spring and melodious songsters of the woods,
but migratory birds are also an important economic resource, controlling
insect pests and generating billions in recreational dollars. Unfortunately,
research has shown that many migratory bird populations are in decline, facing
a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both their summer
and winter habitats. Thus, International Migratory Bird Day, in addition
to being a day to foster appreciation, is a call to action.
For more
information on International Migratory Bird Day and bird conservation,
visit http://www.birdday.org.
Accredited
by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), award-winning Woodland
Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting
international standards for zoos all over the world. Conservation,
education and excellent animal care are at the core of the zoo’s
mission. The zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats in
Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow
leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles
and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring people to care and
act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s
future.
