World Migratory Bird Day is officially coming up on May 12th, but Fond du Lac is getting an early start on the celebration.
Fond du Lac was named one of Wisconsin’s “Bird Cities” in 2012, and Laura DeGolier says “we have to put on a celebration that reminds people of the value of birds, encourage people to plant bird habitat…and we do it at this time of the year, because that’s when the birds are moving.”
The first event will be held at the Fond du Lac Public Library at 6:00 Wednesday night – focusing on how to reduce invasive aquatic species to improve the bird life in marshes.
There will be wood carvers at a number of local shops on Friday; George and William Porter will be stationed at the Gallery and Frame Shop to craft birds and even possibly canoes out of wood. William will be featured outside as he carves with a chainsaw. Other carvers will also be whittling on smaller bird crafts at the Kitz & Pfeil True Value from 10am-5pm.
Friday night will feature a bird walk around the pond near Camelot Business Park, where dozens of species can be spotted.
Saturday will have a handful of events, including a game for children to learn about the process of migration. That will be held at the Kiwanis Shelter in Lakeside Park from 10am-1pm. Also at 10am, there will be a bike ride to birding hot spots - meeting at the Gottfried Arboretum. A bird walk will be held at Greenway Arboretum at 9am Saturday, with another set for 1pm at Lakeside Park.
A final bird walk is set for 7am Sunday morning at a new location along County Trunk WH. For more information on that walk, call Laura at (920) 948-8041.