A World Migratory Bird Day celebration will be held at the Juneau Community Garden on Saturday, May 11, 2019. The popular day of bird-oriented education is organized by the USDA Forest Service Juneau Ranger District, with help from the Juneau Audubon Society and the Juneau Community Garden Association.
The activity will take place between 8-10:30 a.m. at the large pavilion. The program is family-friendly and free of charge. Participants can stop by any time during the morning.
Attendees will have an opportunity to witness songbird banding, if weather permits. A banding demonstration provides participants an opportunity to see birds up-close and learn one way scientists study them. A licensed biologist will fit birds with individually numbered bands, record the species, age and other vital information, then measure and safely release the birds.
Heavy rain and gales will cancel bird capture, but experts will still be on hand for bird viewing and kid’s birding activities rain or shine.
Past attendees of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) events will note there has been a name change. IMBD was initiated in 1993 by bird conservationists to increase awareness and appreciation of migratory birds. Now, it has merged with events outside of the Americas, for an even more international celebration of birds. Currently, the non-profit Environment for the Americas has registered about 1,200 events in 40 countries.
The Tongass National Forest has sponsored local events for over 22 years, to showcase the importance of the 17 million acres of land containing vast forests – home to over 20 species of breeding songbirds.
For more information, contact Gwen Baluss at the Juneau Ranger District, 907-789-6222 or [email protected].