After a 2-year pandemic hiatus, BIRD DAY returns to the 2.2-acre Steinberg Nature Center on the Tropical Audubon Society campus. Now in its ninth iteration, the annual Bird Day event is an engaging, educational afternoon chock-full of enriching outdoor experiences. Featuring interactive activities and prizes, the free nature festival is designed for children and families, students, scouts and naturalists of every age. “Meet” rehabilitated wildlife rescued by the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station and Wildlife Rescue of Dade County. Take part in Owl Pellet dissection. Craft Piping Plover “chicks.” Hone your binocular skills. Try your hand at Nature Journaling. Hear author Marta Magellan read her new children’s book: Flying Jewels: A Hummingbird Story.
Chaired by TAS Education & Advocacy Director Stephanie Clements, BIRD DAY celebrates the annual northbound flight of nearly 350 species of migratory birds stopping in South Florida on their return to North America from the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. To help welcome our avian visitors, attendees can learn how to create an attractive “rest stop” in their own yards and get primed to participate in the“Great Backyard Bird Count” (taking place February 17-20). The larger role our region plays on the Atlantic Flyway will be illuminated by TAS staff member Michelle Davis, cofounder and director of Cape Florida Banding Station.
SCHEDULE AND INFO
Date/Time/Location: SAT, February 18, Noon-4pm; 5530 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143
12-4 Activity Stations, Wildlife Encounters, Conservation Partner Tables, Book Readings
1 p.m. (tentative) Rehabilitated Raptor release with Wildlife Rescue of Dade County.
1:30 p.m. Great Backyard Bird Count Seminar and Bird Walk: TAS Board Member and Field Trip Coordinator Brian Rapoza will host a Great Backyard Bird Count Workshop and Bird Walk in collaboration with Leica Store Miami. Birdwatchers of every level can learn how to participate and contribute to the national tally.
3 p.m. Tour the Historic Doc Thomas House with TAS Historian Dan Jones.
Bonus: Explore the trails that thread Tropical Hardwood Hammock and Pine Rockland demonstration habitats; tour the historic 1932 Doc Thomas House that serves as TAS headquarters.
Food: Enjoy delicious home-style tacos, quesadillas, and burritos for purchase at the Nacho Bizness Food Truck. (Available 12-3)
Parking: Limited free parking via 55th Avenue auto entry gate; free parking at Riviera Presbyterian Church (please ask for parking pass at 55th Avenue auto entry gate); various meter, garage and valet options within 1-3 blocks; Metrorail service to South Miami Station.
Presenting Sponsor: Leica Store Miami
Hummingbird Sponsor: National Parks Conservation Association
Conservation Partners: Cape Florida Banding Station, Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, Phoebes Birding, Everglades National Park, Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, and Wildlife Rescue of Dade County
Media Partners: Community Newspapers, INYBN.com