The International Migratory Bird Day is May 12

Any time of year is a great time to get out and see birds, but migration time is when flocks of colorful birds are at their peak, moving along their migratory flyways toward their breeding and wintering grounds.

Since 1993, International Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated during the second weekend in May in the Western Hemisphere. World Migratory Bird Day celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas - bird migration.

For 2018, World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the Year of the Bird and the ways we can help protect birds every day through actions, stories and art.

On Saturday May 12, 2018 we invite you to come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the Toppenish NWR from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Activities will include bird banding, guided bird walks, live raptor program, children’s games, and hay rides that travel into parts of the refuge that are normally closed to the public. The bird banding demonstration and first bird walk begin at 8:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars!

The refuge visitor center will be open with children’s activities and learning materials. International Migratory Bird Day is an invitation to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. It was created specifically to highlight the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The day serves as an opportunity to celebrate all the species of birds whose annual movements enliven our lands, waters, and skies. A free event and all are welcome! Mark your calendar now!

— Kerry Turley