Coordinated by Environment for the Americas (EFTA) in an effort to increase bird conservation education, International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was created in 1993 and has grown to spur over 700 events throughout the year in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The 2015 IMBD theme, “Restore Habitat, Restore Birds” addresses the fact that habitat loss and degradation are primary threats to the populations of the avian variety. On May 9 from 10:00AM to noon, join the El Dorado Audubon Society at the El Dorado Nature Center to take a migration challenge, learn about these hazards to birds and decide for yourself whether you’re truly a friend or foe to these fine feathered creatures.
Attendees can also compete in Jeop-Birdy or try their hand at bird-themed art projects.
Bird viewing and identification stations will be placed along the nature center trail, while live bird demonstrations and music geared toward the the entire family will make for a fun, yet fact-filled day, sure to bring the “Bird Nerd” out of anyone.
IMBD stands as a call to action to preserve birds and their habitats. While IMBD’s official date is the second Saturday of every May for the U.S. and Canada and the second Saturday in October for Latin America and the Caribbean, according to EFTA, Bird Day events are best held when migratory birds are actually present.
A few things you can do to help protect birds in your neighborhood include leaving fledglings where you find them, making your windows more visible to birds who, according to EFTA, mistake reflections of trees for actual landing strips and, here’s an easy one, make sure to clean your bird feeders (dirty feeders can spread disease).
Parking is $7 and the event is free. For more information, please call the Nature Center at (562) 570-1745. For more information about IMBD, click here.
The El Dorado Nature Center is located at 7550 E. Spring St.
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