Spread Your Wings For Bird Conservation At Rocky Mountain National Park On International Migratory Bird Day

Date: June 7, 2016
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

"Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation" is the theme for this year's International Migratory Bird Day. On Saturday, June 11, celebrate birds during two special events. In the morning, go on a bird walk in Rocky Mountain National Park! Join us to learn more about migratory birds while exploring the park with experienced bird watchers. The event will begin at 8 a.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. After a short introduction, visitors and bird walk leaders will caravan into the park to view birds in a variety of habitats. The activity is free of charge, but park entrance fees will apply. This guided walk will have naturalists and expert birders help beginners identify birds;all ages and abilities are welcomed. Bring warm clothes, water, good walking shoes, binoculars and a snack. The event will end at noon, but visitors are encouraged to continue their birding adventures throughout the day.

The second event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center with a special guest speaker from Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI). Scott Rashid, CARRI director, will share the importance of research to understand enough about a bird species to make beneficial management decisions about it. Through Scott's foundation, he researches various species of wild birds. His primary interest is researching owls including Northern Pygmy-Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, Boreal Owls, Flammulated Owls and Great Horned Owls, along with Northern Goshawks. He also runs three permanent bird banding stations, educating the public about bird banding. With the assistance of volunteers he has captured over 9,000 birds of 88 different species. He rehabilitates injured birds, including hawks, owls, falcons, various songbirds including ravens magpies, jays, thrushes and even hummingbirds. Scott has also written three books: "Small Mountain Owls", "The Great Horned Owl, an in-depth Study", and the recently published "Northern Goshawk, the Gray Ghost."

In 2016, International Migratory Bird Day will focus on how birds have inspired many of the most significant environmental conservation actions in the Americas. Citizens in every country have the capacity to support programs and laws that protect birds and their habitats, including a landmark treaty that, for the last century, has protected nearly all migratory bird species in the U.S. and Canada ~ the Migratory Bird Treaty.

Rocky Mountain National Park is proud to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day each year to connect people to nature through birds, and to help people understand the importance of bird conservation. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's Information Office at [phone].