International Migratory Bird Day 2016

Date: March 17, 2016
Contact: Cicely Pontiflet, National Park Service, 904-221-7567x117
Contact: Allison Conboy, Florida Park Service, 904-251-2320

JACKSONVILLE, FL --- Birds and beaches go together like people and beaches-they're a natural fit, but sometimes we humans forget that we share the shore with birds. By learning about how birds use the beach we hope to increase public awareness and involvement in bird conservation. If we all make small changes in our beach going behaviors, we can ensure birds thrive at Little Talbot Island and Timucuan Preserve for years to come. For the 3rd year in a row, on Saturday, April 16, 2016, the National Park Service is co-hosting International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) with the Florida Park Service at Little Talbot Island State Park (LTI). Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation is free with paid admission to Little Talbot Island State Park ($5.00 per vehicle).

Little Talbot Island State Park is located at 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226. This family-friendly event will be held from 10:00 am –2:00 pm at Pavilions 9 and 10. It includes special spotting scope talks and interactive bird themed activity stations. Spotting scopes will be used during the event to bird watch without disturbing birds. 

The Timucuan Preserve provides important places for migratory birds to nest, winter, or stopover during migration. Nature related activities such as birding are enjoyed by visitors year-round. Find you park and celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service and the upcoming centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with us. 

Volunteers of high school age and up are needed to make this event happen. If you are interested in helping out with this program, register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/IMBD2016

Schedule of Events:

Shorebirds & Seabirds Spotting Scope Talks 

10:00am-2:00 pm 

Meet Ranger Allison on the South End Beach (follow the signs) to discover and observe our shorebirds. Learn why seabirds and shorebirds sit on their nests. It's probably not for the reason you think! Rangers and birders will use spotting scopes to get up close views of the birds in the natural environment.

Decoding Beaks 

10:00 am-2:00 pm 

The bird beak (bill) is a remarkably useful instrument. A good look at a bird guide or just studying birds outside your window will reveal the amazing diversity of bills, each one adapted for catching and eating different foods. At this station, park visitors will use ordinary kitchen tools to mimic different bills and learn how bill shape determines the types of food eaten.

Build-a-Bird Make-n-Take Activity 

10:00 am-2:00 pm 

Knowing the parts of a bird makes it easier to identify the bird and communicate to others what you see. At this station, learn the parts of the bird most commonly used for bird identification by completing a paper bird puzzle.

Build-a-Nest & Camouflage Your Own Egg Station

10:00 am-2:00 pm 

Birds construct a wide range of nests, from simple scrapes on the ground to elaborately woven nests of sticks and grasses. Some are camouflaged and some are out in the open. Some are big and some are small. It all depends on the bird, and where and how it lives! Can you construct a nest and camouflage an egg to keep it safe from predators? When you are done, be sure to have a photo taken of your creation. The photos will be posted on social media.

Guard Your Nest Bird Skits 

10:00 am-2:00 pm 

Pretending to be a shorebird, you must guard your nest from a multitude of predators and threats. Discover what strategies shorebirds use that increase their chance of nesting success.

The Great Migration Game: The Journey of the Red Knot 

10:00 am-2:00 pm 

Red knots are amazing little birds that make one of the longest migrations of all birds. Experience some of the obstacles red knots face on their trek from the Arctic to South America. Do you have what it takes to survive the great migration?