International Migratory Bird Day 2015— Beachin’ Birds: Sharing Our Coastline with Shorebirds

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News Release Date: March 31, 2015
Contact: Cicely Pontiflet, 904-221-7567 x117
Contact: Allison Conboy, 904-251-2320

JACKSONVILLE, FL --- On Saturday, April 25, 2015, the National Park Service is co-hosting International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) with the Florida Park Service's Little Talbot Island State Park (LTI). Beachin' Birds: Sharing Our Coastline with Shorebirds 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 9 am -12 pm at pavilions 9 and 10. It includes special 30-minute ranger talks and interactive activity stations on shorebirds of the area. Spotting scopes will be used during the event to bird watch without disturbing birds. After this event, stop by Kingsley Plantation (11676 Palmetto Avenue, just off Heckscher Drive) and meet retired City of Jacksonville Park Naturalist Lesley Royce and Merlin the Barred Owl at 1:00 pm. Kingsley Plantation will also have Birds of Prey BINGO Junior Ranger Program available all day. Habitat loss and degradation are primary threats to bird populations world-wide. Our goal is to increase public awareness and involvement in bird conservation. The Timucuan Preserve provides important places for migratory birds to nest, winter, or stopover sites during migration. Nature related activities such as birding are enjoyed by visitors year-round.

Schedule of events: 

South End of Little Talbot Island Programs: 

Shorebirds & Seabirds of the First Coast Spotting Scope Talks 

The 30-minute ranger talks start at the following times: 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am Meet Ranger Mike on the South End Beach (follow the signs) to learn thought provoking facts about shorebirds and seabirds. Learn why seabirds and shorebirds sit on their nests. It's probably not for the reason you think! He will provide an introductory lesson on bird identification, and discuss ways habitat has been restored along this section of the beach. What can I eat with this beak? 9:00 am-12:00 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 food sources. 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 

9:00 am-12:00 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 coloring and gluing a paper bird puzzle. 

Build-a-Nest & Camouflage Your Own Egg 

9:00 am-12:00 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? 

Guard Your Nest Bird Skits 

9:00 am-12:00 pm 

Pretend 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. 

Kingsley Plantation Programs: 

Birds of Prey BINGO 

9:00 am-4:00 pm 

Special Junior Ranger Program offered all day at Kingsley Plantation. Learn about eagles, hawks, owls, and shorebirds that call Timucuan Preserve home and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. 

Owl Encounter with Merlin the Barred Owl 

1:00 pm 

Meet retired City of Jacksonville Park Naturalist Lesley Royce and Merlin the Barred Owl during this special program. Learn about Barred Owl life in Florida's forests. 

 Please friend us on Facebook and on Twitter @TimucuanPreserve. Learn about the Florida Park Service by visiting their website: www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Tags: nps centennial, international migratory bird day, bird, ranger, owl, crafts

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