World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated at the Jester Park Nature Center with a free open house hosted by the Polk County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on May 9. The interactive, family friendly event begins with a guided morning bird walk at 8 a.m., with other scheduled activities, like talks, crafts, and educational booths, beginning at 9 a.m.
“We have guided hikes in the morning - one intended for families at 10:30 - booths and activities, live owl demonstrations, tips and tricks for birding and things you can do to help birds where you live,” said Anna Buckardt Thomas, avian ecologist with the Iowa DNR.
World Migratory Bird Day events are planned across Iowa and around the globe. Information on the events is available online at https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/#map. Information on the Polk County event is online at https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events/world-migratory-bird-day/.
“Most of the day’s events will be indoors and held rain or shine. For the hikers, plan to dress for the weather,” she said.
The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is free and open to the public.