2008 Year in Review

CCC offers Migratory Bird Day 2008

Robins are the sure sign that spring is here. Plan to learn more about our feathered friends as Clinton Community College, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Friends of the Upper Mississippi Refuges present Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 17, 2008. “Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People” is the theme for 2008. This provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize the important habitats in your locale, and the groups and individuals that contribute to their protection. Explore what each habitat offers migratory birds, whether it is a place to rest, a nesting site, or a winter home.

International Migratory Bird Day was created in 1993 by visionaries at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Now under the direction of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IMBD continues to focus attention on one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird - its journey between its summer and winter homes. Today it is celebrated in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Central America through bird festivals and bird walks, education programs, and Bird Day!

The program begins at 7:30 a.m. with a Guided Bird Walk. Bring your binoculars and plan to arrive early for the early morning birding adventure. At 9:30 a.m. take a bus tour of the Lost Mound Unit where you will learn about historical aspects of the area along with current activities. Participants must register for the bus tour by calling 815-273-2732, ext. 16 as space is limited. The bus will leave promptly at 9:30 from the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center.

“Using Native Plants in Landscaping” will be presented at 12:30 p.m. The speaker is Marilyn Endress, Education Coordinator with the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation Service. Marilyn will share the history and ecology of prairies. The final presentation will be “Backyard Bird Feeders” at 1:30 p.m. Lisa Gerwulf, Naturalist with the Wapsi Environmental Learning Center will share ideas to make bird feeders using everyday items. Some supplies will be available, however participants are asked to bring 2 liter bottles, milk jugs, and juice containers.

Migratory Bird Day presentations are held at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, 7071 Riverview Road (behind Metform on Highway 84), Thomson, Illinois. Covering nearly 240,000 acres and extending along 261 miles of the Mississippi River, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge extends from Wabasha, Minnesota to LeClaire, Iowa. The Refuge is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, including bald eagles, great blue herons, sandhill cranes and spectacular concentrations of waterfowl. Local residents and visitors enjoy a wide array of opportunities throughout the year such as fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation and environmental education.

Door prizes will be awarded. You must be present to win. Lunch will be available by the Friends of the Upper Mississippi Refuge. For additional information, contact Anne Schmidt, 563-244-7050, or Pam Steinhaus, 815-273-2732.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 7, 2008