More than 325 birds fly over our region on the Mississippi Flyway to the Gulf of Mexico, presenting us with a huge diversity of birds throughout the year. Aviva Yasgur of the Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes joins Kate Lochte on Sounds Good to talk about Saturday's all-day celebration of birds for International Migratory Bird Day, with programs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and an exclusive early morning photography program at 9 a.m.
Hundreds of organizations around North and South America participate in International Migratory Bird Day (birdday.org) this Saturday. Land Between The Lakes' Nature Station is hosting "Celebration of Birds," dedicated to celebrating the journey that birds make each year, with activities for photographers, bird watchers and kids.
While the festivities officially begin at 10 a.m., there's an exclusive early morning bird photography program at 9 a.m. where the Nature Station is open to up to 10 people interested in taking photos of birds from hummingbirds, bluebirds, warblers, indigo buntings, goldfinches and cardinals. To register, call 270-924-2020.
Events throughout the day include a bird challenge scavenger hunt for kids to learn how to spot birds, a program about hummingbirds and how to attract them, a mystery bird encounter, bluebird experts Bob and Judy Peak present how to put up bluebird boxes, and a family friendly program about the bald eagle.
Hummingbirds
Aviva Yasgur says all of hummingbirds at the Nature Station are the same kind: ruby-throated hummingbirds. They're the only type that nests in this area (east of the Mississippi River). One can see as many as 200 a day from Spring to Fall. Though they're easy to spot, their nests are extremely difficult to locate. Yasgur says at the Nature Station they've only found one - ever. They're very small, about 1 inch across and are camouflaged in the trees up to 40 feet in the air. Dispelling a myth about hummingbirds, she says they can perch, but they don't have to. Unlike most birds, they can feed and fly at the same time.
General admission to the Nature Station is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 5 to 12, kids 4 and under free. A fun card can be purchased for $35 that is good for ten admissions.
