International Migratory Bird Day Observance Takes Flight May 11 in Grand Tetons

Observance of the 2013 International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) gets underway at Grand Teton National Park with a bird-watching caravan on Saturday, May 11. To celebrate IMBD and conduct the annual North American bird count, Park Ranger Andrew Langford will visit areas throughout Grand Teton that provide the best opportunities to locate, identify and record birds.

Anyone interested in birds is welcome to participate. The bird-watching excursion begins at 8 a.m. from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose and finishes by 4 p.m. at Christian Pond by Jackson Lake Lodge. The activity is free and reservations are not required.

Throughout the day, participants will take short walks at various locations, so those attending should wear comfortable shoes and bring a lunch, drinking water, warm clothing and rain gear. Bird field guides, binoculars and spotting scopes are also recommended items.

"Life Cycles of Migratory Birds" serves as the theme for the 2013 IMBD observance. This year's theme focuses on all aspects of a migratory bird's life, from migration and nesting to breeding and raising young. Most importantly, it addresses the need for conservation throughout all phases of avian lives. As always, the annual conservation theme is relevant to host organizations and participants throughout the world. Participation in Grand Teton's IMBD tour offers a chance to learn about the importance of birds and their unique contribution to the health and beauty of the natural areas around the world.

Observed each year in May to celebrate and support avian conservation, IMBD serves as the hallmark outreach event for Partners in Flight-an international conservation program whose goal is to reverse declining populations of migratory birds by bringing attention to factors that contribute to worldwide declines.

For more information about International Migratory Bird Day and the North American Migration Count, please call the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at 307.739.3399.

Participants of the IMBD activity are reminded that park entrance stations are open, therefore a park pass is required for travel through these fee stations.


Jeff
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