For the birds (and the kids)
DEVIN WEEKS/Press Siblings McKenna and Noah Crouse, 8 and 11, of Rathdrum, inspect bird nests, feathers and eggs at a station Saturday during Migratory Bird Day at the Idaho Bureau of Land Management’s Blackwell Island recreation site. The family-friendly, educational event was presented by BLM and the Audobon Society to inspire kids and grown-ups to get outside, learn more about birds and participate in their conservation.
Ayvah Locke, 3, of Post Falls, shows off a paper duck she colored at an art station during Migratory Bird Day at the Idaho Bureau of Land Management's Blackwell Island recreation site Saturday morning. More than 10 activity stations invited kids and adults alike to learn more about the birds in their own back yard and how to protect them. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
A taxidermied bald eagle, owl, vulture, hawk, mourning dove and other birds were on display Saturday during Migratory Bird Day to educate the public about different birds and the importance of protecting them. (DEVIN WEEKS)
COEUR d’ALENE — Birds have a million and one things that could get in their way as they make their migratory journeys.
Yet somehow, many of them manage to travel thousands of miles each year and return to the same place, no map required.
"I love birds so much," said Carrie Hugo, field biologist for the Idaho Bureau of Land Management. "I want other people to appreciate how amazing they are."
Hugo, BLM and volunteers from the Coeur d'Alene Audubon Society hosted Migratory Bird Day at the BLM Blackwell Island recreation site on Saturday to share with the community just how amazing these winged creatures are.
About 12 stations were spread throughout the area, filled with avian-oriented exhibits and hands-on activities to engage even the youngest bird watchers.
Jessica Locke of Post Falls brought her kids after hearing about Migratory Bird Day on Facebook.
"The reason I brought them is because they love watching the birds in our area," she said. "I just felt like knowing more about the birds we have in our area is a good opportunity for them and it's a nice little hobby."
"I like the one that looks like an owl," said her daughter, 8-year-old Allyson, referring to the taxidermied birds on display.
The different stations included bird banding, bird songs, nests and eggs, a mural, the "sweet tweet" café and a migration obstacle course.
Each location provided information about some aspect of migratory birds, including how to keep them from flying into windows and how growing sunflowers is an inexpensive and beautiful way to keep migratory birds nourished.
"This is just to build awareness of birds," said Audobon Society member and Migratory Bird Day volunteer Vera Taggart.
"And their importance, and how you can help make migration easier," added volunteer and BLM park ranger Kacy Smith. "Carrie's big thing is getting kids to care about birds so they can help make their home environment more bird-friendly, too."