Kids Birdwatching Fair - May 8

Don't forget, this weekend is the Kids Bird Watching Fair and celebration of International Migratory Bird Day. Festivities will be at the Bloomington Visitor Center of the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. (Directions here.) The event is co-hosted by Audubon Minnesota and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. the event runs from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.


There will be lots of kid-friendly activities geared toward those in grades 6 and below. There will be live birds of prey, bird banding, interesting displays, videos, as well as food. Each child will receive a sticker book of common birds that can be seen in the area, and all attendees will get a free lunch. This is a wonderful free event to attend with friends and family.

Check out these activities they have lined up:
• Binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras – National Camera Exchange
• Developing bird identification skills – Nature Neighbors/Henderson Feathers
• Waterfowl identification –Minnesota Waterfowl Association
• Bird banding station – MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff
• Live raptors – Audubon Center of the North Woods
• Bird feeders/food/baths/nest boxes – All Seasons Wild Bird Store
• Nature Neighbors – Henderson Feathers
• Purple Martin Conservation – Minnesota Purple Martin Working Group
• Nature places to explore around the metro – Various Parks represented
• Activity Station - Jr. Ducks Stamp Contest display, computer with electronic range maps, migration display, and more
• Bird Identification assistance- Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter
• Videos- Red-breasted merganser and Greater prairie chicken videos by Steven Furman
• Book Signing – Judy Bridell Author of Thip! Thap! Shhiup!
• Backyard Habitat – Minnesota Master Naturalist – Paula Suchy
• Free food - Visitor Center (Healthy snacks donated by General Mills)

See you there!

~Kirk

(photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)