International Migratory Bird Day is Saturday and the Pilchuck Audubon Society is planning a host of events throughout Snohomish County.
All events are free and families are welcome.
Created in 1993, International Migratory Bird Day focuses on one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird — the journey between summer and winter homes. It is celebrated all over the United States and Canada, Mexico and Central America through bird festivals, bird walks and education programs.
Here are the events planned locally for Saturday:
8 a.m. — Day-long field trip to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and Mima Mounds. Meet at 8 a.m. at the rear of the Everett Mall by the Everett Transit Center and L.A. Fitness. Pack a lunch and bring binoculars. Carpooling will be encouraged. Trip leader is Terry Nightingale, who is accomplished at identifying bird species by song.
8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Vaux’s Swift watch at Frank Wagner Center, 639 W. Main St., Monroe. Vaux’s Swifts are a small, aerial species that use the chimney at Wagner Center during spring and fall migration. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and watch as the birds circle above the chimney at dusk and then plunge into the flue, flipping from head-first to tail-first as they go inside. Bring binoculars, if possible. Docent will be available.
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. — Beginning backyard birding class at Mukilteo Library, 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd. Get to know the birds in your neighborhood. Learn to use binoculars and field guides, set up feeders and enjoy spotting common backyard species. The last part of the class will be outside identifying birds. Bring binoculars, if possible. Presented by Dr. Alan and Bonnie Mearns.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Birding walks at the following locations. Bring binoculars.
- Edmonds Marsh. Meet at the viewing platform next to the Blue Collar Dog House in the Harbor Square Business Complex off of Dayton Street, Edmonds. Walk leader Bill Anderson is an accomplished bird photographer and is willing to share his knowledge.
- North Creek Park. Meet at parking lot on 1011 183rd St. SE, Mill Creek. This park has flat boardwalks covering marsh habitat. Bill Davey, walk leader, has traveled extensively on birding trips and can share stories and recommendations.
- Langus Riverfront Park and Spencer Island. Meet at the beginning of the river front trail which starts at the end of Smith Island Road, right before it goes under I-5. Flat loop trail goes along river and then onto Spencer Island. Walk leader Virginia Clark has been leading Pilchuck Audubon field trips for years.
For more information on any of these events, call 425-252-0926 or go to www.pilchuckaudubon.org.
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