The Detroit Zoological Society is celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at the Detroit Zoo. Through family-friendly activities – including a guided bird-watching walk, zookeeper talks and learning stations – visitors can discover more about these winged wonders, the often-perilous journeys they undertake during the migration season, and how humans can help protect them.
“Birds who make these amazing, long-distance flights are great examples of the vast diversity of life on our planet,” said Scott Carter, DZS chief life sciences officer. “Migrating birds face significant challenges, though many are caused by humans. World Migratory Bird Day is an opportunity for us to raise awareness about the threats they face and the important work the Detroit Zoological Society is doing to preserve them.”
Activities will take place at the Wolverine Picnic Site near Pierson Lake at the west end of the Zoo. A guided walk will kick off the day’s activities at 10:30 a.m., with animal care staff leading guests on a bird-watching path using binoculars. Zookeeper talks will highlight common terns, piping plovers, black-crowned night herons and ospreys at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., respectively.
Fun learning stations include a chance for visitors to “transform” into a bird during a life-sized migration game and learn about the challenges birds face twice a year as they journey to and from their wintering sites. Guests can also measure themselves against an eagle’s wingspan, apply temporary tattoos of migrating birds, and learn about the different types of bird-friendly glass and decal application techniques to protect birds from window collisions.
An estimated 1 billion birds are killed each year from collisions with windows, according to the American Bird Conservancy. The DZS takes preventative measures to lower this number at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center, and encourages others to do the same in their homes, schools and businesses.