World Migratory Bird Day

The public is invited to join the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Kohler Andrae State Park. Go on expert-led bird hikes, hear great speakers, watch an artist’s paper cutting demo, see a display of native plants and shrubs, learn about the Observatory’s Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Project, and have fun at the craft table. Details and times are below.  ALL PRESENTATIONS ARE AT SANDERLING CENTER
 
BIRD HIKES
7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. - Join experienced birders, Carl Schwartz and Nick Gall (Board Members of the Observatory) on easy bird hikes in the habitats along beautiful Lake Michigan. Duration: 45 minutes each. Meet at the entrance to the Sanderling Center. Limited binoculars available. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
 
RAPTORS!
10 a.m. - See live birds of prey up close! Jeannie Lord, executive director of the Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, in Fredonia, will show you live birds, describe their habits and amazing adaptations, and recount the many threats they face. Located in the Sanderling Center Auditorium.
 
BUGS!
11 a.m. - Insects share the earth with us.  More than 85% of all species of animals are insects, and thousands of them live their lives below our radar, all around us.  What are insects and why should we care?  Learn about the variety, natural history, survival strategies, ecological importance, and beauty of these misunderstood creatures. DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS, Kate Redmond (the BugLady) will either lead a trail walk or give an indoor presentation in the auditorium. Meet in front of the Sanderling Center. 
 
BREAK FOR LUNCH – bring your own or check the local restaurants. 
 
BIRDS!
1 p.m. – North America has lost nearly 3 billion breeding birds since 1970. Learn how to help birds and reverse these declines with seven simple actions. Dr. Jennifer Phillips-Vanderberg, science director of the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, will present easy ways to start incorporating these actions into your life.
 
ART DEMONSTRATION AND NESTING BALL WORKSHOP!
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Kelly Wendorf, ARTservancy artist-in-residence in 2019, creates exquisite designs with her paper-cutting that evoke the magic of the natural world. See examples of her work and watch as she demonstrates her paper-cutting technique.
 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Join the family fun and make a ball of nesting materials for the birds in your yard. All supplies provided. Meet at the Sanderling Center.   
 
NATIVE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS!
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Johnson Nursery, Menomonee Falls, will provide a display of good native plants for residential properties. Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory will have a table where you can ask questions about incorporating native plants to your yard that help the vulnerable birds, butterflies and pollinators while contributing to healthy lakes and streams.