For Immediate Release Contact: David Eisenhauer

April 24, 2008 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 703-358-2220

<david_eisenhauer@fws.gov>

**Refuges Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on May 10**

The annual International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), held this year on
May 10, celebrates the animal kingdom's frequent fliers and the
marvelous journey birds undertake between their summer and winter homes.
What better place to see some of the nearly 700 species of migratory
birds than the hundreds of national wildlife refuges established solely
to safeguard habitat for them.

The theme for IMBD this year is *Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds,
Habitats, and People*. Events held at national wildlife refuges, fish
hatcheries and wetland management districts will celebrate not only the
wondrous migration of birds, but also the habitat on which they depend,
and the people and organizations who are so critically important to the
conservation of birds and their habitats along the way.

Here is just a sampling of events taking place across the country on May
10:

**DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa**

[*http://www.fws.gov/midwest/desoto/*](http://www.fws.gov/midwest/desoto/)

Live raptors! The refuges asks visitor to learn about our \"feathered
ambassadors\" and get close-up views. Raptor Recovery of Nebraska, Inc.
will present a demonstration of live raptors. The day will also feature
field trips and activities for all ages.

**Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island**

<http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=53545>

A family focused event, the day includes bird walks, crafts,
demonstrations and exhibits on bird migration and the conservation
mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

**J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the Naples Zoo,
Florida**

<http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/>

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring a host of
activities during the day, including binocular loans, field trips, as
well as free posters and prizes at the Naples Zoo.

**Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia**

[http://chinco.fws.gov](http://chinco.fws.gov/)

This event will include bird walks, family-friendly activities,
demonstrations and talks, a wildlife art show and tours of the historic
Chincoteague Lighthouse.

**National Bison Range**, Montana\
<http://www.fws.gov/bisonrange/nbr/>

Bison on Bird Day? The National Bison Range is hosting a celebration of
migratory birds along with festivities to mark the refuge's 100th
birthday. IMBD will include a variety of field trips, interpretive
presentations, and other activities, including live birds and trivia
contests. The main event will be the opening of Red Sleep Mountain Drive
for the summer season.

**Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota\
**<http://www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne>

[Celebrate the return of millions of migratory birds to their breeding
areas with an early morning "Songbird Search" and "Birds of the
Wetlands" guided programs. Friends of Sherburne will hold their annual
plant sale.](http://www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne)

**Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico,
<http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/bosque/>**

Beginning at 8 a.m., naturalists will lead a bird walk around the
visitor center, including the arboretum, looking for such migratory
birds as warblers, orioles and kingbirds. From 2-4 p.m., a bus tour will
take visitors to see migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The bus tour is
limited to 24 people to ensure that everyone gets a seat.

**Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, California**

[www.fws.gov/stonelakes](http://www.fws.gov/stonelakes)

Among the newest of the nation's 548 national wildlife refuges, Stone
Lakes Refuge and its partners are offering a fun-filled festival
featuring live wild animal presentations, guided and self-guided tours
of wetlands and heron rookeries and more than 30 conservation exhibitors
with hands-on activities. These include a puppet show, storytelling,
live music, a petting farm (hosted by Future Farmers of America),
falconry demonstrations, appearances by Ollie Otter and Blue Goose
mascots, and an outdoor BBQ (hosted by Future Farmers of America and
Rotary Club). This celebration offers a great opportunity to see
wildlife areas usually closed to the public.

Some national wildlife refuges are celebrating International Migratory
Bird Day on dates other than May 10. Here is a sampling of festivals
throughout May:

**Windom Wetland Management District, Minnesota**

May 3

<http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Windom/>

The Windom Wetland Management District, part of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, manages 65 separate Waterfowl Production Areas. To
celebrate IMBD, the District is hosting "Wings Over the Prairie,"
starting with guided bird walks at 6:30 a.m. Other activities include
wood duck box construction, explorations of wetland critters, a bingo
nature hike, wildlife survival game and "Discovery Quest" with the
Prairie Ecology Bus Center. See a premier display of the Federal Junior
Duck Stamp exhibit of Minnesota, and release of North America's largest
waterfowl --- the trumpeter swan. Friends of Windom Wetlands will host a
bison burger lunch.

**Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival, Virginia**

May 11-13

<http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp>

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is hosting the second annual
Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival over Mother's Day weekend. This
family-friendly event includes guided birds walks, narrated bur tours,
owl prowls, bird banding, bluebird house building, and beginner bird
walks for kids.

**Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware**

May 17

<http://www.fws.gov/northeast/bombayhook/>

The day will be filled with information, hands-on activities, exhibits,
wildlife photography and art, boat rides and more.

**Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconson\
**May 24

[http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=32530](http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=32530 )

The day begins with a program on basic birding skills, followed by a
guided birding trip on the refuge.

To learn more about IMBD, to see this year's artwork and to learn about
other events being held around the country, visit
<http://www.birdday.org/>

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their
habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both
a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known
for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural
resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For
more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
\<**www.fws.gov**\>

-FWS-