Puffin Photo by Oregon Coast Aquarium
Birders of a feather will flock together when the Oregon Coast Aquarium celebrates International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 7. The Aquarium’s staff organize the annual event to help guests appreciate the animals under their care and promote conservation for their counterparts in the wild.
“When most people think of bird migration, they assume birds fly north to south and back, but seabirds migrate to the open sea, and only return to land to nest. Once a juvenile puffin heads out to the ocean, it may not see land again for as long as three years,” said CJ McCarty, the Aquarium’s Curator of Birds.
The Aquarium, which is home to the largest outdoor seabird aviary in North America, will honor birds’ remarkable migrations with pleasant surprises for Aquarium visitors and animals. Guests will have an opportunity to meet brown pelicans and turkey vultures, and learn about seabirds’ springtime courtship antics during chats with the Aquarium’s aviculturists.
The Aquarium’s feathered residents will be treated to enrichment activities and experiences that provide something new from their normal routine. Special displays will focus on this year’s International Migratory Bird Day theme, “Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation,” and include examples of the Aquarium’s participation in wild bird rehabilitation.
Oyster Catcher Photo by Oregon Coast Aquarium
Keen-eyed visitors can win prizes by completing a bird-themed scavenger hunt, while those with kind hearts may choose to add their personal pledge to help birds to the Migratory Bird Day tree. For a chance to win free Aquarium admission and a behind the scenes tour, professional and amateur wildlife photographers are encouraged to post their photos of native birds on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #IMBDOregon by May 9. The winner will be announced on Facebook on May 11.
International Migratory Bird Day activities are free with Aquarium admission and advance registration is not required.The Oregon Coast Aquarium is open every day this spring from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH for more information or to purchase advance tickets.
Information and photos provided by Oregon Coast Aquarium
