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[From Spring 1999]
The planet's biggest party for birds is International Migratory Bird Day on May 8. This celebration is a great time to invite the public out to our refuges so that they can learn about the spring migration of neotropical birds and the important role refuges play in protecting these species. This year Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR has planned a major celebration for the southern tip of the peninsula. The idea was not to have a competition with Chincoteague, but rather to expand the celebration to include people from the local community, Hampton Roads and the Richmond area.
A nature and wildlife art show will be one of the highlights of the day's events. Artists will exhibit from 10 AM to 3 PM in two tents located by the visitor center. The tents were donated by the United States Coast Guard to provide additional shelter for the artists and for other activities.
The Virginia Living Museum will conduct a bird program with live raptors from their center and have the birds on display throughout the day. In the visitor center auditorium, a slide program and several workshops are planned.
Three, special guided tours are also planned to give visitors a special wildlife experience. A two hour trip to Fisherman Island NWR will give 30 visitors the rare opportunity to birdwatch at a true birding "hot spot". The tour will start at 8 AM and advanced reservations are required.
Kiptopeke State Park has scheduled a one-and one-half hour canoe trip that will give a maximum of 17 visitors the opportunity to search the marshes for wildlife as they paddle along raccoon creek. The canoe trip is scheduled for 8:30 AM and advanced reservations are required,
At 3 PM a bird walk will take a maximum of 30 people into places on the refuge normally closed to the public. Participants will meet one of the researchers from K.E.S.T.R.A.L who is conducting the spring bird census on the refuge.
The refuge staff has planned a variety of activities for children. They will have an opportunity to make their own wildlife button using a variety of wildlife stamps and ink colors. A beautiful painting of a wildlife habitat has everything except wildlife. Children will be able to use one of the sponge cutouts of wildlife to help paint the mural. A member of the refuge staff will be available to help children assemble bluebird houses and feeders for their backyard. The Junior Refuge Manager activity book will be available for kids to earn an official refuge patch. A number of other special activities are also being planned.
For additional information on activities, or to sign up for one of the walks, contact Jim Kenyon at (757)336-2760.
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