Klamath Basin Audubon Society
Klamath Falls Hosts 8th Annual
International Migratory Bird Day Festival
Located along the Pacific Flyway bird migration corridor with large areas of wetlands and rich with a variety of habitats the Klamath Basin is a magnet for migrating birds from throughout the western United States. Millions of birds migrate through the Klamath Falls area every spring and fall.
The 8th Annual Klamath Falls International Migratory Bird Day Festival will be held on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park, part of the Klamath Basin Birding Trail. This festival is being held to increase community awareness of birds.
The Klamath Falls International Migratory Bird Day Festival is a part of a larger event called "The International Migratory Bird Day," which takes place on the second Saturday in May each year around the world. The event celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America.
"Local organizers hope to provide a festival atmosphere for families to learn about migratory birds and the role that Klamath Falls plays in their journeys," said Lindsey Lyons, Watershed and Natural Resource Educator for the Oregon State University (OSU) Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center, Klamath Falls, Ore. "This event will bring together local educators, community groups, artists, entertainers, non-profit food vendors and volunteers to provide an exciting day."
This year's event is being sponsored by OSU Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center; Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lakeview, Ore., Bureau of Land Management, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Klamath Wingwatchers Inc., Klamath Falls, Ore.; Abby's Legendary Pizza, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Mr. and Mrs. Josh Angelo, Concord, Calif.; Diamond Home Improvement, Klamath Falls, Ore.; AmeriTitle, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Balin's Drugs an Gifts, Klamath Falls, Ore.; and Grange Co-op, Klamath Falls, Ore.
The festival is free and includes a variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy such as educational bird walks, historical tours of the Link River Trail, bird house building, educational programs, hands-on children activities, live bird demonstrations and live music and dancing.
Tentative Activities Schedule:
9 a.m.-1 p.m. (45 minutes per walk; leaving on the hour) - BIRD WALKS: Led by an experienced birding guide who will teach participants how to view and identify birds in the wild and up close at the mist-netting station. Some binoculars provided; wear comfortable shoes.
9 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - MIST NETTING DEMONSTRATION: Mist-netting involves Klamath Bird Observatory Scientists carefully catching birds in stationary nets and placing identifying bands on them so their life habits can be studied in the future. Get a close look!
10 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1 p.m.-2 p.m. - LINK RIVER HISTORIC HIKE: This hike, led by Todd Kepple of Klamath County Museum, will highlight the history of the Link River Trail and the birds that use it.
10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. - BIRD MIGRATION OBSTACLE COURSE FOR KIDS: The obstacle course is a fun activity that show kids the hazards faced by migrating birds during their journeys.
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. - BIRD OLYMPICS FOR KIDS: Bird Olympics is a fun activity that challenges youth to match the amazing adaptations of birds.
10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 2:00-2:30 - BADGER RUN WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PRESENTATION: Live bird demonstrations, information and viewing.
Tentative Entertainment Schedule:
10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. PICKIN' ROSES
11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. HENLEY HIGH SCHOOL PEP BAND
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. UNDERCURRENTS
12 p.m.-12:30 p.m. MANUELA PASCUAL & THE LANTINO DANCERS
12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. STEFEN SAVIDES
1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. WIGLY'S WILD MOVES DANCE GROUP
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. UNDERCURRENTS
Entertainment and Vendor Information:
For more information on reserving booth space at the Klamath Falls International Migratory Bird Day Festival for displays, kids activities or sales, please contact Lindsey Lyons at 541-883-7131 or . Vendors are asked for a $10.00 donation at the time of registration.
