ASHEBORO, NC - To mark the arrival of the annual migration of millions of birds from winter habitats to their summer breeding grounds and habitats across North America, the North Carolina Zoo will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the park Saturday, May 14, as part of their annual "Birds & Blooms" event.
The zoo will join agencies all across America to motivate people from all walks of life to learn about birds and their habitats, to discover ways in which they can become involved in improving conditions for birds, to raise public awareness of the need for bird conservation and to enjoy watching birds.
Activities at the zoo, all centered around the R.J. Reynolds Forest Aviary exhibit, will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will include:
• Bird Biofacts: A hands-on station encouraging guests to discover more about bird eggs, beaks and feet.
• Birdwatching & Birdsongs: An opportunity for visitors to use binoculars to look for some of the 100 birds found in the Aviary and to experience some of the songs of our local birds.
• Flyways & Avoiding Window Strikes: A lot of birds migrate many miles between the seasons along migration flyways--similar to highways in the air for them. This station will tell guests about ways they can help ensure that birds can see our windows.
• Bird Feeders & Birdseed: Discusses different types of bird feeders and uncovers what types of seed attract which birds--a fun and easy way to discover more about our local birds.
Throughout the day at the Aviary, there will be giveaways and opportunities for visitors to talk with staff and volunteers.
Additionally, Gary Lewis and the Swing On Band will perform in Junction Plaza, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Coca-Cola is the signature sponsor for all zoo special events this year.
The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Dee Freeman, Secretary; Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor.
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