The Tongass National Forest in partnership with Juneau Audubon Society and Juneau Community Garden Association will host International Migratory Bird Day activities on Saturday, May 14 at the Juneau Community Garden.
With millions of acres of forested habitat, the Tongass is a destination for temperate rainforest songbirds. Locally, most small-sized birds, such as warblers, thrushes and hummingbirds, are migratory, returning to Alaska to make their nests.
The event is an opportunity to see these travelers up close and learn how scientists study them. Trained biologists will fit birds with individually numbered bands, measure, weigh and safely release them. Migratory birds from previous years’ events are likely to be re-captured as well.
Morning events will be held at the Juneau Community Garden (off Montana Creek Road). A songbird banding demonstration will be ongoing between 8-10:30 a.m. at the large pavilion. Heavy rain will cancel bird capture, but experts will still be on hand for bird viewing, identification and kid’s activities.
The program is family-friendly and free of charge. Participants can stop by and see birds any time during the morning.
