An International Migratory Bird Day celebration will take place at the Juneau Community Garden this Saturday, May 6.
The popular day of bird-oriented education is organized by the U.S. Forest Service Juneau Ranger District with help from the Juneau Audubon Society and the Juneau Community Garden Association. Attendees will have an opportunity to witness songbird banding, if weather permits.
“A songbird banding demonstration provides participants an opportunity to see birds up-close and learn how scientists study them,” said Gwen Baluss, a wildlife technician for the Juneau Ranger District. “Trained and licensed biologists will fit birds with individually numbered bands, then measure, weigh, and safely release the birds.”
Heavy rain will cancel bird capture, but experts will still be on hand for bird viewing and kid’s birding activities.
The activity will take place at Juneau Community Garden (off Montana Creek Road) between 8-11 a.m. at the large pavilion. The program is family-friendly and free of charge. Participants can stop by and see birds any time during the morning.
The Tongass National Forest’s millions of acres of forested habitat is home for many temperate rainforest songbirds. Most small-sized, local birds like warblers, thrushes, and hummingbirds are migratory, returning to Alaska to make their nests.
For more information contact, Gwen Baluss at the Juneau Ranger District, 789-6222 or gbaluss@fs.fed.us.
