International Migratory Bird Day Celebrated with a Bird Walk at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum

Online, April 28, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is hosting its second Bird Walk event of the year on Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m. The International Migratory Bird Day (also called World Migratory Bird Day) is a global initiative to celebrate migratory birds and promote their conservation and the lands they use, whether at "home" or on their migration journeys. This day is usually held on the second Saturday of May.

The day is timed especially well for Ohio, because in late April and May you can see several species of beautifully colorful birds; the males decked out in their bold breeding plumage's as some pass through the area, on the way to breeding grounds in Canada, while others stay on and "set up house" in the States. These small and active birds have traveled hundreds of miles (some have come as far as Argentina!) and are looking for food and shelter. "Woodland is like a green island in a sea of concrete and asphalt," said Amanda Lawson, an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, who conducts the Bird Walk. "The abundant and diverse species of trees and shrubs are exactly what the bird's need to rest and refuel for their journey."

"On last year's walk, we saw 36 different species. I expect to see several different species of Warblers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Orioles, Thrushes, Tanagers, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak," Amanda said. "We'll also see our year-round residents, like chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, and woodpeckers. Maybe even a Red-tailed or Cooper's Hawk!"

Amanda says that she has been a nature person since she was a kid. She is a current volunteer with Five Rivers MetroParks leading environmental education programs and is also a member of the Bird Brigade. She became an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist through the Ohio State University Extension that encourages people to volunteer doing environmental education and conservation work in their local community.

"I started doing the bird walks because I wanted to highlight what a local gem Woodland is, historically and ecologically speaking," said Amanda.

The International Migration Day Bird Walk will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum located at 118 Woodland Ave. off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. To make a reservation for this walk, call (937)228-3221. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes and don't forget your camera and binoculars!