The birds are back; learn all about them at a 'Beaks and Binoculars' event May 11
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 05/06/2013 01:30 PM EDT
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2013
Contact: Jon Spieles, 906-293-5131, ext. 4023 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
The birds are back; learn all about them at a 'Beaks and Binoculars' event May 11
In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, the Department of Natural Resources is hosting Beaks and Binoculars, with a full schedule of programs at DNR visitor centers throughout the state on Saturday, May 11. Learn about the different species of birds that migrate to Michigan each spring, take a guided walk, and learn about the different styles of birdhouses and how to identify different bird calls. Each location offers its own unique program; please check the details on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.
Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at the Bay City Recreation Area in Bay City:
- 12:30 p.m. - Banding Birds
- 2 p.m. - Bird Watching 101
Hartwick Pines Visitor Center at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling:
- 10 a.m. - Birdhouse Building
Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon:
- 8 a.m. - Birds of the Dunes
- 11 a.m. - Native Plantings for Birds
- 1 p.m. - Native Art for Children
Ludington State Park in Ludington:
- 10 a.m. - Bird migration guided hike along Lake Michigan
- 3 p.m. - Bird migration guided hike along Hamlin Lake
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon:
- 10 a.m. - Beginning Birding
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise:
- 8 a.m. - Guided bird walk
Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea:
- 9 a.m. - Birding and Breakfast
Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac:
- 3 p.m. Beginning Birding and a guided hike
Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan:
- 11 a.m. - Guided nature walk
DNR visitor centers are located throughout the state. Centers feature nature exhibits and are staffed with full-time educators who manage nature programs for individuals, families and school groups. Learn more about each location at www.michigan.gov/visitorcenters.
Beaks and Binoculars events are FREE; however a Recreation Passport is required for each location above except Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.