International Migratory Bird Day 2016

It has been a long winter but alas, birdsongs fill the air as our migrants return from their treacherous journeys northward!

On Saturday, May 14, 2016 we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). Coordinated by Environment for the Americas, this event celebrates the difficult journey a migratory bird must take between its winter and summer homes.  The theme for IMBD this year focuses on conservation laws and actions that were inspired by birds.  The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 made it illegal to possess, sell, and transport any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird.  To find out more about IMBD, visit http://www.migratorybirdday.org/

Every IMBD, a featured artist creates a work of art that represents that year’s theme.  This year, artist Lionel Worrell featured 10 birds that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty, and 1 species that went extinct (the Carolina Parakeet) due to a lack of protection.  One of this year’s featured birds is the American Kestrel, a bird that Beaver Creek Bird Banders know quite a lot about! 

The American Kestrel is North America's smallest falcon. Kestrels prefer open country with an occasional tree for nesting. Kestrels can often be seen perching on wires and are able to hover in place looking for prey. Their diet consists of grasshoppers, dragonflies, voles, mice, shrews, bats, and small songbirds. They are cavity nesters, taking readily to nest boxes.  Nationwide, populations declined by 66% from 1966-2014 due to habitat loss and a loss of prey sources as farmland disappears. 

In 2002 an American Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Program began at Beaver Creek Reserve. Following some maintenance and a cleaning in March, the nest boxes are checked regularly until the young fledge in June and July. All nestlings are banded with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aluminum bands. Beaver Creek banders oversee 40 kestrel nest boxes on their 92 mile route. The most recent report shows that 26 of the boxes are currently occupied for the 2016 season!

American Kestrel

Beaver Creek Reserve is welcoming back our feathered friends in several ways!

This spring, Beaver Creek Bird Banders piloted their first Migration Monitoring Project.  This study provides long term data on diversity, abundance and health of avian populations on Beaver Creek Reserve property during the peak of both spring and fall migration.

 

Nashville Warbler

Have you heard of Welcome Back Bird Day? On May 18 from 7:00am-7:00pm, birders will try to identify every bird they see or hear from 5 “circles” located across the Eau Claire area.  Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is hosting a circle from 7:00AM – 3:00PM on the west side of the Grand Avenue walking bridge in Eau Claire. Stop by and see if you can add to the day’s species total!  
For more information and to see where the Citizen Science Center circle is located, visit the Gaylord Nelson Audubon Society website. 
http://gaylordnelsonaudubon.org/wbbd/

This summer we are taking part in the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II. The Breeding Bird Atlas is a five-year citizen science project that aims to map the distribution and abundance of all bird species breeding in Wisconsin.  The survey will allow scientists to understand how bird populations have changed in the years since the first atlas. We are holding a Breeding Bird Atlas Blitz on Tuesday June 7 and Tuesday June 21, 2016 at Beaver Creek Reserve.  There will be morning and afternoon sessions.  Registration will be available on our website soon.  You can also call BCR at 715-877-2212.

Beaver Creek Reserve is definitely for the birds, and if you are too, we hope you will join us for one of these programs!

Upcoming Nature Sales To Benefit BCR

Whether you have a green thumb or an area in your home or garden that needs a touch of nature, Beaver Creek Reserve's Native Plant Sale and nature thrift sale will have just what you need. On Saturday May 7th we will have around 3,000 beautiful native plants available for purchase as well as a variety of donated nature-themed items.


Native plants are sturdy, their lives are not due to human introduction. They require little maintenance but provide great benefit. From their roots to their petals, native plants help preserve and promote biotic diversity.

The prices of plants are usually within the $3-$10 range. They come in over 60 varieties and serve numerous purposes. Anyone can find a plant that reflects their interests. Don't know what you're looking for? A staff of master gardeners will be there to answer questions and to steer you in the right direction.

These plants don't just look good, some are pollinators like the complex milkweed or the foxglove beardtongue, a favorite of the hummingbird. Plants like these will attract insects like butterflies, coloring your garden with life. For those who are less interested in the visual display of plants, herbs such as basil, parsley, and oregano will be available for purchase. Take this opportunity to check spices off your shopping list!

There will be over 60 varieties of plants including native grasses, perennials, and host plants. The popularity of these plants is clear from last year's event which was completely sold out. Early birds will arrive at the start of the event at 8:30 am, don't miss your chance to have a complete pick of the lot before the event ends at 1:00 pm! 

Click here to download the 2016 Plant List!

Once you find the plants you want, you can visit the nature center to look for gently used nature items of all kinds! Items for sale include, movies, books, music, jewelry, clothing, and much more. The funds raised from this one-time event will assist the Bird Banding program at Beaver Creek Reserve. Donate your items during Nature Center hours on Friday May 6th to become part of this great event. Your donations are tax-deductible and help connect you and others with nature.

We hope to see you at Beaver Creek Reserve this Saturday!