Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day

Discover one of nature’s sensational seasonal events with a flock of fun activities from bird walks to bird talks during the “International Migratory Bird Day Celebration” at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, May 14.

The event will feature a variety of free activities for kids and adults throughout the day.

• Bird Walk for Adults, 8 – 9:30 a.m. — Search for feathered jewels in flight during the peak of warbler migration. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult.

• Bird Walk for Beginners, 9 – 10.30 a.m. — Learn the basics of bird-watching through a naturalist-led exploration. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult.

• Bird-Banding Demonstration, 9 – 11 a.m. — Learn how banding is carried out and how it helps scientists worldwide gain valuable insight. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult.

• Kids Activity Station, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Stop by for ongoing activities.

• Kids Bird Walk, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. — Kids, bring your mom or dad to tag along with a naturalist to learn tips for bird-watching. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult.

Several partner organizations will also be on hand from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find out the latest opportunities for local bird-watching from the DuPage Birding Club, and hear about the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors’ efforts to aid birds that have been injured due to collisions with downtown buildings. Try an activity highlighting the diversity of birds’ beaks hosted by the kids from S.A.V.E, the environmental club at Jackson Middle School in Villa Park.

Binoculars are recommended for bird walks, and a limited number are available for loan from the center. Advance registration is required for all bird walks and begins May 1. For more information or to register, call the center at 630-942-6200.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center is located at 525 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the center provides care and medical treatment for injured and orphaned native wildlife as well as wildlife-related exhibits, programs and resources for DuPage County residents.

To learn more about the Forest Preserve District, visit dupageforest.org, or call 630-933-7200.