April 30th was a beautiful spring day in Fairbanks, perfect for celebrating International Migratory Bird Day. Jody Demeyere, Park Ranger for Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge coordinated the event for Arctic, Yukon Flats and Kanuti NWRs. The celebration centered on the Junior Duck Stamp award ceremony, hosted by Yukon Flats Deputy Manager Barry Whitehill and held at the Wedgewood Resort. The Alaska Bird Observatory held several events at nearby offices and Creamers Field (Alaska State Refuge) hosted many additional events. A bus decorated with a large blue goose helped folks migrate to the three celebration locations and a refuge employee dressed as a blue goose enticed folks to join the fun. Events included a bird calling contest, puppet shows, bird and nature walks, and lots of migration games. Meanwhile sandhill cranes, geese, ducks and gulls filled the air over Creamers Field, entertaining all.

What a birdday! What an event! What fun!