Mike Goering, refuge volunteer, assists a visitor with bird identification, during the International Migratory Bird Day event at Sherburne NWR. - FWS photo by Jean Davids

Avid birders, including this grandfather and grandson, found the guided bird tour on Migratory Bird Day on May 12 to be perfect for their interests. - FWS photo by Jean Davids

  International Migratory Bird Day, celebrated at Sherburne NWR on May 12, was a great success, with 42 birders observing a total of 83 birds while participating in guided tours.

The tours included the Songbird Search, geared for experienced and intermediate birders, and Birds in the Wetlands, a tour designed to assist beginning birders and families in learning about birds.

This year’s theme, Birds In A Changing Climate, focused on birds as indicators of climate change.  

This event was co-sponsored by the Refuge and the Friends of Sherburne.  Outreach efforts for Migratory Bird Day included the distribution of IMBD posters to five libraries and 35 schools in five school districts located within a 25 mile radius of the Refuge. 

The Friends of Sherburne held a Plant Sale in conjunction with IMBD which brought an additional 40 people to the refuge on the day.