Forty-five children and their parents were seated in the Knights of Columbus Hall in Trenton, Mich., the morning of Saturday, May 10th. They decided to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the Humbug Marsh unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge by learning about wildlife photography and how to take pictures of the habitat of migratory birds.

The event, sponsored by the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, began with a slide show of photographs by professional photographer Skip Moody. Inspired to observe and photograph nature,  the children divided into groups and were outfitted with a disposable camera provided by the Alliance. They headed into Humbug Marsh and each group was guided by a refuge employee or volunteer on a one-hour walk to capture that perfect photo. The groups walked slowly as children spotted dew drops on a spider web or a fresh set of deer tracks in the mud. Professional photographers Skip Moody, Judith Yaker, Robert Stewart and Mark Houston accompanied the groups and gave advice on how to take a great photograph.

With excitement running high, the groups reunited at the Knights of Columbus Hall for another treat. The Leslie Science Center presented a raptor show where the children were able to see a juvenile bald eagle, kestrel hawk, turkey vulture, and northern saw-whet owl.  The program taught children how each part of a bird serves a purpose like the feathers that give an owl silent flight needed to surprise its prey.  The young photographers used this opportunity to catch rare photos of these magnificent birds. 

After working up an appetite, participants discussed their experiences and what they learned over lunch.  Photographs will be returned to all participants and selected photographs will be featured in an International Wildlife Refuge Alliance calendar. It was a perfect way to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.