International Migratory Bird Day

International Migratory Bird Day at the Academy

May 7-13, 2012

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) with a week packed with fun educational activities, presentations and field trips! This year's theme is "Connecting People to Bird Conservation." (For more information about the day, visit Environment for the Americas's page.)

IMBD Pass

All week at the Naturalist Center (L3) & Early Explorers Cove (L1)

Complete three interactive self-guided activities like playing the Migration Game and using a field guide to earn a 2012 IMBD certificate. Please note: The Cove is an activity area for children ages 5 and under and their adult friends. Naturalist Center hours are Mon.-Fri. 11:00 AM-4:00 PM and Sat.-Sun. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Chat with a Scientist

Wednesday, May 9, 1:00 pm (Science in Action L1)

Join a discussion with Allen Fish, director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. Allen has a particular interest in bird population responses to urban development, climate change and other human pressures.

Specimen Spotlight

Thursday, May 10, 11:30 am (Project Lab L1)

Find out more about some feathered friends from the Naturalist Center in this short presentation.

How to Draw Birds Workshop

Friday, May 11, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L3 Classroom)

Discover how to quickly and accurately draw birds with naturalist, educator and artist John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada and The Laws Pocket Guide Set to the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn the basics of bird anatomy and tricks to help draw birds either for field notes or for the pleasure of sketching. Master the one-minute gesture sketch and learn tricks on how to draw heads, wings and feet. No previous drawing experience is necessary.
Reservations: $25 per person. For ages 10 and up. Space is limited. To reserve a place today, register online or  call 415-379-8000.
Note: Workshop does not require admission to the Academy and participants should plan to meet at Business Reception on Middle Drive. Please bring a pencil and sketchpad.

Bird Walks to Stow Lake

Saturday, May 12, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm (Meet at the Naturalist Center L3)

Explore the variety of birds around us with Golden Gate Audubon. For ages 5 and up.
Reservations: No advance registration required; each walk is limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the Naturalist Center.
Note: Program free of charge with admission to the Academy.
Bring your binoculars if you have them; binoculars will be available to borrow if you don't.

Birding on the Living Roof

Saturday, May 12, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (L4)

Join Golden Gate Audubon Society to observe birds that use the unique habitat of the Academy's Living Roof. Meet at the Living Roof.
Note: Program free of charge with admission to the Academy. Don't forget your binoculars!

Chat with a Scientist

Saturday, May 12, 2:30 pm (Science in Action L1)

Join a discussion with Marie Strassburger, Migratory Bird Chief, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Marie’s group provides national and international leadership in the conservation and management of migratory birds.

Organizations Making a Difference

Saturday, May 12, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (Around L1)

Meet local organizations that are making a difference in bird conservation and research. Participating organizations include U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, SF Planning Department and Golden Gate Audubon.

Science Story Adventures

Sunday, May 13, 2:30 pm (L3 Classroom)

Explore the natural world through stories, experiments, games and crafts.

The California Academy of Sciences's International Migratory Bird Day event was made possible by a partnership with the Golden Gate Audubon Society and the San Francisco Planning Department.