World Migratory Bird Day Walk

Make your plans now. This Saturday, May 13, is World Migratory Bird Day, and the Upper Iowa chapter of the National Audubon Society is hosting a bird walk at Effigy Mounds.

Individuals and families interested in participating should meet at the Effigy Mounds National Monument visitor center at 10:00 am. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and foot gear as the walks will be on park trails, and the ground conditions may be soft or wet. A pair of binoculars and a bird identification book will aid in locating and identifying the birds seen on the planned 90-minute walk.

The monument is considered a national Important Birding Area because its unique habitat supports birds such as the Cerulean Warbler and Red-shouldered Hawk that are dependent on that habitat. Expect to see a variety of local and migratory birds such as Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Orchard Orioles, Red-tailed Hawks, Henslow’s Sparrows, and the somewhat rare Lark Sparrow and Carolina Wren. Many species of migrating warblers also may be present.