Experience The Magic Of May Through The Warbler

In the month of May there are a magical few weeks when our forests come alive with bird song and activity. Myriads of species of birds can be seen as they migrate north to nest and rear their families.

I want to give credit to the family of birds known as the wood warblers for the excitement and enchantment that May brings. Tiny enough that it takes 50 birds to weigh a pound, they are sought after for the diversity of color, pattern and song they bring to the spring forest. Often referred to as the butterflies of the bird world, they fill the woods with a rainbow of colors. They are just a complete joy to observe and during the next few weeks they are here in numbers.

It is a sad but true statement that the warbler populations are just a fraction of what they were 50 years ago. Pesticides, habitat loss, cowbird parasitism, radio towers, skyscrapers, free roaming house cats and a host of other factors all play a part in their decline.

In recognition of their efforts to slow down the decline of our songbirds by protecting and enhancing bird habitat, the City of Racine has been awarded the honor of being officially declared a “Bird City.” To celebrate this achievement, Hoy Nature Club and the City of Racine are co-sponsoring an event this Saturday called “Racine Bird Festival.” If ever there was an event in our area for those who enjoy nature and want to learn more about this trend called “birding,” this is it.

You’ll have an opportunity to go on bird walks at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. with local experts that will help with bird identification and answer any bird related questions you might have. Wild bird products and “Bird City Wisconsin” t-shirts will be sold. There will be a brat stand, concessions and canoes and kayaks for rent. Live music will be provided from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Schlitz Audubon Center will be presenting a live raptor show (hawks and owls) at 2 p.m.

Experts will also be on hand to discuss native plants and water gardening. A naturalist will be testing water samples from Root River and bat detection devices will be demonstrated. In addition, there will be bird identification games and face painting for the children. Mayor James Dickert and Representative Cory Mason will be saying a few words in celebration of this recognition.

That’s a lot going on!

This event takes place at the Root River Environmental Education Center located at 1301 West Sixth Street in Racine. Beginning at 8 a.m. (the perfect time for the woodlands to be alive with birds), the event continues until 3 p.m.

Simply said, it’s going to be a fun and educational event and celebration for the whole family. I’ll be there and if I’m lucky they will let me lead one of the bird walks! I hope to see you there as well!