Newport, Ore. – On Saturday, May 10 Lincoln County will celebrate “Why Birds Matter.” Bird walks and family-friendly activities will be hosted at an array of coastal locales from 7 AM to 4 PM; all ages and abilities are welcome, and many activities will be offered in Spanish and English. Visitors will enjoy unique opportunities to witness local and migratory birds in their native habitats, learn about the invaluable services birds provide and have opportunities to get involved with helping birds.

Stop at any of the following sites: Beaver Creek State Natural Area & Beverly Beach State Park, Cape Perpetua National Scenic Area, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon Coast Aquarium or Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to join in the fun. For a complete list of the activities please visit: http://springbirdblitz.wordpress.com/.

Guided Bird Walks: Join the local experts in a guided bird walk along the coast!

7:00AM Marsh, Woodland & Meadow Bird Walk at Beaver Creek State Natural Area

9:00AM Birds of Lincoln City Open Spaces Walk, Audubon Society of Lincoln City

9:00AM Beginner’s Marsh, Woodland & Meadow Bird Walk, Beaver Creek State Natural Area

11:30AM Beginning Birding and Naturescaping Walk, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

11:30AM Shorebird and Estuary Walk at Hatfield Marine Science Center

3:00PM Seabird Watches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Family Activities: From 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM the following sites will offer a variety of hands-on activities. Most of the events are free and open to the public.

Beverly Beach State Park

Beaver Creek State Natural Area

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Oregon Coast Aquarium*

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Birds Talks: Learn more about some of the migratory birds found on the Oregon coast.

10:45AM “Adaptations and lifestyles of shorebirds and seabirds,” Oregon Coast Aquarium

1:30PM “Wisdom of the Albatross,” Hatfield Marine Science Center, Rob Suryan

1:30PM “Bird Migration on the Oregon Coast,” Cape Perpetua Scenic Area,* Anne Caples

2:30PM “Adaptations and lifestyles of shorebirds and seabirds,” Oregon Coast Aquarium

3:00PM “Common Migrant & Resident Birds,” Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Lori G. Robertson

*Entrance or Parking Fee Required

The Spring Bird Blitz is part of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), a global campaign to inspire people of all ages to get outdoors, learn about birds, and take part in their conservation. Environment for the Americas (EFTA), the home of IMBD, connects educators, festival organizers, and birders by providing information and education materials about birds, bird conservation, and bird education from Canada to South America. To find out more about EFTA and IMBD events, please visit www.birdday.org.

Story from Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area