Migration Celebration Set for April 17-19 in Angleton

When: April 17 – 19, 2009

Where: San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in Angleton, Texas

Since 1994 birds of a feather have flocked together to enjoy the aviary beauty of the Gulf’s warm weather inhabitants.

After an evening fundraising program complete with silent auction and a catered dinner, the following fowl-themed weekend activities are free events for the entire family. For young chicks, there’s the Children’s Discovery Program at the San Bernard Headquarters Campus– a hands-on introduction not only to birding, but also to the area’s many reptilian residents, including baby alligators and snakes. At the Wolfweed Reservoir, little ones can bait a pole to lure an elusive crab at Crabbing For Kids, where naturists teach tykes about the tiny crustaceans.

From fledgling birders to experts, everyone will enjoy a marsh buggy tour. A one-hour or two-hour exploration of Wolfweed reservoir offers views of nesting herons and egrets as well as their land-bound neighbors, including feral hogs and raccoons. The Moccasin Pond can tour takes visitors by a bevy of birds, including moorhens, grebes and bitterns, and its quite possible that a curious bobcat might be spotted staring back at the binocular-carrying sightseers from his hiding place in the marsh.

For those who wish to walk, naturalists offer tours of the San Bernard Oak Trail, a 0.6-mile stroll which leads to the largest Living Oak in the state. A walking tour is also available along Bobcat Woods, where visitors can learn about the sky’s tiny winged wonders– dragonflies and butterflies.

Birders can also get an up close look at the hunters of the heaves during EarthQuest’s Birds of Prey show. The predatory Peregrine Falcon,Harris Hawk, Barred Owl and more will showcase their skills during the demonstration.

For more information:

• visit www.migrationcelebration.org