By Anne W. Semmes
Sentinel Correspondent
With springtime bringing warmth and color to Greenwich, one of the most welcome sights is the return of migratory birds. Across the Globe, bird lovers celebrated World Migratory Bird Day on May 11, and the Audubon Center in Greenwich hosted its annual gathering to welcome our colorful visitor’s home.
Festivities began with an early morning bird walk at 6:30 a.m. led by senior naturalist Ted Gilman and other Audubon naturalists. May is peak time for spring bird migration, so attendees had the chance to possibly see a large variety of species including Baltimore Orioles, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, Scarlet Tanagers and over a dozen species of Warblers.
At 8:30 a.m. attendees gathered in Audubon’s rustic Ketay-Asnes Barn for a delicious breakfast and conversation with other bird lovers. Families with children were offered a Family Bird Walk at 9:15 a.m. to introduce children to the native birds of Greenwich. Capping off the event at 10 a.m. was an exciting Live Bird of Prey show by Christine’s Critters. Christine Peyreigne, wildlife rehabilitator, showed off several live hawks, owls, falcons and a Bald Eagle and talk about their life histories and importance in our ecosystem.
World Migratory Bird Day not only celebrates the return of migratory birds but also raises awareness of their conservation. This year Audubon Greenwich was excited to partner with Skip the Straw Greenwich to promote World Migratory Bird Day’s 2019 conservation theme of Preventing Plastic Pollution.
For migratory birds, plastic debris poses a risk of both ingestion and entanglement, which can lead to illness, entrapment, and serious injury. An estimated 80% of seabirds and shorebirds have ingested plastic. Representatives from Skip the Straw will share how we can be the solution to plastic pollution by reducing the amount of single use plastics we use each day and disposing of them correctly.
The Audubon Center is located at 613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich at the corner of Riversville Road and John Street.
