SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Bird watching enthusiasts will be able to partake in an upcoming local celebration of World Shorebirds Day.
The South Padre Island Birding, Nature and Alligator Sanctuary will host a variety of shorebird-themed activities Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.
General admission into the sanctuary will cost $5.
Educational crafts and games for children will be offered throughout the event.
Shorebird Scavenger Hunts will be held at 9 and 11 a.m. along the site’s boardwalk during a guided tour.
According to Birding, Nature and Alligator Sanctuary personnel, the Island is a great location to see a diversity of shorebirds during the fall migration.
“A big diversity of shorebirds migrate through our area during late August through September,” said Javier Gonzalez, sanctuary naturalist educator. “So, this is a great time to see a large amount of diverse species out on the mudflats and wetlands at the Birding Center.”
The facility will also host its “Amazing Life of Shorebirds” presentation at 10:30 a.m.
Shorebirds migrate back and forth between nesting grounds every year as far north as the Arctic tundra to wintering grounds on the Island and further south.
Through the presentation, attendees will learn about shorebirds’ long-distanced migrations.
Gonzalez describes the celebration as an opportunity to shine light on birds that are often overlooked.
“My favorite thing about this event is helping people see shorebirds, learn how to recognize them and then watch them be amazed when I tell them how far these birds travel,” he said. “So, this time of year, we always try to focus a day on them so people can learn all about shorebirds.”
MORE INFO
IF YOU GO
WHAT — World Shorebirds Day
WHEN — Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon
WHERE — South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Blvd.
COST — $5 general admission
SCHEDULE
• “Amazing Life of Shorebirds” presentation starts at 10:30 a.m.
• Shorebird Scavenger Hunts at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Alana Hernandez
