Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day in Yellowstone Saturday, May 12, 2018

Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 12 in Yellowstone National Park with free programs and a birdwatching field trip!

Taking place the second Saturday of May, World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the seasonal movement of birds throughout the year. Yellowstone is an important space for both resident and migratory birds; approximately 150 species regularly nest in the park and nearly 300 species have been observed since the start of records in 1872.

According to a Yellowstone press release, festivities will start at 8 a.m. at the Madison Junction picnic area. Visitors are encouraged to join a bird-watching car caravan, which will tour the park between 8 a.m. and noon. Bear in mind that you will still have to pay the $30 entrance fee. A reminder: anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes due to construction on the Mammoth-Norris road.

Meanwhile, at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana, staff will be hosting a live raptor program and a presentation on common area birds. Families are encouraged to attend the bird mask and origami activities. The Center will also be hosting a migration game called “It’s a Risky Journey,” all about how birds travel from home to home.

For more information about Saturday’s programming, please call National Park Service volunteer Katy Duffy at 307-699-2696.

If you decide to visit the park for World Migratory Bird Day, there are a few things you should keep in mind. One, birds should always be viewed from a distance, especially if they’re nesting. Getting too close to birds can cause them to abandon their nest. It is illegal to use audio bird calls to lure birds. It is also illegal to feed wild birds.

The same goes for any other wildlife in the park. Please stay at least 25 yards away from wildlife like bison and elk and 100 yards away from bears and wolves. If you’re in your car and encounter bison on the road, don’t try and pass them. Be cautious with bison just off the road as well—they will not hesitate to headbutt your car.

About Sean Reichard

Sean Reichard is the editor of Yellowstone Insider and author of Yellowstone Insider For Families 2017.

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