Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge to host World Migratory Bird Day events on May 17

Do you know the birds that live and feed in woods, prairies and wetlands nearby? Come out on Saturday, May 17, and learn which birds are likely to visit your property and how to share your space with them.

The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a World Migratory Bird Day event from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the refuge’s Turner Tract in the Goose Pond Corridor, Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge located at N541 County Highway H, Genoa City, Wisconsin.

Self-guided and guided walks through the refuge will feature the different habitats found at Turner Tract and their importance to birds. The parking lot is on the west side of Highway H, right next to the “Welcome to Genoa City” sign.

“Shared Spaces” is the slogan for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day. The day focuses on the many ways that we can help birds where we live by creating bird-friendly communities.

Seven simple actions to help birds:

• Plant native plants for bird food and shelter;

• Dim lights at night. The glow from our communities and homes may disrupt their cycle of rest, alter their migration, and impact breeding;

• Make windows visible. Birds don’t recognize plane glass and may collide with windows;

• Protect insects by avoiding the use of pesticides; 95% of birds depend on insects at some time during their life cycle;

• Restrain your pets. We love our pets, but free roaming cats and dogs can disturb and even kill birds.

• Say “no” to plastics that litter birds’ habitat by reusing shopping bags and avoiding single-use plastic bottles and utensils.

• Purchase sustainable foods. Shade-grown coffee and chocolate protect tropical agroforests by keeping the native tree diversity and canopy that supports migratory birds where they winter.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you are invited to enjoy a variety of bird-themed activities and crafts, including guided hikes, a live bird and a scavenger hunt at Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park, 6705 Route 31, Ringwood.

This World Migratory Bird Day celebration is hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District.

The schedule of events at Lost Valley Visitor Center will be:

• 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Intermediate Bird Hike (English or Spanish)

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Learn about birds of prey and meet a live bird

• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Beginner Bird Hike (English or Spanish)

The mission of Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and to connect people to these resources. For more information, visit hackmatacknwr.org.