Area birding: Migratory Bird Day approaches

Local birding enthusiasts are stepping up to help the public celebrate Migratory Bird Day with activities geared to fledgling birders of all ages.

• A three-session bird identification workshop is being offered Monday, Wednesday and May 8 by Gary Blevins, biology professor at Spokane Falls Community College, and Kim Thorburn of Spokane Audubon (site to be determined). Slides and computer programs will help introduce participants to bird species observed in the area and how to identify them by sight or sound.

Cost: $20 donation to Spokane Audubon. Reserve spot by Friday with Blevins, 533-3661 or email Gary.Blevins@spokanefalls.edu.

• Bird Identification Field Trip, May 9, starting at 7 a.m. at Pine Lake parking lot in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Although the trip is linked to the Bird ID workshop, other birders are welcome to join the field trip. Preregister by Sunday, 533-3661 or email Gary.Blevins@spokanefalls.edu.

•Idaho Migratory Bird Day Family Celebration, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 9 at Blackwell Island, with bird walks, hummingbird and pine cone feeder projects, scavenger hunts, feather paint printing and other activities for families sponsored by Coeur d’Alene Audubon. New this year: a Birds of Prey and Falconry Station with live raptors and owl pellets to dissect, plus a “Fill the Bill” station where kids can learn how different kinds of beaks are better for different kinds of food finding.

Directions: From Coeur d’Alene, drive south on Highway 95. Cross the Spokane River and turn right to Blackwell Island

Info: Carrie Hugo (208) 769-5048.