The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey kicked off the school year in style with a Back to School Bird Bash held Saturday August 18.  This event, sponsored by Progress Energy, hosted more than 90 individuals including students and families for a morning of fun educational activities incorporating different conservation themes.

Check out some of our fantastic activities:

Migration station: Visitors learned about migration patterns of birds, flyways that different species use and the thousands of miles birds travel to reach their breeding grounds.  Participants migrated from 5 counties including some as far as Broward and Duval counties.

The Backyard Habitat station introduced participants of the importance of creating a wildlife friendly yard and community for birds and other wildlife.  Individuals learned about simple ways to make their backyard a haven for wildlife and received sample bird seed packs from Wild Birds Unlimited (thank you Wild Birds!).

The W.E.B and Conservation Station taught individuals about how Water, Energy and Birds are all connected.  Participants learned about steps they can take to conserve water and energy and how it will benefit birds and other wildlife.  Guests could then write what conservation meant to them on our conservation chalk wall.  Individuals received take home tool kits with ideas for saving energy at home and re-usable water bottle as a reminder to reduce waste, recycle and conserve water.

At the Feed Me Station guests got to play a game of bean bag toss with our owl themed boards while learning about the diets of owls and other birds of prey.  Feather me this, Feather me that taught individuals the unique function of feathers, many took home their own feather fan.

The Bird Olympics Station allowed participants compete with the best bird athletes in the world.  Events included wing flapping, wing span measurements and how far away a human can smell a stinky fish.  A challenge for some, however, not if you are a Turkey Vulture.

Our bird ambassadors were out and about at our bird meet and greet area on the gazebo.

Guests were able to get up close with birds such as the Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and American Kestrel and learn about how water bodies and wetlands are important to raptors. Families had a blast learning about ways they can help birds and the environment. The event was complimentary to guests thanks to the generosity of Progress Energy.