The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird of prey in the skies. Grand Bahama birders are given the opportunity to observe this species during migration. These birds may come from Canada and North America, travel through the the Bahamas and continue on to as far as Argentina
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Freeport, Bahamas - While ongoing threats continue to endanger many of the nearly 350
species of birds that migrate annually between summer and winter habitats in
Canada, the United States and the Bahamas as well as throughout the Caribbean
and South America, conservation organizations and individuals have shown that
they can make a real difference.
Launched in 1993 by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center,
International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is now coordinated by
Environment for the Americas, based in Boulder, Colorado. IMBD is the
largest-known bird conservation and education event of its kind in the Western
Hemisphere.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the innovative Partners in
Flight initiative, this year's IMBD event showcases a poster with the once
almost extinct Peregrine Falcon. Grand Bahama Island's birding community is
excited to see this fastest of all birds of prey on the poster as it is
frequently observed by local birders on the island during the winter
months.
Extinction of the Peregrine Falcon was nearly certain when the
impact of DDT insecticides thinned U.S. populations from 4000 individuals to
less than 50 pairs in 1975. The Peregrine Fund took action, joined by a band
of volunteers, biologists and falconers who nurtured over 5100 young falcons
in captivity before releasing them. When the Peregrine Falcon was taken of the
endangered species list in 1999, more than 3000 adults had returned to
the skies.
During International Migratory Bird Month over 450 colorful and
informative festivals, events and programs attract over half a million
participants in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, the
Bahamas, Central and South America. Hosted by a variety of venues, from bird
stores to gardens, museums, nature centers, bird observatories, schools, zoos,
state and national parks, the celebration sparks awareness of the critical
needs of migrating bird populations fostering environmental
stewardship.
Grand Bahama Birders during monthly birdwalk at Garden of the Groves
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While 20 years of effective and successful conservation
partnership is certainly worth celebrating, it is only the beginning. Efforts
must strengthen and continue as new partners are welcomed into the coalition
of those who care about the future of birds in this swiftly-changing
world.
On Grand Bahama Island the Garden of the Groves is hosting
events relating to IMBD 2010 throughout the month of October. On Saturday,
October 16th, a poster exhibit of previous IMBDs will precede a lecture
and field trip at the Garden. Erika Gates will speak about ways one can assist
migratory birds on their wintering grounds by providing food and water
sources, habitat and shelter. Peregrine Falcon Posters of this year's event
will be given away. Birders presenting their checklists with over 50 species
will receive the attractive "Birds of the Bahamas" award certificate which is
sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Grand Bahama Nature Tours.
The person with the highest score will receive an IMBD 2010 T-shirt picturing
the Peregrine Falcon.
During the month of October school classes will be lectured
twice weekly on the importance of migratory bird habitat in the Bahamas.
Mrs. Marilyn Laing, coordinator of the "Young Naturalist Program" at the
Garden of the Groves, will be conducting a brief classroom session followed by
a field trip at the Garden where the youngsters will be introduced to birding
and the migratory species that make the Garden their home for the winter. The
children will also receive free bird tattoos, armbands and educational bird
coloring books, specially produced for this year's event.
The Grand Bahama Birding Group will meet on Saturday, October 2nd
and 30th to visit a variety of birding locations to observe and
record migratory species that will be making the island their home for
the winter or are just passing through to feed and rest before continuing
their incredible journey to South America.
For more information, please contact the Garden of the Groves at
374-7778