Birders watch migratory birds during a prior Wings Over Muscatatuck event at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge near Seymour.
Photo provided
Wings Over Muscatatuck, a free annual educational event for bird watchers and nature lovers sponsored by the Muscatatuck Wildlife Society, will take place May 10-11 at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, 12985 E. U.S. 50, near Seymour.
The festival celebrates the spring bird migration that normally peaks in Indiana during the second week of May. Activities will be held at the refuge on Friday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to noon, and on Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Friday morning, May 10, there will be a guided birding trip in a van exploring the refuge and its birds from 8 a.m.-noon. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To register, call 812-522-4352, ext. 12.
On Saturday, May 11, there will be a full day of birding activities from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bird walks, a crane program, management tour, a hawks and owl program with live birds, and guided tours of the wetlands, woods and closed area will be offered. There will also be an awards ceremony for Indiana Junior Duck Contest winners.
The refuge has five easy hiking trails (some handicapped accessible) for bird watching and exploring the scenic beauty.
Wings Over Muscatatuck also invites children and adults to enjoy the day’s other fun bird-related activities including birdhouse building for kids, rock painting with the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, plein air painting with Kay Fox (for advance registration, text 812-216-5969), face painting, a bird cake walk, and more. Most children’s activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
A native plant sale, silent auction, morning muffins, snacks and lunch will be available.
Additionally, there will be a special birding tour of Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge starting at the Big Oaks Office near Madison at on Sunday, May 12 at 8 a.m. Advance registration only is required. Call 812-522-4352, ext. 12 to reserve a spot.
Entries also are being accepted until May 4 for the Wings Photography Contest. Entry forms are available at the refuge Visitor Center or by emailing [email protected].
For more information, visit the Muscatatuck Wildlife Society and refuge Facebook pages, check out the refuge website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Muscatatuck, or call 812-522-4352 ext. 12.
