Every year, National Bird Day is celebrated on Jan. 5. Started in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition, it is an opportunity to learn about the dangers birds face, and raise awareness about ways to help.
Here’s are three ideas for observing the holiday locally:
- Visit injured and sick birds at the Seaside Bird Sanctuary in Indian Shores (18328 Gulf Blvd.). The facility houses ~100 permanently disabled animals, and offers presentations, educational opportunities, and Gulf of Mexico views.
- Check out a local bird watching spot , like Lettuce Lake Park in Hillsborough County, or one of St. Pete’s best bird lookouts , such as Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
- Speaking of Boyd Hill, there is a free nature-focused lecture held at the preserve on the second Thursday of every month. Next week, Dr. Robert J. Fletcher, University of Florida Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, will discuss the dangers the snail kite faces — a bird found across much of the Sunshine State.