World Migratory Bird Day at Kiptopeke State Park
World Migratory Bird Day Celebration Comes to Kiptopeke State Park
October 17 event features guided bird walks, expert talks, nature photography, family activities and an evening owl prowl
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK — The Friends of Kiptopeke State Park will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on October 17 with a full day of programs highlighting bird migration, conservation, outdoor exploration and nature photography. Activities are centered at Shelter #1 and the Hawkwatch Platform, where experts have counted and recorded the fall migration of more than 30,000 raptors each year for almost 50 years.
The event begins at 10 a.m. with opening remarks and short presentations on park history and the Hawkwatch. Guided walks will follow at 10:30 a.m., offering several routes: Osprey Boardwalk and North Beach (1 mile), Baywoods Loop trail (0.9 mile), Raptor Trail to Taylor Pond (1.2 miles), and Wood Warbler Boardwalk (0.8 mile).
At 11:30 a.m., Marina Pierce will present “Nature Photography … with Any Camera.” A lunch break begins at 12:30 p.m.; attendees may bring their own lunch or purchase food from a local vendor, Deep South BBQ food truck.
A second round of guided walks begins at 1:30 p.m., also with multiple route options.
At 2:30 p.m., Mario Balitbit, a migratory bird specialist with The Nature Conservancy, will present “Tracking Shorebirds on the Virginia Eastern Shore and Beyond.” Daytime programming concludes with a wrap-up at 3:30 p.m.
DCR interpretive staff will offer additional programs and activities throughout the day, and the Hawkwatch will remain open all day. The Park staff will offer an Owl Prowl at 7 p.m.
Event Schedule
10 a.m. — Opening event; park history and Hawk Watch talks
10:30 a.m. — Guided walks
11:30 a.m. — Marina Pierce, “Nature Photography … with Any Camera”
12:30 p.m. — Lunch break; bring your own lunch or visit local food vendors
1:30 p.m. — Guided walks
2:30 p.m. — Mario Balitbit, “Tracking Shorebirds on the Virginia Eastern Shore and Beyond”
3:30 p.m. — Wrap-up
7 p.m. — Owl Prowl
Participating Organizations and On-Site Resources
The event will feature Kiptopeke State Park interpretive staff, Coastal Virginia Wildlife Organization, The Nature Conservancy, Cape Charles Library, Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust, Eastern Shore Master Naturalists, and the National Park Service’s Roving Ranger from Chesapeake Gateway.
Registration is encouraged. Visit https://friendsofkiptopekestatepark.org/bird-day
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