Wings takes flight at refuge

Although there are many species of animals and plants inhabiting Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, birds will be the word this weekend.

On Saturday, the refuge will welcome bird-lovers from near and far for the 10th annual Wings Over Muscatatuck Migratory Bird Festival - an event celebrating birds and their natural environment.

"Birds are what we are all about," Donna Stanley, Muscatatuck outdoor recreation planner, said.

The refuge was established in 1966 to provide resting and feeding areas for waterfowl during their annual migrations.

With more than 7,000 acres to call home, more than 280 species of birds have been identified in the area, which is in Jackson and Jennings counties.

Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a variety of those species Saturday, including hawks, eagles and owls.

The day starts early at 6:30 a.m. with a guided tour of areas usually closed to the public and a breakfast with the birds. Other events planned for the morning include a bird walk, bird call making, bird-themed activities for kids and nature strolls.

Thanks to grant money from the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce Recycling Committee, children will also have a chance to make bird crafts from recycled materials.

Programs and activities will continue throughout the afternoon and evening, ending with a frog listening walk and discussion of woodcock, beginning at 8 p.m.

New to this year's lineup of events are programs on hummingbirds and wild dogs of Indiana, as well as a photography tour.

"The focus of the festival is on birds, but the refuge isn't here just for birds," Stanley said. "We promote conservation of all wildlife and try to provide for all interests."

Also taking place during the festival is the annual Junior Duck Stamp Awards Ceremony, where local students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade will be honored for their art work.

Stanley said the festival draws a big crowd every year.

"We get around 1,000 people from all over Indiana and other areas," she said. "The Jackson County Visitor Center has done a wonderful job of promoting the event."

The White River Paint Pals group will be on site to demonstrate plein air painting throughout the day, and a silent auction will take place, with all proceeds going to the Muscatatuck Wildlife Society, which sponsors the event with the visitor center.

Visitors may also purchase books and other nature gift items from the Muscatatuck Nature Bookstore and other vendors who will be there.

For information, call the refuge at (812) 522-4352 or the Jackson County Visitor Center at (888) 524-4914.

Schedule of events for 10th annual Wings over Muscatatuck Migratory Bird Festival

6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. Guided tour of Muscatatuck closed area ($5 fee; bring binoculars)

6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Breakfast with the Birds at visitor center (monetary donation)

7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Morning bird walk with expert Bob Thompson

8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Bird call making

8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Guided tour of Muscatatuck closed area ($5 fee; bring binoculars)

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Everything you always wanted to know about hummingbirds with expert Kelly Misamore

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Feathercamp children's activities provided by the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce Recycling Committee

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Junior birder activities

10 a.m. - noon Birds of the day, Indiana hawks and eagles from the Hardy Lake Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Nature stroll with expert Doug Johnson

10:30 a.m. - noon Guided tour of Muscatatuck closed area ($5 fee; bring binoculars)

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. lunch provided by Mercy Rescue and Adoption

Noon - 1 p.m. Canines of Indiana with expert Gale Motter

1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Managing for bluebirds with expert Greg Beavers

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Birds of the night, owls from the Hardy Lake Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

2:30 p.m. - Bird banding demonstrations

2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Photographers guide to Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge with the Muscatatuck Photography Club

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Nature stroll with expert Doug Johnson

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Junior Duck Stamp awards ceremony

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Guide to birding Indiana with expert Gary Dorman

6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Refuge volunteer meeting

7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Birds of Antarctica with expert Marc Webber

8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Frogs, woodcock and sunset walk with expert Cathy Meyer

Upcoming events at the Refuge

June 14 - Take a Kid Fishing

July 19 - Women in the Outdoors

July 26 - Butterfly count

Sept. 27 - National Public Lands Day Cleanup

Oct. 12-18 National Wildlife Refuge Week

Oct. 18 - Log Cabin Day Festival