Migration Fest scheduled for Saturday, September 19

Saturday, September 19, is Migration Fest at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center near Slatington. Events take place from 9 a.m. through the evening. Children, families, beginning birders and experienced birders are welcome.

An introduction to "Hawk ID" runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the nature center's Osprey House. It's a great way to learn about soaring hawks based on shape, color and flight technique.

Next comes a field trip to Bake Oven Knob, a pinnacle along the mountain ridge that forms the Carbon-Lehigh county line. Bake Oven Knob is a prime location for viewing Broad-winged Hawks, Bald Eagles and Ospreys, which have begun their annual migration south for the winter. 

Are you a beginner? From 9 to 10 a.m., stroll the Osprey House grounds for an Intro to Birding. No binoculars? Don't worry. You can borrow some for you or your children during the walk.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and families are invited to see amphibians, reptiles, butterflies and llamas at the nature center. Learn about these extraordinary creatures. Exhibits and activities, many designed for youngsters, are planned. Identify and tag Monarch butterflies from 10 to 11 a.m.

Osprey House

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., optics specialists and wildlife photographers will provide tips on how to make the most out of your birding experience. If you're in the market for quality binoculars, monoculars, scopes or camera lenses, this might be a great opportunity to find out which product might be best for your needs.

Finally, at 7 p.m., Doug Tallamy will present a talk on "Gardening for Migration," which will focus on the importance of the use of native plants in gardens. Tallamy is professor and chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He also wrote "Bringing Home Nature," which explains the unbreakable link between native plants species and native wildlife, including birds. When native plant species are replaced by alien exotics, the insects disappear. Food sources for birds and other animals becomes dwindle.

Migration Fest sponsors include the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor Trail Alliance and Thrivent Financial. Portions of the event are co-sponsored by the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Details on specific events and times are listed on the Lehigh Valley Bird Town Coalition website.

The Lehigh Gap Nature Center is located at 8844 Paint Mill Road, along the Lehigh River at Slatington.

From Route 248, cross the Route 873 (to Slatington) bridge over the Lehigh River. After crossing the bridge, veer left at the convenience store and head toward Slatington. Watch for a sharp left onto Paint Mill Road. Backtrack if you've entered the built-up part  of Slatington.