WPEC celebrates International Migratory Bird Day

Have you noticed birds starting to migrate? As the birds we enjoyed all summer begin their long journey south find out why and how they know where to go. Birds are important as they pollinate flowers, feed on insects and rodents that eat crops, and they are good indicators of environmental change. Consider helping migratory birds and their cousins who over-winter in Ontario. Predators, disease, loss of food and habitat sources and climate change are some of the dangers facing birds today. On Sunday, Oct. 1 at Willow Park Ecology Centre in Norval between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., rain or shine, come and enjoy a variety of events. Visit the Backyard Habitat corner to see demonstrations in relation to bird houses, important bird areas and the bird identification safari. Feeding the birds in winter is a wonderful way to bring life to your yard on snowy days. At the Junior Birder corner children are invited to enjoy the Helping Hands programs such as bird feeder and reflector making, and games. Look for wildlife at the live bird displays from a local wildlife bird center and in the exclusively native plant species Butterfly Garden. Find out how you can contribute to scientific knowledge right in your own backyard by joining observation and monitoring programs. Take the taste test and sample shade grown, organic coffee! Willow Park recently received an Evergreen Foundation Grant to improve bird biodiversity through enhancement of bird habitat and food sources in the park. Find out how you can make your yard a bird paradise! Back by popular demand, the annual Falling Leaves Festival on Sunday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to host a chance to see the Park with its beautiful nature colors before winter. Join a variety of fun activities such as pumpkin carving, making cool stuff, habitat preservation and putting the park to bed for the season! Please register by Friday, Oct. 20. These events are open to the public, but please register at 905-702-9055 or wpec@sympatico.ca to help planning. The park operates through grants and donations and is run by dedicated volunteers.