Great Migration Rally

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is celebrating spring migration with The Great Migration Rally starting at 2 p.m. on April 29. "It's an event to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day," said Curtis Wolf, KWEC manager. "The concept is to provide information about the hazards birds face during migration with a fun and entertaining approach." Participants start off at the KWEC and draw a "bird" card, worth varying points. The rarer the species, the more points it is worth. The highest point winners score prizes, including the top prize of an action sport camera. Additional prizes include tents, fishing poles and camping gear for kids and adults and local artwork. A birds of prey show, presented by Milford Nature Center Director Pat Silovsky, features Lurch the turkey vulture, hawks, owls and falcons. Silovsky will share their fascinating stories and provide insight into their lives. Plenty of activities and displays beckon at KWEC before participants begin their migration. New this year is the Fort Hays State University Maker Van, where kids can make a sled kite, and a demonstration and display of Ukrainian eggs by Christine Slechta, Wilson. Kids can also make an edible bird house, solve the egg match, get a bird tattoo and participate in other activities. Leaving the KWEC, participants will "migrate" through Cheyenne Bottoms on a driving tour with two stops along the way. They will then make their way to a third stop where they can tour the historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church, located east of Cheyenne Bottoms. At each of the stops, participants will pick up situational cards that describe a hazard or advantage encountered by their bird species. Positive cards, such as finding a good food source, add points. Negative cards, such as losing a wetland to development, subtract points. At the migration destination, Barton Community College's Camp Aldrich, the "migrants" choose one last card, points are tabulated and those with the highest points win prizes. The event culminates with a barbecue pork supper and the birds of prey show. "We were very fortunate to have so many businesses, organizations and individuals donate prizes for this event," Wolf said. "We also appreciate BCC's partnership, as well as sponsorships from the City of Great Bend, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism." Cost of the event is $5.00 for adults (Ages 13 and up), $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children under age 5. Pre-registration is required online at wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu or by calling the KWEC, 1-877-243-9268, by April 23.