Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge celebrates International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Toby�s Point Tract.  Join Wildlife Biologist, Sandy Spencer, 8:00 a.m. � 11:00 a.m., for a guided bird walk through mature oak forest on an easy, laurel-lined path that follows the edge of a ravine out to the Rappahannock River.I

International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central, and South America. This event, which takes place on the second Saturday in May each year, encourages bird conservation and increases awareness of birds through hikes, bird watching, information about birds and migration, public events, and a variety of other education programs. The Northern Neck is particularly blessed with a great diversity of migratory bird species, largely because it still has large tracts of habitat near creeks, streams, and rivers.

Biologist Spencer looks at this event as a time to welcome migratory birds to their summer home on the Northern Neck. �This will be a great opportunity for beginning birders or those wishing to refine their birding skills,� stated Spencer.  �And since it takes place during the height of the migration season, we should see and hear many birds.� 

Space is limited to 20 people, so please call the Refuge office, 804/333-1470, M-F, 8:30 � 4:30, or email:  [email protected], to reserve your space and for directions.  Be sure to bring binoculars and water. Wear boots for walking through mud puddles, and there are ticks this time of year, so wear long pants and sleeves.  There are no restroom facilities at this site.

The walk will take place at the Toby�s Point Tract, about a 30 minute drive from Warsaw.  Take Route VA-3W, approximately 3 miles past Oak Grove.  Turn left at Route 627 and take the next left at Wilmont Landing Road.  Follow to its end at the Wilmont public boat landing. 

For additional information about the refuge and its programs, please visit our website at www.fws.gov/northeast/rappahannock or the Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge Friends website at www.rwrfriends.org.              Sandy Spencer