With the sun just poking above the horizon, more than two dozen nature enthusiasts gathered in front of the Woodland Park Zoo last Saturday hoping to catch a glimpse, not of the zoo's newly celebrated meerkats, but rather, migratory birds that are making a pit-stop at Seattle's hub of animal conservation.
As part of International Migratory Bird Day-a day devoted to the appreciation of nearly 350 species of birds feeding in greenbelts throughout various parts of the country before reaching breeding destinations-the zoo continued the annual tradition of hosting an early morning birdwalk on Saturday, May 8. Walkers were separated into groups led by zoo experts and taken around the property for a chance to see some of the birds that help keep the insect population from getting out of control, while learning interesting facts along the way.
This year, for the first time since 1996, the birdwalk had a fee attached to it-$20 per person, or $10 for members. Longtime zookeeper and bird expert, Eric Kowalczyk, was uncertain about how many people would attend, since last year they were able to wrangle in 50-60 people.
"Because of budget cuts, this year will be a shortened version," Kowalczyk said, adding that the Saturday birdwalk revenue would help support next year's guided tour.
To birdwalkers Daniel Herndon and Samantha O'Hanlon, hanging out at the zoo before opening hours presented a unique opportunity.
"It's one of those secret things," Herndon said.
When asked how he had heard of the event, he explained that it was a gift given to him for his 46th birthday.
"It's the best present ever," a smiling O'Hanlon added. She was surprised that she found the event listed online, but knew it would be perfect for animal-loving Herndon.
"I think we're going to do it every year."
For nearly three hours, bird enthusiasts were able to spot Yellow-rumped Warblers, barn swallows, song sparrows and hummingbirds to name a few. Zoo volunteers equipped with guidebooks gave walkers a better idea of what the birds looked like in even greater detail.
In between stops, the zoo's exhibit animals curiously checked out the binocular-wielding humans. Animals that were typically shy during the day were in clear view, allowing some walkers the rare opportunity for a photograph.
One particular bird, however, was more than eager for some camera time.
A peacock stopped a group of walkers, showing off its colors as Kowalczyk explained that many people mistake its long feathers in the back to be its tail feathers. When its long feathers were fanned upward, he pointed to short, gray feathers underneath and explained that those were the bird's less glamorous tail feathers.
At the end of the walk, the zoo experts gathered groups together so they could watch how birds were banded.
"The main value is to discover migration routes, dispersal patterns, and site fidelity [when they return to same place each year]," said Mark Myers, the zoo's animal curator. "Birds are banded in studies to simply ID each individual. Myers added that there were several bird-banding facilities throughout the country and that birds caught in misnets (large nets resembling badminton nets) at the zoo were banded. This allowed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department, scientists, and conservationists to keep track of migration routes, dispersal patterns, site fidelity and identification.
After banding demonstrations, the walkers relaxed and enjoyed a cup of coffee and pastries at the zoo's Family Farm area.
When asked what he liked most about the walk each year, Kowalczyk said that, to him, spotting migratory birds meant the beginning of a new season.
"Spring is my favorite time of the year where it's over with the rainy season," he said.
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