Dripping Springs proclaims May 8, 2021, as World Migratory Bird Day

The Dripping Springs City Council, at their November 10th meeting approved a resolution recognizing World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). This day will be recognized on Saturday, May 8, 2021 and every second Saturday of May, annually, as World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Dripping Springs.

Since 1993, WMBD has become a primary vehicle for focusing public attention on the nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our communities and throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central American, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S.

Hundreds of thousands of people will observe WMBD, gathering in town squares, community centers, schools, parks, nature centers, and wildlife refuges to learn about birds, take action to conserve them,and simply to have fun. Dripping Springs will join those communities by creating events to celebrate WMBD. Migrant species play an important economic role in Dripping Springs and help generate millions in recreational dollars statewide. The Dripping Springs Parks and Community Services Department, and Parks and Recreation Commission, will collaborate with the Chapter of the Hays County Master Naturalists, the Chapter of the Hays County Master Gardeners, Destination Dripping Springs, and Dripping Springs Wild Birds Unlimited to hold Festival of Flight, a World Migratory Bird Day event on May 8, 2021, at Charro Ranch Park from 8am-12pm to celebrate and educate about the key role that migrant bird species play in our eco-system and the economy.

The event will educate the citizens on migratory birds and their habitats, including how they are declining throughout the Americas and how they face a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both their summer and winter homes. The event will also share ways on how to protect migrant species. Dripping Springs Parks and Community Services Director, Kelly Schmidt, says the resolution is an important part of her department’s and the City’s mission.

“Passing a resolution in support of World Migratory Bird Day is a big step in our ongoing efforts toward supporting birding in our City,” Schmidt said. “We already hold events and employ park/public land management practices that focus on avian appreciation, conservation and education. This resolution is another great step in preserving and supporting all things bird-centric in the City of Dripping Springs.”

For any questions regarding the resolution and the event planned for May 8, 2021, please contact Maggie Martin at mmartin@cityofdrippingsprings. com, or call the City of Dripping Springs Parks and Community Services department at 512-894-2400.