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Nov. 9, 2009
Michelle Coats, APR, CPRC
Community Information Specialist

Wings on the Wind event to take flight Nov. 14 at Marine  Science Center

Home to more than 365 species of birds, Volusia County becomes an avian highway during the fall as thousands of birds migrate to spend the winter or pass through to wintering grounds farther south.

Visit the Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) in Ponce Inlet from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, for the annual “Wings on the Wind” migratory bird festival - celebration of migratory birds, nature and conservation. The event will provide visitors the opportunity to learn more about the wonder of bird migration through featured classes, lectures, information booths, children’s activities, food, fun and music. Admission to the Marine Science Center is free all day.

Wings on the Wind features many exhibitors, including nature groups, crafters, food vendors, and children’s activities. Staff and volunteers also will host tours of the Marine Science Center and its Mary Kelly Seabird Rehabilitation Center.

Visitors won’t want to miss the free-flying raptor demonstration of four glove-trained raptors, led by falconer Russ Adams. Visitors also will have a chance to meet a glove-trained bald eagle from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. In addition, children can enjoy the opportunity to help an injured bird in the MSC mock bird triage tent.

The day will culminate with the release of several birds rehabilitated at the Center’s Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary. The release will be at 3 p.m. at Lighthouse Point Park, 5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, near the main parking lot on the inlet. Caring for more than 5,500 birds in its first five years of operation, the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary has added two new habitats - a wading bird habitat and a bald eagle habitat.

For more information about the “Wings on the Wind” migratory bird festival or the Marine Science Center’s other programs and activities, call (386) 304-5545.

The Marine Science Center, 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet, is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more about this exciting facility and its work by visiting www.marinesciencecenter.com.

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