4/6/2011
GRAFTON, W.Va. – Experience birds up close while watching them being banded. “Feathered Wonders,” scheduled for May 5 – 8, is a first-time event at Tygart Lake State Park near Grafton, and it promises to be a weekend of fun in the outdoors.
“Early May is perhaps the best time of year to see various breeding and migrating birds of West Virginia,” according to Joey Herron, guest interpreter at the debut of this birding and banding weekend. “The goal is to introduce visitors, area residents and park guests to bird watching. Folks can arrive for any part of the scheduled activities including the banding of migratory birds.”
A “birder rate” is available for anyone interested in spending a night at Tygart Lodge or for the weekend for birding activities or simply for enjoying spring in the outdoors, according to Stephanie Bailey, activities coordinator at Tygart Lake. The topography for the Tygart banding station allows greater accessibility for attendees.
“Feathered Wonders” – a birding weekend at Tygart Lake State Park, is open to the public at no charge. “Pick and choose those of presentations of interest” said Bailey, “or spend the night or weekend and enjoy all the programs.” “The banding station and banding practices and information to be learned about birds is worth the trip.
For more information about bird walks and birding weekends at West Virginia’s state parks, visit
www.wvstateparks.com and review the Event Calendar.
Feathered Wonders! Tygart Birding Weekend schedule
Thursday, May 5
“For the birds!” 7 p.m. Tygart Lake Lodge Conference Room
An evening program introducing bird identification by sight and sound. Habitats and habits of migratory birds including summary of Saw Whet Owl survey in the Tygart region.
Friday, May 6
Birding and Banding – 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Tygart Lodge area
Licensed bird bander Joey Herron will have banding stations in place in the proximity of Tygart Lake Lodge. Migratory birds in the area that encounter the mist nets are retrieved and data about each bird is recorded. “We’ll record information for each bird, including the species, weight, wing length, general observed health conditions, and other data.”
All birds are released immediately following the banding process. The bands are very small identifiers placed on one leg. The data are shared with birding organizations as well as the Division of Natural Resources. Those attending the banding will have the opportunity to see migratory birds moving through the areas. Species expected to be observed include Baltimore Oriole, Hooded Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Orchard Oriole, and Wood Thrush to name a few.
Birds of W.Va. – The importance of migration – 10:30 a.m. – noon – Tygart Lodge
Presentation and workshop about migratory habits and birds of West Virginia.
Field trip to wildlife management area - 1pm – 4pm
Departing from Tygart Lodge, attendees will take a short drive to Pleasants Creek Wildlife Management area for “sight and sound” birding activities.
Saturday, May 7
Birding and Banding – 7:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Tygart Lodge area
Banding activities are casual and generally very quiet. Attendees assist in spotting birds and helping record data. “Come as you are and enjoy learning about birds,” is Herron’s suggestion. Eagles may be observed.
Birds of Prey / Eagles of W.Va.
The West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center, located in Morgantown, will be set up at Tygart Lake Lodge and will engage guests and visitors with live bird presentations, discussion and information from 1 - 4 p.m. “All birds of prey play a vital role within our ecosystem,” according to the Center. “Raptors control pest outbreaks in both agricultural and urban settings by preying on insects, rodents and abundant pest bird species.” The program is open to the public and park guests at no charge.
Owls of W.Va. and an Owl Prowl – 7:00 p.m. – Tygart Lake Lodge
Who hoots at the edge of the forest? Several owl species are found in the Tygart Valley area including screech, barred and great horned. The evening program begins at Tygart Lodge with an “Owls of W.Va. “program and, as night falls, attendees will depart for a night walk, or “Owl Prowl,” to listen for sounds in the night.
May 8
Birding and Banding – 7:30 – 11 a.m. – Tygart Lodge area
Banding practices continues on this Mother’s Day Sunday and recording of data. “Each day brings more migratory species through the Tygart Valley area and an opportunity to see birds that may only pass through West Virginia on their way to breeding destinations,” according to Herron.
About Joey Herron
A Lewis County native, Herron has more than 41 years of birding experience, by sight and sound. He is an employee of the Social Security Administration with more than 20 years of service. A graduate from Glenville State College (’80) with a BS in Biology and Art minor, Herron is a certified substitute teacher in Marion County, where he resides. He is a licensed bird bander with the U.S. Geological Service, bird banding lab, and is affiliated with numerous birding organizations such as Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Bird Banders Association of North America, Bird Banding Laboratory (master permit, 1997), West Virginia Partners in Flight (working group member), Brooks Bird Club, and an instructor for Pierpont Community College Lifelong Learners group/classes spring and fall on birding and banding (2008 – present) to mention a few.
Herron is a licensed coach with NFIAC 1998 and currently coaching girls’ middle school basketball. He is an avid runner participating in more than 10 road running races annually. His many published papers on birding include reports on saw whet owl banding conducted at Valley Falls State Park in October and November over the past several years.
Contact Information
Stephanie Bailey, Tygart Lake State Park
304-265-6148
Stephanie.L.Bailey@wv.gov