Migration Rally

Jason Black and Curtis Wolf

At the Kansas Sampler Festival, I found the guys from the Kansas Wetlands Education Center – Jason Black and Curtis Wolf. Perhaps you’ll recall that a few weeks ago I wrote about the KWEC and Cheyenne Bottoms.

Curtis manages the KWEC.  Jason is a grad student at Ft. Hays State University and works at KWEC. Both are proud to represent FHSU, the Sternberg Museum, and KWEC.

Jason, I should add, received his undergrad degree (biology) from Emporia State University.

At the Sampler Festival, besides disseminating information about the KWEC, they handed out these cool tattoos:

Unfortunately, I have since washed dishes and now my tat is wearing off.

Anyway, they told me about an event coming up on the Kansas Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway next weekend that some of you might be interested in – The Great Migration Rally. Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

It’s free! It includes a lunch! Fun for kids!

And, the trip doesn’t take the full six hours; participants travel at their own pace.

But you must pre-register by May 3 (that’s Monday).

To register, call Quivira National Wildlife Refuge at 620-486-2393

or Kansas Wildlife Education Center at 877-243-9268.

The Great Migration Rally

Follow the birds and “migrate” the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway on Saturday, May 8, leaving Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and arriving at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center/Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area where prizes await successful “migrants.”

Participants will pick cards at QNWR featuring migrating birds that are worth points. As the migrants drive the route, stopping at three sites and KWEC, they pick situational cards describing hazards or advantages encountered by their bird that subtract or add points. Those with the highest points have a chance to win several prizes. The top prize, donated by JanSport, is a Klamath hiking pack valued at $160. Additional prizes include ceramics from local artists and outdoor activity equipment. The first 200 people receive a free International Migratory Bird Day poster.

Migration route stops include the QNWR scenic overlook, Peace Church and Dozier Winery, where lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will pass the bald eagle nest, where the female eagle is incubating eggs. Spotting scopes will be set up at the overlook and Peace Church, which is celebrating its 120-year anniversary, will be open for tours and provide coffee and juice.

The event begins at QNWR Visitors Center at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. at KWEC, with demonstrations, games and activities at both sites. Guest presenters include Tim Kimmel, master falconer; Joyce Lent, Great Plains Nature Center; the Fort Hays State University Ornithology Department; and Great Bend Zoo. Live birds, from falcons to owls, will be on display.

There is no charge for this event that is open to all ages, but participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling QNWR, 620-486-2393, or KWEC, 1-877-243-9268 by May 3.