Grand Isle Mirgratory Bird Celebration continues today

After a hurricane-related hiatus, the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration is back Saturday n just in time for its 10th anniversary.

It took months of work to restore the island, but Mary David Carmardelle said residents and camp owners are welcoming bird watchers back to the area.

The Grand Isle Sanctuary woods, Grand Isle State Park and local businesses are hoping for good weather for the annual spring event.

The celebration is held each year to draw attention to the needs of migratory birds and to the critical bird habitat. It also promotes bird watching as a viable form of tourism.

This year’s event will showcase 96 acres of life-sustaining forest and marsh protected and restored for migrating birds by the Grand Isle Sanctuary Group.

“This year’s celebration in Grand Isle will be another great one,” Camardelle said. “The weather is warming up and the birds are stopping by on their way home to give everyone a spectacular view.”

The mayor has declared April to be “Migratory Bird Month” on the island.

“Come on down, the coffee is on the stove and we are open for business,” he said.

Guided bird watching tours, island history tours and boat tours to Queen Bess Isle will be offered. In addition, live birds of prey, bird-related arts and crafts, and other family-oriented displays will be present.

Saturday evening at the Ham/Lofton residences facing Caminada Bay, experience leaders from birding clubs statewide will be on hand to lead tours and show birds.

The event is supported by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary Foundation. It is hosted by the Grand Isle Sanctuary Group.

The cost is $5 for each walking tour and each hospitality event. Boat tours cost $20.

Only boat tours require pre-registration.

All proceeds benefit the Celebration and Bird Sanctuary.