2019 Organizer's Guide : simplebooklet.com

Environment for the Americas and World Migr atory Bird Day Environment for the Americas EFTA is a non profit organization that strives to connect people across the Western Hemisphere to bird conservation through education outreach and research Each year EFTA works with hundreds of participating organizations and agencies to coordinate World Migratory Bird Day WMBD The following Organizer s Guide is designed to help you develop your program event or festival for the 2019 celebration and share the theme of plastic pollution and its impacts on birds with youth adults families and other groups What is a World Migratory Bird Day Program or Event We invite your organization to join us in celebrating migratory birds and promoting their conservation We understand that organizations come in all sizes large and small with different capacities to host programs and events Your efforts to share key messages about the spectacular long distance journeys of migratory birds the threats they face along the way and the meaningful actions that individuals communities and other groups can take to protect birds can be scaled in a way that works for you We ask that your World Migratory Bird Day program or event Engages participants in learning about migratory birds Shares information about some of the potential dangers that can impact migratory bird populations Highlights the annual conservation theme Protect Birds Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution using the slogan and hands on activities Promotes World Migratory Bird Day through social media print radio and television Is registered on our global map at www migratorybirdday org events WMBD can be Celebrated twice each year 1 On the second Saturday in May as birds return to their nesting sites and 2 On the second Saturday in October as they travel to non breeding grounds When is World Migr atory Bird Day But because birds don t all travel on the same day we encourage you to celebrate when the birds are present and the timing works best for your organization Because of this WMBD is now celebrated almost every month of the year 3

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World Migr atory Bird Day WMBD Materials The History of WMBD Through this guide we provide you with tips and tools to organize your WMBD event from start to finish focusing on the 2019 conservation theme In 1993 visionaries at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington D C became concerned about declines in migratory bird populations across the Western Hemisphere and envisioned a program that would spark an interest in and an enjoyment of birds that would translate into a desire to help protect them They created International Migratory Bird Day IMBD to accomplish this goal In 2007 Environment for the Americas EFTA a non profit conservation organization based in Boulder Colorado assumed leadership of the program and more than doubled the level of participation A general outline of your plan should include the following steps 1 Identify a WMBD coordinator or team 2 Learn more about the 2019 WMBD conservation theme highlighting the impacts of plastic pollution on birds 3 Identify your WMBD target audience s 4 Determine what you need to make your WMBD event successful including logistical and financial support 5 Identify partners willing to participate in or support your event 6 Develop fun educational WMBD activities using this guide and other resources Additional Materials EFTA provides many other materials you ll need to host a successful WMBD event On our website we provide a directory of educational resources which includes materials that highlight the annual conservation theme promotional materials and much more After noting the success of IMBD the United Nation s Convention on Migratory Species CMS began a similar program in 2005 In 2018 EFTA and CMS joined forces and signed an agreement to promote migratory bird conservation across the globe through the biannual educational campaign and celebration called World Migratory Bird Day WMBD is a celebration of the spectacular journeys that migratory birds take as they travel between nesting and non breeding sites around the world It highlights the changes in seasons when longer days prompt millions of birds to embark on their arduous journeys to the north in spring and to the south each fall WMBD is also about raising awareness of these long distance travelers and the threats they face along the way through festivals events and programs offered at natural areas schools zoos libraries museums and many additional locations Through these activities organizers create connections between birdwatchers businesses conservation groups the news media and national state and local officials WMBD is an annual opportunity to be part of the solution to bird conservation issues and to share your passion for birds in a resounding way This Organizer s Guide is designed to provide you with the information you need to get started HERE S WHERE TO FIND YOUR WMBD materials Please don t hesitate to contact EFTA with any questions Education materials flyers presentations and more migratorybirdday org resources Event materials to purchase for your event migratorybirdday org shop To register your event on the global map migratorybirdday org events For questions EMAIL info environmentamericas org CALL 303 499 1950 4

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2019 World Migratory Bird Day Conservation Theme Protect Birds Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution Each year we work with biologists across the Western Hemisphere to select a conservation theme that describes a threat to migratory birds and emphasizes the simple but effective ways that people of all ages can help to reduce that threat In 2019 we tackle the challenges of plastic pollution and provide you with information about why and how plastics harm birds Use these simple activities to host a plastic cleanup and to engage members of the public in learning how they can reduce their use of plastic Meet the 2019 World Migratory Bird Day Artist Through WMBD everyone can learn how to change their behaviors to help protect birds Join us in sharing the 2019 theme using these social media tools TAGS EnvironmentfortheAmericas EFTA _BirdDay EFTA _BirdDay Arnaldo Toledo Sotolongo Cuban artist Arnaldo Toledo has been passionate about nature and the arts from a young age With support and encouragement from his parents he spent much of his childhood expressing his interpretations of nature through his drawings of the local wildlife After years of practice dedication and field observation Arnaldo focused on creating illustrations that were both artistic and HASH TAGS BirdDay EFTA _BirdDay WMBD WMBD2019 PreventPlasticPollution BetheSolution Find more social media tools and icons at www migratorybirdday org resources biologically accurate Today Arnaldo works as a scientific illustrator photographer and designer for the Botanical Garden Center of Studies at the Central University Marta Abreu Las Villas Contact Arnaldo about his work at arnaldotoledo88 gmail com 5

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About Plastic The issue of plastics and their impact on birds is a timely conservation topic that addresses the lives of people of all ages Plastics have become an integral part of our lives present in personal hygiene food storage toys and common household items It is challenging to complete a day without using plastic Yet that is just what WMBD asks people to do It is our hope that by learning about this issue all of us can help people reduce their use of plastics and protect birds at the same time Since plastic was introduced in the 1950 s an estimated 8 3 billion metric tons have been created As the use of plastics grows so too does the amount of plastic pollution that invades most ecosystems worldwide Only about 9 of plastic materials are recycled leaving more than 6 3 billion metric tons of plastics in landfills or polluting the environment Plastic is not biodegradable not digestible and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years As plastics break down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics they become hazards for organisms throughout the food chain Although microplastics are small they are known to pose health complications for birds and others animals that consume them due to the toxins they concentrate in the environment For migratory birds plastic debris poses a risk of both ingestion and entanglement which can lead to illness entrapment and serious injury It is estimated that 80 of seabirds and shorebirds have ingested plastic Microplastics are less than 5 millimeters and are usually invisible to the human eye FACT Some of the plastic items most commonly found as litter and ways that people can reduce their use of them Bottles for drinks such as sodas and water and for shampoos and soaps A reusable metal bottle keeps your drink fresh and you never have to throw it away Food containers cups plates forks knives spoons from restaurants picnics and parties Travel with your own metal cutlery and purchase reusable glass or metal storage containers Bags from the grocery store and many other shops Once you get into the habit it s easier than you think to take cloth bags with you to any store Straws for drinking and stirring coffee and other liquids Try one of the new reusable metal and bamboo straw options or just say no when you are eating out Toys Consider your choice of toys and the impacts they will have once they are no longer used Recycle toys your children have outgrown or trade toys with friends who have kids of similar ages Toothbrush How many do you use in a lifetime Consider using bamboo toothbrushes which are now available in many stores Electronics that include many plastic pieces from cables to components Buy electronics from companies that offer recycling and participate in or request electronic recycling in your community Make careful choices about the electronics you purchase and seek durable items Packaging for food and other household goods It can be hard to get out of a store without plastic packaging Can you find an alternative Is that purchase absolutely necessary Choose fruits and vegetables that aren t wrapped or in clamshell containers Find a grocery store with bins for bulk purchases Take your own reusable bags for your purchases 6

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ACTIVITY 1 Plastic Cleanup Hosting a plastic cleanup is an effective way of sharing the enormity of plastic pollution Your WMBD cleanup can be fun and help to protect birds Planning Your Cleanup Address Safety Issues Pick a location Choose a location that has easy access sufficient parking and is in need of a cleanup SAFETY COMES FIRST Keeping your staff volunteers and participants safe is absolutely crucial Identify the property owner and obtain permission Landowners may be private city or a national park or wildlife refuge It is important to have the proper permissions before you begin to plan your event Choose a date and a time Check with cooperating partners to determine an appropriate time to schedule your event Determine how garbage will be picked up and disposed of properly Talk with your city s waste disposal company or learn where the city dump is located when it is open and how much it costs to dispose of garbage Limit the number of participants especially if this is your first cleanup and you have limited assistance We recommend a first time event have no more than 30 50 participants Visit your site before hosting the activity to be sure that no hazards are present Require volunteers to sign a waiver of liability for your own protection and to emphasize the importance of safety Examine your cleanup location Is it close to a road or dangerous machinery You may need to mark restricted areas where your volunteers should not collect plastic If the site is near vehicles and or roads provide bright or reflective clothing or safety vests and or set boundaries Familiarize yourself with plants and animals at the site that could pose potential safety hazards For example is poison ivy or oak present Could venomous snakes be present Most sites will have items that could be hazardous if not handled correctly such as injured or dead wildlife sharp items including broken glass toxic materials such as cleaning products and batteries and other items such as such as hypodermic needles Only participants with the required safety equipment and who are trained and experienced should remove these items Require participants to wear appropriate clothing during the cleanup including closed toed shoes and the recommended gloves Note any boundaries that volunteers should be aware of Be sure participants don t wander onto private property into areas where they could become lost or areas where they could become separated from the group Never burn plastic or other trash which can result in toxic smoke and potentially spread fire Work with your city or other partners to ensure that you can properly dispose of the garbage Recruit Participants Identify your target audience and the number of people you want to participate The more people you invite the more help you will need organizing and managing your cleanup The age of your participants will also affect its organization For example you may want more supervision if you are working with youth Recruiting tips to get you started Work with a group you already know This may include scouts a senior group an environmental or bird club or a neighborhood Ask participants to RSVP so that you can be sure your numbers don t exceed your capacity to safely manage the activity Recruit local conservation organizations and clubs Make and distribute event fliers around your community and or neighborhood to increase participation if your event is open to the public Incorporate your activity into other WMBD events Unless you are working with a youth group determine the minimum age at which children may participate without an adult supervisor 7

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ACTIVITY 1 Plastic Cleanup continued Plan Day of Event Timing Develop a detailed schedule of the cleanup to organize the day and ensure you complete all of your activities The schedule should include the following times 1 Setup before participants arrive 2 Instructing participants and distributing materials equipment and data forms Day of Event Event setup 1 Arrive before the participants 3 Cleanup start and finish 2 Set up sign in water snack and shade stations 4 Gathering equipment from participants 3 Place signage to identify stations such as First Aid and Registration 5 Pickup of garbage by the city natural area or other partner 4 Organize the supplies gloves garbage bags and data forms so that they are easy to distribute Place gloves into one container garbage bags into another and data forms on clipboards with a pencil into a third Have Fun There are a number of ways to make your event more fun but they will require planning ahead Give rewards You can acknowledge the team that has the heaviest bag the team that collects the most garbage and the team that finds the most interesting or unusual item Take plenty of photos and post them on social media Have a dinner or other wrap up after the cleanup to celebrate your accomplishments 5 Put up any boundaries required for hazards or restricted areas 6 If your community recycles plan to have participants separate their items into bags for recycling and bags for trash End of Day 1 Properly dispose of all garbage and recyclables 2 Inspect the site to ensure that all of your supplies and equipment have been removed After the Event 1 Thank the cleanup volunteers and sponsors 2 Compile Data If you have an event coordinator have him her gather volunteer data forms compile the data and submit online 3 Enter your cleanup data at www migratorybirdday org events and select the Submit Cleanup Data 4 When naming your cleanup event please precede the name with WMBD such as WMBD Clear Creek Objectives To engage your community hands on in an action that helps to protect birds 5 As with the cleanup data if there is a coordinator the bird observations should be compiled Submit your bird observations to eBird using the account EFTA_Birdday The password is WMBD2019DMAM To demonstrate plastic pollution in our environment To motivate participants to reduce their plastic use Need cleanup supplies AGES Materials TIME Visit www migratorybirdday org shop to purchase a Family or Group Cleanup Kit 8 years Adult Younger children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian Protective gloves 3 6 hours Garbage bags Data form 8

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WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY VOLUNTEER BIRD TRASH DATA FORM Plastic pollution ranks as one of the most serious pollution problems choking our planet Far more than an eyesore a rising tide of plastic waste threatens human health wildlife communities and economies around the world We appreciate your help reducing plastic pollution by participating in or hosting a clean up The data you collect are part of the solution By submitting your data you will also help us identify polluted sites that provide important habitat for birds BIRD OBSERVATIONS DATE LOCATION OBSERVER S TOTAL TOTAL SPECIES NAME SPECIES NAME Please title your cleanup site with WMBD followed by your site name For example WMBD ClearCreek NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS WORKING ON THIS CARD SITE INFORMATION Cleanup Site Name WMBD Adults State or Province Zone or County Country Nearest Crossroad or Landmark MOST UNUSUAL ITEM COLLECTED Children under 12 TYPE OF CLEANUP Land Underwater Watercraft Please submit your cleanup data online at www migratorybirdday org events If you are unable to submit it online please contact EFTA at info environmentamericas org Environment for the Americas 5171 Eldorado Springs Drive Suite N Boulder CO 80303 info environmentamericas org www migratorybirdday org Thanks to Ocean Conservancy for support of World Migratory Bird Day 9

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TRASH COLLECTED TOTAL EXAMPLE 8 Plastic Bags Citizen scientist Pick up all trash and record all items you find below No matter how small the items the data you collect are important Please DO NOT use words or check marks Only numbers are useful data TOTAL MOST LIKELY TO FIND ITEMS Cigarette Butts Beverage Bottles Plastic Food Wrappers candy chips etc Beverage Bottles Glass Take Out Away Containers Plastic Beverage Cans Metal Take Out Away Containers Foam Grocery Bags Plastic Bottle Caps Plastic Other Bags Plastic Bottle Caps Metal Paper Bags Lids Plastic Cups Plates Paper Straws Stirrers Plastic Cups Plates Plastic Forks Knives Spoons Plastic Cups Plates Foam TOTAL FISHING GEAR TOTAL PACKAGING MATERIALS Fishing Buoys Pots Traps 6 Pack Holders Fishing Net Pieces Other Plastic Foam Packaging Rope 1 yard meter 1 piece Other Plastic Bottles oil bleach etc Fishing Line 1 yard meter 1 piece Strapping Bands Tobacco Packaging Wrap TOTAL OTHER TRASH TOTAL Appliances refrigerators washers etc PERSONAL HYGIENE Balloons Condoms Cigar Tips Diapers Cigarette Lighters Syringes Construction Materials Tampons Tampon Applicators Fireworks Tires TOTAL TINY TRASH LESS THAN 0 98 INCH 2 5CM Foam Pieces 0 98inch 2 5cm Glass Pieces actual size Plastic Pieces DEAD INJURED ANIMAL STATUS ENTANGLED Dead or Injured Yes or No TYPE OF ENTANGLEMENT ITEM ITEMS OF LOCAL CONCERN 1 2 3 CLEANUP SUMMARY circle units Number of Trash Bags Filled Weight of Trash Collected lbs kgs Distance Cleaned miles km 10

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WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY COORDINATOR TRASH DATA FORM DEAR CLEANUP COORDINATOR Thank you for your hard work dedication and valuable time spent for this important cause We appreciate your commitment and passion for reducing plastic pollution Before you complete this form compile all data from the Volunteer Trash Data Forms For each item of trash add the total number of pieces and enter this number in the Total box on the back of this data form Numbers are the only valid form of data so please DO NOT use words or check marks in the boxes next to ocean trash items Submit your Cleanup Data to www migratorybirdday org events Submit your Bird Observations to www ebird org User Name EFTA_BirdDay Password WMBD2019DMAM NAME AND ORGANIZATION EMAIL CLEANUP SITE DESCRIPTION Type of Environment choose one Mode of Data Collection choose one Saltwater Ocean Bay Estuary Land beach shoreline or inland Freshwater River Stream Lake Underwater Inland No Water Body Present Watercraft powerboat sailboat kayak or canoe CLEANUP SITE LOCATION Please title your cleanup with WMBD first Cleanupp Site Name beach ppark etc WMBDState or Province Zone or County y Country y Nearest Crossroad Landmark CLEANUP SUMMARY Month Day y Year Total Weight g of Trash Collected Total Number of Volunteers at this site lbs or Estimated Distance Cleaned Distance Measured In Miles or Kilometers kgs g 1 2 Adults Children Total Number of Trash Bags g Filled 3 4 5 circle one Other circle one MOST UNUSUAL ITEM S COLLECTED 1 2 3 Please submit your cleanup data online at www migratorybirdday org events If you are unable to submit it online please contact EFTA at info environmentamericas org Environment for the Americas 5171 Eldorado Springs Drive Suite N Boulder CO 80303 info environmentamericas org www migratorybirdday org Thanks to Ocean Conservancy for support of World Migratory Bird Day 11

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TRASH COLLECTED Please DO NOT use words or check marks Only numbers are useful data TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL Citizen scientist Record the total number of items picked up by volunteers at the Cleanup site The data you record are important for creating solutions to plastic pollution TOTAL 28 EXAMPLE Plastic Bags MOST LIKELY TO FIND ITEMS Cigarette Butts Beverage Bottles Plastic Food Wrappers candy chips etc Beverage Bottles Glass Take Out Away Containers Plastic Beverage Cans Metal Take Out Away Containers Foam Grocery Bags Plastic Bottle Caps Plastic Other Bags Plastic Bottle Caps Metal Paper Bags Lids Plastic Cups Plates Paper Straws Stirrers Plastic Cups Plates Plastic Forks Knives Spoons Plastic Cups Plates Foam TOTAL FISHING GEAR PACKAGING MATERIALS Fishing Buoys Pots Traps 6 Pack Holders Fishing Net Pieces Other Plastic Foam Packaging Fishing Line 1 yard meter 1 piece Other Plastic Bottles oil bleach etc Rope 1 yard meter 1 piece Strapping Bands OTHER TRASH Tobacco Packaging Wrap TOTAL Appliances refrigerators washers etc PERSONAL HYGIENE Balloons Condoms Cigar Tips Diapers Cigarette Lighters Syringes Construction Materials Tampons Tampon Applicators Fireworks Tires TOTAL ITEMS OF LOCAL CONCERN TOTAL TINY TRASH LESS THAN 2 5CM 1 Foam Pieces 2 Glass Pieces 3 Plastic Pieces DEAD INJURED ANIMAL STATUS ENTANGLED Dead or Injured Yes or No Dead or Injured Yes or No Dead or Injured Yes or No TYPE OF ENTANGLEMENT ITEM Thank you for your valuable contributions to World Migratory Bird Day 12

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ACTIVITY 2 Explore Plastic Pollution Overview Host a plastic cleanup event to introduce your visitors or community to the issue of plastic pollution and how it can harm wildlife During your WMBD event create a mock site that is polluted by plastics to help participants understand the challenges of plastic pollution and to discuss its impacts on birds and other wildlife It s a great way to examine this topic in a safe environment Refer to page 6 for details about some of the plastic items that are most commonly found as litter Get Started Upon completion of this activity ask participants to make a written pledge to reduce their plastic use Depending on the type of event you are hosting you will need to either start all participants at the same time or be prepared to work with individuals as they arrive at your education station Regardless be sure that all participants understand the activity before they begin One simple way to provide instructions is to create stations around your container placing the tools for extracting plastics at each station see page 17 Questions and Discussion Setup Select a site where you can place a large container to hold plastics Pick an area where it will be easy to clean up both during and after the activity this can be messy Please choose used plastics for this activity don t purchase more plastics and clean them before use Next choose a substrate or material such as sand soil or water in which the plastics will be hidden Fill your container with it and thoroughly mix in your plastic examples leaving some items below the surface and placing others above It is important to initiate discussion about this topic and to provide participants with solutions to reducing their use of plastics Consider the following discussion questions as well as some of the potential solutions that we list on page 6 1 How many plastic items did you find that you use at home 2 How can these plastics harm birds and other wildlife And you 3 What types of plastic items did you find 4 What are microplastics 5 What can you do to reduce your plastic use Objectives AGES All children should be accompanied by an adult unless the cleanup engages a youth group with sufficient supervision To clean a polluted area To raise awareness of the impacts of plastics on birds To motivate behavioral changes by encouraging participants to reduce their plastic use TIME 15 minutes To contribute information about plastics by submitting your data to www environmentamericas org events Materials A kiddy pool tub or other large container A variety of plastic items of different sizes Old t shirts to prevent soiling clothes Microplastic alternatives such as millet or rice Tongs to remove plastics Sieve colander to sift out small pieces Data forms Pens or pencils Please do not purchase any new plastics for this activity 13

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ACTIVITY 3 Plastic Pollution Scavenger Hunt Overview Explore the variety and quantity of plastics through a fun scavenger hunt Plastics have become such a common part of our world that we often do not recognize how present they are in our food toys electronics personal items and more Whether you host this activity in a school home or park you are certain to find examples of many plastics that are used only once and others that have longer lives Setup Get Started Review your site and select your scavenger hunt area If you feel your area doesn t have enough commonly used plastics you can add plastics to the site for the purpose of the activity Please don t purchase plastics Find examples from your own home or office and clean them before use If your scavenger hunt will be held outdoors determine what the boundaries will be and whether you need to mark them This activity may be done individually at a festival or as a group activity However you choose to do it give the participants clear instructions about how to begin how much time they have if there is a limit and where they should return their scavenger hunt results A plastic pollution scavenger hunt activity sheet is available on page 15 Print enough for each participant or for participants to work in teams or groups You will also need to provide pencils and may want to provide clipboards Questions and Discussion It is important to initiate discussion about this topic and to provide participants with solutions for reducing their use of plastics Consider the following discussion questions 1 What was the most common plastic item you found 2 What was the most surprising plastic item you found 3 Which items do you use 4 How can these items be harmful to birds other wildlife and you 5 How can you reduce your plastic use Definitions Single use plastic Plastic items that are thrown away after they ve been used once or are empty Reusable plastic Plastic items that are used multiple times before being thrown away Objectives 1 To learn about the many types of plastics we use 2 To understand where plastics are in your area AGES Materials TIME 4 12 Scavenger hunt printouts 15 30 minutes Pencils 14

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ACTIVITY 4 Plastic Art Overview Use art to express the extent of plastic pollution and its impacts on birds Art is an effective expression of current events and trash has been used in art since the early twentieth century More recently plastics have been used in art to depict the abundance and variety of plastic products and their impacts on wildlife especially marine life Exploring the issue of plastic pollution through art can be an effective way to discuss this topic with participants of all ages Art is an effective expression of current events and trash has been used in art since the early twentieth century Setup Get Started This activity can be easily hosted in a classroom at home or at an event You may need to provide the plastics if you do not work with participants who could receive prior information to bring their own Again please do not purchase plastics for the art project Find items at your home or office and clean them before use Spark creativity by sharing some examples of art created from plastic There are a variety of formats you can use to create your plastic art murals collages recycling posters and sculptures Depending on your choice provide plenty of room for artists to work Using containers to hold plastics will make them easy to share Mural Creating a mural out of plastic is a great way to show the variety of plastic items that people use every day A mural can also make a statement about the issue of plastic pollution by illustrating how plastics can impact birds Collage Though a collage of plastics may not directly relate to birds it does bring attention to the wide variety of plastic items This collage can create a platform to discuss how certain items affect migratory birds and the environment Recycling Use a plastic item as the canvas such as a bottle or make it into a piece of art or a useful new item such as a vase Sculpture Creating a sculpture can involve everyone The result may be a beautiful likeness of a bird and a powerful statement about plastics Poster Posters can be placed on bulletin boards and on walls in the workplace or at schools Create posters that provide messages about plastic pollution or ways to reduce plastic pollution Objectives 1 To allow creative expression of a conservation issue 2 To illustrate the many types of plastics 3 To create a visual message about plastic pollution AGES Materials TIME Preschool Adult Plastics of different types sizes and colors Glue Paint Paper bring paper firm enough to support objects Varies depending on the project 16

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ACTIVITY 5 Take the Plastic Pledge Overview Some studies show that making a pledge can increase the likelihood that people will make behavioral changes For example when households were asked to make verbal or written pledges to recycle both groups showed higher commitments to recycling Those that made a written pledge were most likely to change their behavior Ask your participants to take the plastic pledge to reduce their plastic use Setup Get Started At an event or festival provide examples of common single use plastics or plastics that are used just once before discarding see page 6 and examples of how they impact birds You can use photos or even stuffed animals to illustrate entanglement and ingestion You may also have examples of behavioral changes that are simple such as substituting a plastic bag with a cloth bag or a plastic water bottle with a reusable water bottle Provide a table where participants can easily write and sign their pledges This activity is an ideal way to conclude your event or lessons about plastic pollution Using printed information images or discussion share the importance of making a written commitment to reduce plastic pollution Discuss the importance of selecting behavioral changes that can be realistically accomplished and explain how You may want to provide a small prize for everyone who makes a pledge Engage participants in exploring how they can personally reduce plastic pollution Pledge examples I pledge to say no to at least one single use plastic item per week I pledge to pick up plastic pollution and dispose of it properly I pledge to recycle properly dispose of any plastic item I use Write your own plastic pledge Objective Plastic PledgeS To motivate behavioral changes Find Plastic Pledge downloadables at www migratorybirdday org resources that reduce plastic pollution AGES Materials TIME All Pens pencils 5 15 minutes Plastic pledge sheets 17

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ACTIVITY 6 Make a Bird Mask Overview Learn about the WMBD focal bird species and create a mask inspired by one of them Discuss how each bird is impacted by plastic and ways that you can help reduce that risk Use a bird identification guide to help inspire your mask Setup If you plan to work with multiple ages be sure you have a table that is appropriate for shorter participants This activity can be messy especially if you have lots of fun items that can be used to decorate the masks Consider covering your tables with butcher paper to prevent stray marks from crayons glue and especially permanent markers DON T FORGET Get Started Mask making is an interactive and creative way to connect young people to birds Using the 12 bird species on the 2019 World Migratory Bird Day poster you can share the incredible diversity of feathers beaks and eyes as participants create their own masks From the tall long billed Tricolored Heron to the tiny Prothonotary Warbler the species illustrate the many ways birds find food find mates and more To incorporate the conservation theme and the impacts of plastic pollution integrate a conversation about plastics and how they affect birds Participants may want to incorporate plastics into their masks to illustrate the topic Questions and discussion Post photos and share your creativity through social media Creating bird art requires focus and brings attention to details While your participants are at work or after the activity you can ask them 1 Did you notice aspects of the bird s face that you did not see before 2 Why did you choose this bird What attracted you to this particular species Objectives BIRD MASK TEMPLATES 1 To examine birds in the 2019 World Migratory Bird Day artwork or in your area Don t want to make your own bird masks Purchase pre cut masks for a group or class at migratorybirdday org shop 2 To determine the characteristics of birds AGES Materials TIME Kindergarten Adult Mask Scissors Glue Crayons Markers Paint Other decorative items Popsicle sticks String Bird identification guide WMBD 2019 poster Table 30 minutes 18

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ACTIVITY 7 World Migratory Bird Day 2019 Matching Game MAGELLANIC PENGUIN Spheniscus magellanicus Cut on dashed lines This species nests in burrows in colonies BELTED KINGFISHER Megaceryle alcyon Plastics especially plastic bags have been found in the stomachs of this penguin They burrow in the banks by water They regurgitate pellets that hold their prey s bones and scales which they cannot digest BLACK SKIMMER Rynchops niger They nest on the ground in open areas with loose substrate and sparse vegetation This species has a distinct bill shape The lower mandible is longer than the upper MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebirds are excellent flyers but are very clumsy walkers because of their short legs and strong feet This seabird lacks waterproofing on their feathers Magnificent Frigatebirds often eat the fish or bait on hooks and become entangled in fishing line Feeding on the water s surface makes Black Skimmers vulnerable to eating floating plastics NORTHERN FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis CHILEAN FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus chilensis This seabird often follows fishing and other boats and feeds off scraps This species gets its pink coloration from a pigment found in their food Northern Fulmars often ingest plastic when they dive for fish mistaking it for prey Chilean Flamingos can eat microplastics while filter feeding and their long legs and necks can become entangled in plastic fishing line and other trash OSPREY Pandion haliaetus COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Northern Fulmars spend most of their time at sea Ospreys plunge dive to capture fish often becoming submerged in the water This raptor builds large nests made of sticks They nest in large colonies As they incubate their eggs Common Terns fill their nests with materials found nearby They have been known to use plastic items in their nests which can entangle adults and young Common Terns dive into the ocean to capture the small fish they eat KILLDEER Charadrius vociferous This bird is a name sayer its call sounds like its name Killdeer will act like their wings are broken to keep predators away from their nests or chicks Because they fish in lakes and other places with lots of human activity this species comes into contact with many plastics including fishing line and bags PROTHONOTARY WARBLER Protonotaria citrea This is the only species on the 2019 World Migratory Bird Day poster that eats mostly insects Microplastics eaten by mosquito larvae stay with them into adulthood and move up the food web if eaten by this warbler TRICOLORED HERON Egretta tricolor This species has long legs and can search for food in the water It is known as a wader LESSER SCAUP Aythya affinis The Lesser Scaup is one of the most abundant and widespread diving ducks in North America They feed mostly at night and may mistake plastics for food When walking in water Tricolored Herons and other herons and egrets come into contact with plastic pollution and can be entangled by fishing line and other plastics IMPORTANT NOTE Before starting Activity 7 you must make copies of this page Provide one copy for each participant in the Matching Game 19

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ACTIVITY 7 World Migratory Bird Day 2019 Matching Game continued Overview Explore the characteristics of the birds of the 2019 WMBD poster by playing this simple matching game Setup Get Started Preparing this activity couldn t be simpler We ve provided everything you need except the engaging person who will work with participants Just cut out each of the bird images and each of the statements about the bird or print them on card stock paper if they will be handled by a lot of people Lay out the bird images and bird statements on a table Participants match the statements to the images of the birds This activity does not require any bird identification knowledge and there are many ways you can raise awareness of birds bird identification and bird conservation Cut on dashed lines AGES Materials TIME Kindergarten Adult Copies of bird characteristics cutouts page 19 Bird image cutouts Table As long as participants want to play 20

2019 Organizer's Guide

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