Dr. Stephen Kress

World-renowned bird scientist to speak at May 8 festival in Rochester

Dr. Stephen Kress, Director of National Audubon Society's Seabird Restoration Program, will visit Rochester for the Rochester International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) Festival Saturday, May 8, 2004, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Braddock Bay Park (East Manitou Road at Lake Ontario State Parkway) in the town of Greece.

Dr. Kress is scheduled to give two presentations: at 11 a.m., he will address the topic of Saving Birds - retelling stories of people who are working to save birds around the world; at 1 p.m., Dr. Kress will recount his work on Project Puffin - restoring Atlantic Puffins to Eastern Egg Rock, an island off the coast of Maine.

In the morning presentation, Dr. Kress will speak on the latest book he has co-authored, Saving Birds, Heroes Around the World. This exciting children's book tells the stories of six birds and the people who are working to save them.

'In his afternoon presentation, Dr. Kress will discuss the reasons for starting the groundbreaking Project Puffin in 1973 and its evolution into the Audubon Seabird Restoration Program.

The festival schedule is as follows:

• Braddock Bay Park throughout the day - Exhibits by nearly two dozen conservation organizations and agencies; Live Birds of Prey (raptors from Wild Wings and Braddock Bay Raptor Research will be on display); Migration Game; Kids Crafts and Activities; Bird Carving Demos; Art and Craft vendors; and the Hawk Watch.
• 10 a.m. - Exhibits open at Braddock Bay Park; Hawk Watch open.
• 10:30 a.m. Live Bird Demo - Wild Wings will show live birds of prey, including a Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, American Kestrel, and Red-tailed Hawk.
• 11 a.m. - Savings Birds - Dr. Stephen Kress retells stories of people who are working to save birds around the world.
• Noon - Live Bird Demo - Braddock Bay Raptor Research will show live birds of prey, including a Broad-winged Hawk, Screech-Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, and Kestrel; Tour of the Banding Station, hosted by Braddock Bay Raptor Research.
• Throughout the afternoon - the Blue Goose (National Wildlife Refuge System mascot) and the Incredible Hawk (Braddock Bay Raptor Research mascot).
• 1 p.m. Project Puffin - Dr. Kress recounts his work restoring Atlantic Puffins to Eastern Egg Rock off the coast of Maine.
• 2 p.m.- Purple Martin Presentation - Rick Marx. What it takes to be a landlord for these birds.
• 3 p.m. Live Bird Demo - Braddock Bay Raptor Research.

The days events end at 4 p.m.