Head to the Indianapolis Museum of Art to get up close and personal with Hoosier songbirds before they fly away for the winter. The IMA welcomes Chief Naturalist of Wild Birds Unlimited, John Schaust, to the 100 Acres Art and Nature Park for a very special Indianapolis event. Head to the Indianapolis Museum of Art Friday, August 19 at 5:30 to participate in the Songbird Capture and Release Program. Admission to the park and to the event is FREE.
As a young boy, Schaust’s natural inclination was toward nature. Fascinated with the lives of birds, Schaust would track the robins who nested in his backyard each year, try to figure out where they went in the winter and even attempted a rudimentary trapping system to catch them (which failed). Now a grown-up, Schaust is an expert at all things avian. Prior to joining Wild Birds Unlimited, Schaust spent 26 years as a professional naturalist in federal, state and local agencies. He has specialized in everything from environmental education to nature center operations and even natural resources management. On his personal time, he is an avid birder, who eat, sleeps and breaths all things feathery.
Schaust is also a federally licensed bird bander, a skill he will demonstrate at the IMA’s upcoming event. As you tour through the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, Schaust will lead a special bird banding demonstration. Watch as he uses harmless techniques to capture birds, collect data and band them with uniquely numbered bracelets. Then, he’ll let them soar from his hands. The event will feature goldfinches, titmouse and Downy woodpeckers.
His efforts at banding birds are crucial to the study of bird behavior and survival. The information Schaust collects will help Hoosier naturalists learn how, why and where birds gravitate toward in the state.
As a blogger for Wild Birds Unlimited, Schaust works toward their mission to connect people with the great outdoors. Through his work with them, he helps beginner and advanced birders find new and interesting ways to engage with the world around them.
Don’t miss the Songbird Capture and Release program at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. As you amble toward the 100 Acres Art and Nature Park, take a stroll through the Gardens of the IMA and marvel at the Lilly House on the grounds. After you enjoy this Indianapolis park, head to the nearby cultural district, Broad Ripple Village. Take a load off and enjoy dinner and drinks from any of these Indianapolis restaurants or Indianapolis bars.
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Learn more about this event here.
Songbird Capture and Release
Friday, August 19, 2011
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Indianapolis Museum of Art
4000 Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN
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