In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day May 8, the Woodland Park Zoo is offering a guided tour of zoo grounds with a keeper for attendees to learn firsthand about the wild birds that the zoo home and those that make it a temporary home during their annual migration.

Zookeepers and expert staff give natural history and birding tips to participants of all ages and levels of experience.

International Migratory Bird Day highlights the migration of nearly 350 bird species between nesting habitats in North America and nonbreeding grounds in South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Many think of migratory birds as symbolic harbingers of spring and melodious songsters of the woods, but migratory birds are also an important economic resource, controlling insect pests and generating billions in recreational dollars, according to a zoo press release.

Unfortunately, research has shown that many migratory bird populations are in decline, facing a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both summer and winter habitats, according to the press release.

The May 8 bird walk will last approximately two hours and attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and weather-appropriate clothing.

A light breakfast of pastries and coffee will be served.

The tour will last from 6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. and depart from the zoo’s South Entrance at North 50th Street and Fremont Avenue North

The tour costs $20 per adult non-zoo member, $10 per adult zoo member and children 12 and younger are free.

Reservations are required to participate in the bird walk. Space can be reserved by emailing Eric.Kowalczyk@zoo.org. There are only 50 spaces available.