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April 13, 2005 Mobile, AL. The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (Mobile Bay NEP) and the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc (DIBS). unveiled new signs on Dauphin Island. The first sign was unveiled by the prehistoric shell mound on the first day of the International Migratory Bird Festival on April 8, 2005. The purpose of the sign project is to inform and educate Dauphin Island’s residents and visitors of the habitat needs of Neotropical migrant birds. These birds use Dauphin Island as a stopover point during their spring and fall migration. Under "fallout" conditions, when stormy weather forces birds to stop flying, migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers and buntings must land and seek refuge in suitable habitat. This habitat must be of sufficient quantity and quality to provide adequate shelter and foraging opportunities for thousands of birds trapped on the island by the unfavorable weather. Such a storm occurred over the island in early April. For days afterward thousands of colorful bird species were seen all over the island as they foraged in the vegetation searching for food to replenish their fat reserves depleted during their overnight flight from Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. News of the fallout spread rapidly via the Internet; one gentleman flew in from New York to witness the spectacle firsthand. Habitat needs of birds as well as many other species are a priority for the Mobile Bay NEP. Habitat education, restoration, and preservation are priority items within the program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. DIBS secured a mini grant from the Mobile Bay NEP to accomplish both organizations needs to educate the public regarding the importance of habitat. Three other signs will be erected on Dauphin Island where there is a potential for high visibility. Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries is a 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to preserving habitat on the island for migrating birds that use the island as a stopover point during spring and fall migration. To date, DIBS has acquired and/or permanently protected approximately 6 acres of migratory bird habitat on Dauphin Island, totaling 21 lots. Additionally, 43 acres of coastal salt marsh near Bayou La Batre was donated to DIBS for conservation purposes. The Mobile Bay NEP seeks stewardship of the living resource base in and around Mobile Bay. This was an excellent opportunity for the program to partner with like a like minded organization.
For More Information Contact: Contact:
Dr. John Porter,
DIBS (251)
861-2120
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