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<p>The seventh Birthday for the Birds, hosted Saturday, May 4 by the Town of Port Royal, is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases Beaufort County’s natural resources, the Port Royal Rookery and Wetlands and the wildlife thriving within.</p>
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<p>The celebration runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and is free to the public.</p>
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<p>The event was created by Pete Richardson, who wished to share his love of birding.</p>
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<p>“The importance of the birthday is making wildlife and birds accessible to community, families and children,” Richardson said in a release.</p>
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<p>With support from the Fripp Island Audubon Club and other local organizations, the birthday will provide educational and information resources focused on the various species living in the rookery and wetlands.</p>
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<p>Representatives from the Fripp Island Wildlife Department will be onsite as they showcase many inhabitants of the wetlands, including alligators and other species.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Master Naturalists will escort a tour of the boardwalk through the wetlands, answering questions along the way. There will also be a scavenger hunt aimed at finding all the unique species, allowing participants the chance to claim “I found all the wildlife species at the Port Royal Rookery.”</p>
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<p>There will be wildlife tattoo stickers for all to wear, local school children’s artwork to view and a birthday cake for all to enjoy.</p>
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<p>Did we mention kazoos to play in the background as you tip your bird hats? Look for the Costumed Bird Greeters, the 1979 Silver Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Up festively decorated with Birds for the occasion and a morning of fun and education for the whole community.</p>
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<p>For more information or to volunteer, contact Kate Hamilton Pardee at 508-221-7355 or email <a href="mailto:garyh2otreatment@gmail.com">garyh2otreatment@gmail.com</a> or <a href="mailto:capecodh2o@comcast.net">capecodh2o@comcast.net</a>.<br> </p>
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<p><em><strong>Photo of Great Egret chicks by John Albert</strong></em></p>
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