FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 15, 2005
Contact: Lisa M. Green, (802) 457-2779 ext. 107, lgreen@vinsweb.org

CALLING ALL BIRD CALLERS!
Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announced today that it will host its first annual New England Bird Calling Contest on Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the VINS Nature Center at Quechee Gorge. Contestants of all ages throughout New England and beyond are invited to compete in this fun and unusual contest--from people who have mastered the "who cooks for you" call of the Barred Owl or the "sweet, sweet, I'm so sweet" sound of the Yellow Warbler. Contestants will be judged by a panel of experts from VINS who will choose winners based on both accuracy and difficulty of the call. An array of prizes will be awarded to winners in various categories, including younger contestants.

"Anyone who has spent time in the field listening to birds and has been fortunate enough to master the art of mimicking has been waiting for this opportunity" says Larry Berrin, Director of Programs & Exhibits at the VINS Nature Center. "I just hope they are ready to show off their talents in front of a live audience! It should be lots of fun for participants and observers alike". To register as a contestant, please contact Larry Berrin at VINS at lberrin@vinsweb.org or call (802) FLY-5000. The VINS Nature Center is located 1/4 mile west of Quechee Gorge off Route 4 in Quechee, Vermont and is open seven days a week 362 days a year. The Center features one of North America's most impressive collections of live birds of prey native to Vermont, such as owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons; walking trails leading to the Ottauquechee River featuring a bird blind, a vernal pool, and other natural points of interest; a nature store filled with nature-inspired books, gifts, toys, art, jewelry, and clothing; and a variety of educational and entertaining programs, exhibits, and special events, such as Predators of the Sky, Fledgling Corner, and guided hikes of the Quechee Gorge. For more information, please visit www.vinsnaturecenter.org or contact VINS at (802) FLY-5000.