The new guilty pleasure in our household is the Animal Planet’s heebie jeebie inducing show Infested! If you’ve ever seen this program, you’re probably shuttering about now. If you haven’t seen it, let me warn you, you will NEVER EVER look at that little bug on your kitchen floor the same way.

This program recalls the real-life horror stories of ordinary people plagued by rat, spider, scorpion, roach, snake and other nasty infestations. Recently, they featured the saga of a poor family whose house was overrun by a colony of bats. While these people obviously did not have a good experience with bats, these webbed creatures actually play a very important role in the ecosystem. Discover the truth about these misunderstood mammals during “Bat”urday at the World Bird Sanctuary. You'll explore the environmental and economic importance of these animals, the threats they face and what you can do to help bats survive. Meet the resident Straw-colored Fruit Bats and watch a bat trainer give them enrichment stimulation. Kids can participate in fun bat-related activities, too. You’ll also walk away with plans to help you build your own bat house at home. Think of all the money you’ll save on mosquito repellent!

 “Bat”urday • April 7 • noon to 4 p.m. • Free admission and parking • No reservations required

• Take a walk on the dark side of nature during a springtime Owl Prowl! On select Friday and Saturday nights until March 10, you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet some feathered creatures that exist by the moonlight. A World Bird Sanctuary naturalist will introduce you to some live owls and teach you about their unique calls. Then lace up your sneakers and take an easy night hike as your group tries to call in a wild owl.

Owl Prowl • select weekends • 7 p.m. • $9 per adult and $7 per child • Reservations required

• I always thought that eagles were as American as baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet. But these majestic birds can be found all over the globe. Learn all about these majestic creatures during World Eagle Day on March 18. Activities include presentations by naturalists, live eagle shows and tours of the World Bird Sanctuary wildlife hospital. Bring your camera because you’ll have the good fortune to get your photo taken with a bald eagle.

World Eagle Day • March 18 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Free admission and parking • No reservations required

• Come back in May to learn about migratory birds from around the globe as the World Bird Sanctuary celebrates International Migratory Bird Day. See migratory bird banding demonstrations, go on a short, guided bird walk and take part in fun and free children's activities.

International Migratory 
Bird Day • May 5 • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Free admission and parking • No reservations required

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting

Images courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary