Group photo of BFS Birthday Party Participants ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

The Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party held on 20th May at the Black-faced Spoonbill (BFS) Eco Center at Namdong Reservoir, Incheon, Ro Korea, was a vibrant and joyful event that brought together families, artists, musicians, and civil society groups dedicated to protecting this endangered species. This event was hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education, and BFS Eco Center, BFS NGO Network. The primary aim of the party was to raise awareness of the community and foster a sense of ownership towards the Black-faced Spoonbill (BFS) population breeding on the reservoir's artificial islands, particularly celebrating the birth of new chicks.

Black-faced Spoonbill drawing by children ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

The event successfully combined art, music, and interactive activities to promote BFS conservation. Families and children filled the venue, engaging in various BFS-themed booths and workshops. Some young artists created stunning drawings of the Black-faced Spoonbill, while others made BFS prints using paint and wood blocks. Sustainability was at the core of the event, with all materials being recycled or encouraged to be biodegradable.

EAAFP Booth at BFS Birthday Party ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

EAAFP Secretariat explained how to play Lolo’s Flying Journey game to children ©️ EAAFP Secretariat	Children wrote the answer for questions at the BFS checkpoint ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) played its part in the celebration by organizing an engaging booth. The main activity was a modified version of the game "Lolo's Flying Journey," where children “experienced” BFS migration route with 5 checkpoints. At each checkpoint, they answered questions about the BFS, including its characteristics, environment, behavior, and the challenges they face. Upon completing the journey, participants received prizes of their choice at the EAAFP booth. The staff at the booth also disseminated brochures, stickers, and posters, offering an educational platform for visitors to learn about the BFS as well as other migratory birds.

The BFS flower birthday cake made by children ©️ BFS & Friends

Having games at the BFS Birthday Party ©️ BFS & Friends

To foster a deeper connection with the species, attendees made flower cakes using clay and fresh flowers as presents for the BFS. They also wore hats featuring tidal flat species, made necklaces and key rings from marine trash, and enjoyed taking polaroid pictures with the Black-faced Spoonbill mascot at the photo booth. Additionally, scopes were set up to provide the public with an opportunity to observe the BFS and their new chicks up close.

Ms. Ahn Yeounhee, Deputy Chief Executive of EAAFP giving remarks at the closing ceremony of BFS Birthday Party ©️ EAAFP Secretariat

As the joyful day came to an end, participants gathered to sing songs about the Black-faced Spoonbill, including a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday. The event succeeded not only in celebrating the milestone of another successful year of the BFS breeding at Spoonbill Island, Namdong Reservoir but also in promoting a sense of community ownership and the importance of collective actions to protect this endangered species. Through art, music, and interactive activities, the Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party left a lasting impact, inspiring attendees to continue their efforts in conserving this magnificent bird and its habitat as a vital part of Korean natural heritage.