Outdoors enthusiasts welcomed the eagerly awaited grand opening of Perico Preserve on Saturday, which also was International Migratory Bird Day, highlighting the preserve's chief purpose as a bird rookery and reserve.

Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. released two rehabilitated birds, a red shouldered hawk and an osprey, to celebrate the preserve's opening, followed by a ribbon cutting by Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie, elected officials, and staff from the county's Parks and Natural Resources Department.

Over the past 10 years, the county has preserved 1,000 acres of land, he said.

The department restored the former farmland to its native state; farming began on the property in the 1930s, and a vegetable stand operated into the 1970s on Manatee Avenue where the entrance to the new preserve is located. The preserve has been under construction for six years.

Visitors toured the 1.5-mile shell and boardwalk trail on the 176-acre preserve, some with guides from the county, and were delighted by a bird blind, designed for birdwatchers and photographers, and the bird rookery island, the main feature of the preserve.

Shaded swing benches overlook fresh and saltwater marshes. Dry uplands provide habitat for relocated gopher tortoises. Shady trails will be comfortable for summer walkers. And the preserve has a Monet-like pond, with water lilies and a bridge, which already has drawn several bird species.

From a boardwalk, visitors can see Robinson Preserve across Perico Bayou; the two preserves create a wildlife corridor for many species of animals and birds.

To protect wildlife, dogs are not allowed at Perico Preserve, and bicycles are limited to certain areas; both are allowed at Robinson Preserve.