From March 1st to the 4th, 2012, the San Diego Audubon Society will host one of the largest bird festivals on the west coast. The 16th Annual San Diego Bird Festival attracts visitors from all over the world to participate in birding related activities. These activities include pelagic boat trips, bicycle birding, field trips, lectures, workshops, and social activities.
This year's keynote speaker will be Kenn Kaufman, field editor for Audubon magazine as well as a contributor to several other birding magazines. Mr. Kaufman is well known for his birding activities and has published several books on the subject. He and his wife also have a blog, Birding with Kenn and Kimberly. Mrs. Kaufman is also a regular contributor to the Birding is Fun blog. Also speaking is Richard Crossley, author of the Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds, and The Shorebird Guide. He will also be leading some workshops on shorebird ID and lead a walk to the San Diego River Estuary.
Festival registration is a non-refundable $20 and there are separate costs and registration for each workshop or activity. Festival registration is done either online or by mail. Registration is free to children under 12. Some activities are available at no extra charge. Several activities are outside the area and will require an entire day's time. For example, there are activities out in the Anza-Borrego Desert that start at 5:30AM and last until sunset. Most activities take place where there are no places to eat, so it's best to bring a lunch, or purchase a lunch for $10. Registration for individual activities can be done in person at the registration area in Marina Village. Many events fill up quick.
A free family fun day takes place on the last day of the festival, Sunday, March 4th. On this day, there will be a bird artwork workshop, raptor workshop, and a few other workshops geared towards families. Also, there is a birding and optics expo open to the public every day from 12PM to 5PM. These activities all take place in Marina Village in the Mission Bay area.
From I-5, taken the Sea World Drive exit to West Mission Bay Drive. When you see the Quivera Road sign, get in the the more left of the two left-turn lanes and turn left. Marina Village will be on your right.
From the I-8, head west and take the West Mission Bay Drive exit on the right. It will turn into Ingraham Street, but take the next exit marked West Mission Bay to your right. Continue and follow the directions listed for I-5 above. A map of the area can be seen here.
For more information, registration, and exact times and cost for activities, visit the event's page on San Diego Audubon's website.
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