The 17th annual San Diego Bird Festival begins on Thursday, February 28th and runs through Sunday, March 3rd. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Direct of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Special guest, Bill Thompson III, editor of Birdwatcher’s Digest, will also be there.
The San Diego Bird Festival hosts several events and lectures throughout the weekend. There will be many walks and field trips to various parts of San Diego County including the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, kayaking in San Diego Bay, Bicycling along the San Diego River, birding along the border, and many others. Lectures and classes include an introduction in bird journaling, identifying shorebirds, musical entertainment, and a bird calling workshop. Registration online is currently closed, however one can still register in person, but space is available on a first come, first served basis.
On Sunday, March 3rd, there will be a Family Free Day where no registration is required. Many of the activities are kid friendly and family oriented. Project Wildlife will have a lecture called “Meet the Raptors” with live raptors. There will also be another “Raptor Rap” lecture later on in the day by Sky Hunters. Normandie Wilson will be presenting a “Beginning Bird Art” workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies, but supplies will be on hand for those who need it. There will also be bird calling classes, a puppet, show, and a singing story time, among other activities, specifically designed for kids. Outdoors, near the San Diego River bike path, there will be a “Big Sit” where a circle is drawn and a record is kept of all the species seen, while one is standing in that circle, in that single day. The “Big Sit” takes place all day long and several dozen species are often reported. Of course, the birding optics expo is open to everyone during the entire duration of the festival.
The San Diego Bird Festival is based in Marina Village, though field trips take place elsewhere. The village is located at 1936 Quivira Way in the Mission Bay area. Signs will be located throughout the area directing people to the location. For more information, visit the San Diego Audubon Website at www.sandiegoaudubon.org. Inquiries should be sent to birdfest@cox.net.
Comments