Bird Fest: It's a Festivus for the Rest of Us

From a press release:

Bird Fest, an inaugural event featuring a host of free activities, will be held Sat. Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center. Bird enthusiasts and newbies alike are invited to celebrate all things bird.

“Our first-ever Bird Fest is going to be fantastic, with something for everyone,” said Sophia Wong, store and events manager for the Western National Parks Association, nonprofit partner of the National Park Service (NPS).

“This is an excellent opportunity to meet many local representatives of environmental and bird-friendly organizations,” Wong said.

Guided bird walks will take place at 9, 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m. (the 10 a.m. walk is geared toward families with young children). Live bird presentations will take place at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

Expert speakers will make presentations on the hour, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Presentation topics include beginner birding tips, how climate change will impact birds and the future of the California condor. Detailed information on speakers can be found at http://1.usa.gov/Zcu0Ne.
The event and parking are free. A food truck will be on hand for those interested in purchasing food.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center is located on the grounds of King Gillette Ranch at 26876 Mulholland Hwy., just east of Las Virgenes Road. For further information, contact 805-370-2302 or samo@wnpa.org.

The event is co-sponsored by the Audubon Society, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the National Park Service and the Western National Parks Association.

PHOTO: This photo of a Western bluebird is one of many that will be on display at the first-ever Bird Fest of the Santa Monica Mountains on October 18. The event will also include guided bird walks, live bird presentations and expert presentations. Courtesy of Dave Collins.