May 23, 2015 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost:
12/15

Additional Information

River Bend Nature Center will host BirdFest, a hands-on celebration of the spring return of Minnesota’s wild birds, on Saturday, May 23rd from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m..

BirdFest is a family-friendly event with bird fun for young and old, fledgling birders and experts, and everyone in between. The morning includes a variety of bird activities. Licensed bird banders will show you how they catch, band, and release birds and tell you why it is important to band and track birds. Participants may have an opportunity to assist the bird banders and hold one of the birds. Young birders may make their own bird feeder at the bird crafts station. Guided birding and nature excursions with an experienced local birder will be offered as well, so don’t forget your binoculars!

The morning will culminate with a keynote presentation on “Birds of Prey” by the Raptor Center at 11:00 a.m. The Raptor Center, part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, rescues and rehabilitates injured and ill raptors and educates the public about these magnificent hunters and scavengers. Several of the Raptor Center’s education birds will be present for visitors to see up close and watch in action.

Registration for BirdFest is preferred but not required. The cost for the entire morning is $15 ($12 for River Bend members). The cost for the Raptor Center “Birds of Prey” show only is $7 ($5 for River Bend members). For more information or to register, please visit River Bend’s website at shop.rbnc.org/birdfest or call 507-332-7151.