Take Flight this Weekend at Puget Sound Bird Fest

Last night was the opening night ceremony for the 2011 Puget Sound Bird Fest, but if you missed it don’t get your feathers in a ruffle—there are still two more days full of aviary activity.

Initially held in May, in conjunction with International Migratory Bird Day, the festival now occurs in September to take advantage of the late-summer weather and calm winds. This year is no exception, as the forecast calls for hot weather through the entire weekend.

Held throughout Edmonds, the six-year-old Bird Fest consists of speakers, guided walks, land and water-based field trips, exhibits and educational activities for children and adults, and a tour of certified backyard wildlife habitats. Everything from bird photography to a live raptor demonstration will be happening in various locations around Edmonds.

Visitors will learn about the thriving wildlife population living in and around Edmonds, and learn about the importance of birds in their life and yard. Self-guided tours include registered Backyard Wildlife Habitat yards, and guided tours will occur at Yost Park, Willow Creek, Point Edwards and Edmonds Marsh.

Young bird enthusiasts can play the Migration Game, trying to help their flock migrate, while learning about how the consequences they make in their daily lives affect the habitats around them. Kids can also dissect owl pellets, play with various bird puppets, and do bird-related arts and crafts.

Gather your flock and head out to one of the great Puget Sound Bird Fest activities this weekend—and enjoy the sun, because it won’t last forever. Don't forget to print off a Bird of Edmonds checklist, and keep those binoculars handy.

For complete details on classes, locations, class prices and schedule visit the official website.