The Bird Fest Planning Committee extends a warm welcome to everyone in our region’s conservation community to come and enjoy the campus at Wenatchee River Institute on Saturday, May 20 from 3:30-5:00pm. We will gather in person on the lovely grounds along the Wenatchee River, where white-headed woodpeckers also hang out. Stop in to say hello to friends, old and new, who support our festival’s vision to promote conservation through educational and recreational activities about birds, wildlife, and their environments. Bring your family and friends! All are welcome - drop by anytime!

Here are 10 good reasons to mark your calendar:

- Get up-close and personal with a magnificent bird-of-prey. Meet Ellensburg Falconer, Clifford Kellogg, and his Merlin, Kestrel, and Red-Shouldered Hawk (3:30-4:00pm).

- Greet the 2023 Keynote Speaker, Dr. John Marzluff, professor, biologist, and author. Meet the 2022 Keynote Speaker, Derek Sheffield, professor, poet, and author. A Book For All Seasons will sponsor a book display, sales table, and author signing.

- Check out the WingSpan board game table to watch or join this popular game.

- Enjoy free small bites as you mingle with other local conservation-minded folks. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.

- Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones! People who like birds are usually super nice.

- View the winning bird photographs from the 2022 Audubon Photography Awards. There are 11 photographs, all 30” X 40” prints on display inside the River Haus.

- Raise a glass to thank over 90 volunteers who helped with the festival. Our volunteers will enjoy a free drink and a round of applause for their essential work to make our festival fly.

- Come early for Family Day activities (10am–2pm), or stop by the open house at Derby Canyon Natives plant nursery (2-4pm).

- Stick around for the Birder's BBQ dinner at 5pm and Dr. John Marzluff’s Keynote Presentation at 7pm!

Check out more Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest happenings at the link below. Happy birding!

Photo credit: Janet Bauer