The Eagle River – Blue Rapids Parks council says they are pleased to present the 2024 Hello Birds Festival.
Organizers say many bird-themed events have been planned for May 2 – 11.
“We have a yearly bird count that we do and this year we decided to try to get the ball rolling a little early with a few extra birding events prior to the bird count,” says Kathy Schwengler, organizer with the Parks Council.
On Thursday, May 2, the Drayton Valley Library will be hosting a bird-themed movie night. Organizers say they will be showing the film The Big Year, which is about three men competing for the coveted prize of “Birder of the Year” and stars Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Steve Martin.
Rita Fowell, another organizer with the Parks Council says, “It’s a bird-themed movie of course and they’ll provide the popcorn!”
On Friday, May 3, the Hello Birds Kickoff Party will be held at the Pembina Nordic Centre from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Organizers say there will be activities such as a guided bird walk and bird trivia. Admission to the kickoff party is free.
“Also, we’re going to talk about binoculars,” says Schwengler. “You’ll be able to try out different binoculars and we’ve got different spotting scopes you can look at. Then we’ll do a bit of a guided bird walk and finish the evening with bird trivia and snacks.”
Residents are encouraged to join Chuck Priestley with the Alberta Kestrel Project on Thursday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m., also at the Pembina Nordic Centre. Organizers say Priestley will be giving a presentation on the migration pattern, diet and behaviours of the American Kestrel. Admission to this presentation is free.
The Seventh Annual Eagle Point Bird Count will be happening on Saturday, May 11 in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day and Global Big Day. Organizers say residents can count birds in their own backyards, or join in the self-drive bird tour as it visits communities around town. Officials say no birding experience is necessary to join in the event, and that the Bird Count is limited to a 50 km radius from the Town of Drayton Valley.
“There are different ways to get involved, you can count birds, you can watch a movie or you can come to one of our educational programs,” says Schwengler.
More information on the 2024 Hello Birds festival can be found on the Eagle River – Blue Rapids Parks Council Website.
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