Time to get to know your feathered-neighbors, SoCal. After all, they have been flapping, flying, swooping and singing all around you as you drive the freeways, shop the malls and grab a Starbucks. Isn’t it time you slowed down for a bird meet-and-greet?
More than 50 nature and bird-themed events will take place May 6, the official BirdLA Day when Angelenos are encouraged to get out and get birdy. From Castaic Lake to Long Beach, bird-lovers will be leading walks and talks as well as yoga set to bird soundscapes, bird-themed cocktails and other avian activities. Almost all activities are free, so really, there’s no excuse to not get outdoors on Saturday.
Maybe it’s because Los Angeles has a complex landscapes (beaches, deserts, mountains, wetlands, chaparral, etc.) that attracts the 500 different bird species regularly found here. That number makes SoCal one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Yes. THE WORLD.
No experience birding? No binoculars? No problem. Many BirdLA events are geared to neophytes who may gingerly begin a bird walk but who’ll leave standing tall and proud with a bigger bird brain.
Young children and families will also be welcomed at many locations that are geared to hook the pint-sized crew on a love of birding. There’s a bonus for parents: birders HAVE to be quiet!
The BirdLA website is easily divided into geographic locations so you can plan your birding adventure…or adventures.
Not all events are outside – the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena will encourage visitors to discover birds in some of the museum’s collections followed by crafting a mixed media nest for a feathered friend. You can also tour the International Bird Rescue in San Pedro to see how trained staff and volunteers care and rehab injured birds. Add a little art to your birding and learn how to fold origami birds at the Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley.
All in all, Bird is differently the Word on May 6.
