The Morro Bay Bird Festival will return to the San Luis Obispo area this weekend for its 29th run. The festival offers a host of events, ranging from bird-watching on kayaks in Morro Bay to visiting a beaver brigade in Atascadero, according to the festival’s website.
The event ranks fifth in the nation’s bird festivals due to the Central Coast’s location along the bird migration path and the region’s overall tourism attraction, said Susie Reddy, the festival’s Community Outreach and Marketing Committee Member.
“I think our festival is impressive because of the location,” Reddy said. “People coming to our festival can feel confident when they get here there’s going to be a lot of birds.”
The festival attracts locals and visitors from across the country. Last year’s bird festival saw crowds from over 35 states, Reddy said.
With over 260 events including guided bird walks, owl-spotting trips and workshops dedicated to teaching people about birding, the festival is designed for everyone.
Max Roberts, a former Cal Poly ornithology teaching associate, served as a trip leader for last year’s festival. Roberts recommends the festival for experienced birders as well as those hoping to spread their wings.
“Morro Bay is a one of a kind place for birds,” Roberts said. “There’s just huge numbers of birds that are hard to find elsewhere. And there’s also a great diversity too. It’s not just the birders coming here from all over the states, it’s the birds too.”
One free event, the Community Family Day, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Morro Bay Community Center. The event will feature hands-on activities and crafts to allow those of all ages to enjoy all birding offers. Family Day runs from 10 a.m to 2 p.m and is open to the public.
The festival also offers a discounted student pass and allows volunteers to attend for free.