While this event is a long way from Williamson County, South Llano River State Park is known for its excellent birding. Mary PearlMeuth shared this with the TMN ListServe for the entire state to see.
JUNCTION – South Llano River State Park is excited to announce its First Annual Birding Festival, sponsored by the Friends of South Llano River State Park, to be held Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29th, 2018.
The Festival will feature guided bird walks, including Golden-cheeked Warbler walks and Birding the Riparian, and will also offer guided photography sessions in the park’s four popular bird blinds. On Saturday afternoon, the festival will offer a live birds of prey presentation by Last Chance Forever, a Bird Call presentation by a young birder, a Beginners’ Bird Walk, and vendor and information tables. Sunday morning will include more bird walks, and a Big Sit! as part of the Great Texas Birding Classic.
More than 250 species of birds have been observed at the park, including sought-after species such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, both federally endangered birds which nest in the park. “We are so excited to showcase the terrific birding at our park and its beautiful bird blinds during one of the busiest bird migration weekends of the year,” says Park Interpreter Holly Platz. “The park is very unique for birding, because it offers such varied habitat.”
During the Festival, guided walks will offer participants a chance at spotting new bird species for their lists, and ample “free time” between walks and presentations will provide visitors with a chance to enjoy the park’s popular bird blinds, each meticulously cared for by park volunteers and staff.
“We hope that bringing a festival like this to the park and the city of Junction will highlight the area’s biodiversity,” says Park Superintendent Scott Whitener. “Birding along the South Llano River is top notch and attracts visitors from all over the world.”
Festival registration is $65 per person, with a maximum of 80 participants. Registration fees will go towards supporting future birdwatching events at the park. For more information about this event and how to register, please see the Festival’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/slrspbirdingfestival, or email [email protected] for a registration packet.
Sent on behalf of Hill Country Chapter Member.