Spring is here and the birds are moving from their wintering grounds in Central and South America to the breeding grounds North America.

Spring will be short this year so get out and enjoy the Kern River Preserve.

6:00 AM-Early Birding Walk to Migrant Corner Trail- Many bird species can be found during the spring migration moving through the forest canopy from this spectacular overlook. Under the right conditions hundreds of warblers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Tanagers and other species can be seen in a morning and wildflower diversity is always good.

8:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Bird and Nature Walk with Alison Sheehey- The nature trails at the Kern River Preserve are beautiful in the spring.   Take this walk with Alison who will lead you to the river forest and to see a wide variety of birds and wildlife.

8:00 AM to 3:00 PM- Information and Education Booths and Displays -Staff and volunteers will keep you informed about this event and the Kern River Preserve.  Stop in and buy a t-shirt or learn how to become a supporter of the Kern River Preserve. We have T-shirts with beautiful bird art work by John Schmitt and other artist in many sizes.

10:00 AM to Noon - Children’s Activities – Kern Audubon Chapter members will have nature art projects for child to enjoy.

10:30 AM - Bird Walk.  Lee Sutton, a local naturalist will lead a bird walk at the preserve headquarters.  There are some great birds out there and we will help you find them!

12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Picnic Lunch and Live Music.  Bring your Lunch and blanket, buy a treat from the Kern River Environmental magnet School kids and listen to Live Music. Sit in the shade and enjoy the Preserve and music while having a leisurely lunch.

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Out of the Blue, bluegrass music played with a passion for the local environment.

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Banshee in the Kitchen-plays Celtic music with eclectic skill and merry abandon.

Information Booths:  U.S. Forest Service, Friends of the Condor Wild & Free, Sequoia ForestKeeper, Kern River Valley Environmental Magnet School (KREM) – Bake Sale, Facility for Animal Care and Treatment, Kerncrest and Kern Audubon Chapters, Desert Mountain RC&D, Watershed Coordinator.

All events start at Kern River Preserve HQ/Visitor Center-18747 Hwy 178, Weldon, California 93283.  For directions and general information on Audubon’s Kern River Preserve please visit our webpage or e-mail swieser [at] audubon.org or call 760-378-2531.

Photo of Nashville Warbler by Dan Pancamo.