There are few places in California better to witness the wonder of spring migration than the Audubon Kern River Preserve. It's not exactly easy to get there, but if you're a nature fan, it's well worth the trip. And there's no better time to visit the Preserve than during our annual spring festival on April 21. Look below the fold for the schedule and other details. We hope to see you there!

7 am. Early Birding Walk at Kern River Preserve Headquarters - The birding is excellent at Kern River Preserve in the spring.  On this walk you will have a good chance to see Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Red-shouldered Hawk, Western Bluebird, Tri-colored Blackbird and many other species.

8 am. Red-tailed Hawk Trail - See wildlife, Native American grinding holes, Fay Creek and scenic views of one of the finest riparian forests left in California as you make this moderately difficult climb to a scenic overlook.

9 am to 3 pm. Information Booth – Staff and volunteers will keep you informed about this event and the Kern River Preserve.  Stop in an buy a t-shirt or learn how to become a supporter of Kern River Preserve.

9 am. Bird Walk at Kern River Preserve Headquarters - The Kern River Preserve is beautiful in the spring.  On this naturalist led walk we will visit the river forest to see many species of birds and wildlife.

9 am to 1 pm. Upper Kern River Watershed Coordinator with Desert Mountain RC&D Council will be holding a Water Wise Fire Wise Native Plant Sale and Irrigation Efficiency Workshop.

Facility for Care and Treatment of Animals - Cares for and rehabilitates injured wildlife here in Kern County.  It’s tough out there and wild animals need all the help they can get especially when they are sick or injured. See a live animal demonstration by people who care enough to care for animals.

Student Conservation Association, Desert Restoration Corps – display highlighting work with the Bureau of Land Management to protect sensitive areas and restore habitats in the Mojave Desert that have been impacted Off Highway Vehicles.

10:00 am to noon. Careful Field Observation. Bob Barnes, noted birder/teacher, will guide in the field. Gain tips for enjoying birds through leisurely in-depth observation, enhancing ID skills, and learning bird sounds. Equal success for absolute beginner/novice to intermediate/expert birders, teachers, trip leaders.

10 am. Junior Rangers Program – Volunteers Birdie Foster and Debbie Campbell will lead kids of all ages and their parents through the Junior Naturalist Program.  This is a great way to learn about our Preserve’s wildlife and our conservation mission.

Picnic Lunch – bring some food and refreshments to enjoy while you visit.

1 pm.  Music with Out of the Blue –Listen to lovely music from a local band with deep roots and an abiding love for the people and natural wonders of the Kern River Valley.

2 pm – Natural History and Habitat Restoration Walk – See what 25 years of habitat restoration has resulted in and how it benefits wildlife at the Kern River Preserve.

All Events are at Kern River Preserve – 18747 Hwy 178, Weldon, California, 93283. 

For directions and general information on Audubon’s Kern River Preserve please visit our webpage at – http://kern.audubon.org, email rtollefson@audubon.org or call (760) 378.2531.