Since migratory birds are by nature on the move, it's hard to observe an International Migratory Bird Day that is timed perfectly for every spot on earth.
In the U.S. and Canada, IMBD officially takes place on the second Saturday in May, and some metro Atlanta and close-by nature spots are observing the occasion this Saturday even though the migration of many of our fine-feathered friends has already peaked locally.
Still, if you like birds and birders, here are a trio of local events worth getting outside on Saturday:
- Fernbank Science Center hosts its first Bird Festival from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring ongoing bird walks in Fernbank Forest, a pristine 65-acre tract of mature hardwoods that is unmatched inside the well-developed city.
Visitors can learn about the importance of native plants for birds and other wildlife, how to compost and how to use binoculars. There is also a bird house contest (rules: www.fernbank.edu/birdday/rules.htm).
The Bird Festival is free. 156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta. 678-874-7102, www.fernbank.edu.
- At the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, master birder Stacy Zarpentine will lead an 8-10 a.m. bird walk for those 16 and older, and the Nature Exchange offers nature lovers of all ages bird-watching activities, crafts and hikes throughout the day.
The nature center comprises 127 acres alongside the Chattahoochee River, featuring native plants and gardens. It boasts a river boardwalk, discovery center, wetland demonstration gardens and woodland trails that are home to 50-plus species of injured, non-releasable wildlife.
Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3-12. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055, www.chattnaturecenter.org.
- At Red Top Mountain State Park in Cartersville, birding expert Victor Williams will lead a bird walk through the park, starting at 8 a.m. from the Mountain Cove Discovery Center in the park office.
The 1,776-acre park features 12 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed 1860s home site, including a log cabin and blacksmith shop, and a small beach on 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona.
50 Lodge Road S.E. (I-75, exit 285, less than an hour north of Atlanta). Walk is free, $5 parking. 770-975-0055, www.gastateparks.org/redtopmountain.
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