The Magazine of The Sierra Club
You thought the holiday season was over, didn’t you? But we haven’t observed National Bird Day yet! Every year on January 5, avid bird lovers celebrate their passion for these flightful beings in events held throughout the U.S. We know, there’s a lot of pressure to have big plans for Bird Day and perhaps all you want to do is sit around and watch bird-related movies (if so, check out the 10th item on our list for an event that won't require you to leave the couch). However, if you find yourself itching to get out of the house for the festivities, we’ve searched tirelessly to find 10 of the best Bird Day events from across the country.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Children in grades K-5 (and their bird-fanatic parents) are invited to visit the Sahara West Public Library’s National Bird Day event. From 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Sunday, January 5, kids can gather for stories, bird-watching, games, and crafts, all devoted to our friends in the sky.
Kent City, Michigan: The Howard Christensen Nature Center is also celebrating Bird Day this year. On Saturday, January 4, families will have the chance to go on a bird count hike and make festive birdseed creations from 1 to 3 pm.
Memphis, Tennessee: On January 4, starting at 11:30 am, anyone who will be in or near Memphis should head over to the Children’s Museum of Memphis for their Bird Day celebration. People of all ages are encouraged to talk about different bird species and even make their own little bird to take home as a souvenir.
Middlebury, Vermont: The Birds of Vermont Museum happens to be holding the Middlebury Christmas bird count on National Bird Day. Although it is not directly affiliated with the holiday, those nearby can take the opportunity to get their fill of the feathery friends with the museum.
Palo Alto, California: Celebrate by giving back with Save the Bay, an organization dedicated to restoring and celebrating the San Francisco Bay. On January 5, Save the Bay and the City of Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve invite people to volunteer at the Palo Alto Baylands and plant native species that will help native birds find shelter, food, and nesting materials during winter.
Ponca, Nebraska: Ponca State Park is holding a day of festivities on January 5 that is sure to please any avian addict. Celebrate the park’s declaration as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society with fun activities guaranteed throughout the day.
Logan, Ohio: The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is offering a special day of bird-related activities on the big day itself. Start the day hiking with a complimentary birding guide to point out interesting species, and continue to enjoy the birds after your stay with the gift of a birding book and calming music with birdsongs.
Cambridge, Massachusetts: Although Curious George is not a bird, The World’s Only Curious George Store is honoring National Bird Day with a bird-themed story hour on January 3 from 10:30 to 11 am. After the stories, children and families can stay for coloring and crafts to celebrate these beautiful creatures.
Edgemere, Maryland: North Point State Park is joining in on the fun with a celebration featuring local raptors. On January 5 from 1 to 2 pm, people are welcome to learn about these birds and take part in the festivities.
Anywhere! Even if you won’t be able to attend any of these National Bird Day events, there’s another way to celebrate. Quinta Mazatlan, an urban sanctuary in McAllen, Texas, is holding an online eBird workshop with a naturalist. On January 11, those interested will be able to contribute to the conversation with their own interesting bird sightings.
Is there a National Bird Day event in your area? Tell us in the comments section.
--Image via iStockphoto/StephenSchwartz
Jessica Zischke is an editorial intern at Sierra. She is currently studying environmental studies at Dartmouth College, where she also works as a staff writer for The Dartmouth newspaper.
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