Birding Festival to be held in Junction April 27-29

The Birding Festival will be held on April 27-29, all day, at South Llano River State Park, U.S. 377 Park Road 73 in Junction.

This festival will feature guided bird walks, including golden-cheeked warbler walks and Birding the Riparian, and will 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 that 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,” said Holly Platz, park interpreter. “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.

Festival registration is $65 per person, with a maximum of 80 participants. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/slrspbirdingfestival, or email southllanoriverbirdingfestival@gmail.com.