DonateMay “Bird Month” is Celebrated with Family Fun Activities by Santa Barbara Audubon Society and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Activities Kick Off on Saturday, May 6 at Botanic Garden with New “Family Bird Fest” Including Bird-related Walks, Crafts, Scavenger Hunt, Story Time, Owl Pellet Dissection, Games, and More; Activities Also on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 21
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – May 1, 2023 – The Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (Garden) jointly present family fun activities at the Garden throughout the month of May to celebrate Bird Month. This is the second year the two organizations have collaborated to showcase the relationship between native plants and healthy habitats for the protection and conservation of birds.
Activities kick off with a “Family Bird Fest” on Saturday morning, May 6 with expanded bird-related activities, and continue on Saturdays, May 13 and Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bird Month activities are included in Garden admission, but reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hours-reservations.
“This partnership with the Garden is an ideal opportunity for outreach about the synergistic relationship between native plants and healthy birds. We are thrilled to celebrate bird-friendly gardens with our flock, welcome new members, and build this important community partnership,” shared Katherine Emery, SBAS executive director.
All three dates include bird-centered games and activities about birds and their habitats, such as a Bird Scavenger Hunt throughout the Garden and an owl pellet dissection for kids to discover what nighttime predators eat. Volunteers and staff also offer insights and materials about native plants, why they are important to birds, and how they can be used to create a bird-friendly garden.
The Family Bird Fest on May 6 has expanded activities such as guided bird walks in the Garden, a bird-themed Story Time with a local storyteller, avian crafts including bird masks, and a “draw-what-you-hear” bird call activity.
“By exploring the relationship between plants and birds, we highlight the ways that everyday actions can have big impacts on environmental outcomes. Native plants provide the shelter, nesting material, food, and particularly insects that birds need to survive,” said Scot Pipkin, the Garden’s director of education and engagement. “By planting California’s native plants, we contribute to a global effort for environmental conservation.”
How to Make Garden Reservations
Due to the Garden’s limited parking and increased visitation, advance reservations are required for non-members and recommended for Garden members. Each reservation ensures entry and includes parking for one vehicle. Carpooling is advised. Garden hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last reservation at 4 p.m. Reservations are available by specific date and time at www.sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hours-reservations.
CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:
Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Family Bird Fest at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
A month-long celebration of Bird Month opens with family fun activities including guided bird walks, bird-themed Story Time, avian crafts, Bird Scavenger Hunt, and more. Discover why native plants are important to birds and how to create a bird-friendly garden. Free with Garden admission, reservations required: www.sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hours-reservations.
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May is Bird Month at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Bird-centered games and activities about birds and their habitats, include a Bird Scavenger Hunt and owl pellet dissection for kids to discover what nighttime predators eat. Discover why native plants are important to birds and how to create a bird-friendly garden. Free with Garden admission, reservations required: www.sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hours-reservations.
Sunday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May is Bird Month at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Bird-centered games and activities about birds and their habitats, include a Bird Scavenger Hunt and owl pellet dissection for kids to discover what nighttime predators eat. Discover why native plants are important to birds and how to create a bird-friendly garden. Free with Garden admission, reservations required: www.sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hours-reservations.
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Founded in 1963 when the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Bird Study Group became a chapter of the National Audubon Society, SBAS’s priority is to protect area birdlife. Santa Barbara Audubon Society works to strengthen people’s connection to birds and nature through bird-related presentations and birding events, advocating for the protection of birds and their habitat, and advancing knowledge of birds through community and research-based science. To learn more about SBAS and how you can help our local birds, please visit https://santabarbaraaudubon.org.