First Annual Yosemite Birding Festival in April

The non-profit Yosemite Association will hold its first annual Yosemite Birding Festival from April 23-25 in Yosemite Valley. The festival, a celebration of Yosemite birds and wildlife, offers participants workshops, programs, and field trips with talented birders and naturalists amid stunning park scenery. The distinguished list of presenters and ornithologists includes Ted Beedy, Keith Hansen, David Lukas, Jeff Maurer, Dave DeSante, Simone Whitecloud, and David Yee, along with a number of National Park Service rangers.

The festival begins with "Birding the Width of the Golden State," an optional excursion with David Lukas and Simone Whitecloud to observe birds in a variety of habitats from the San Francisco Bay Area to Yosemite. The weekend, geared for birders from beginner to advanced, will feature programs on bird identification, art, the wildlife of Yosemite, photography, and more. Book signings, receptions, ranger walks, and music will round out the event.

Sample offerings are "Identifying Yosemite Raptors," "Birding with a Ranger," "The Art of the Birds of the Sierra Nevada," and "Wildlife Photography Walks." Programs topics will not be limited to birds, as naturalists will discuss Yosemite waterfalls, natural history, wildflowers, and more. Approximately five half-day field trips will be offered both Saturday and Sunday.

The fee for the festival weekend, which includes access to all programs and a welcome reception, is $102 for Yosemite Association members and $120 for non-members. Proceeds from the program directly benefit Yosemite National Park. To enroll, call (209) 379-2321 or visit http://www.yosemite.org/seminars/BirdFestival.htm.

The non-profit Yosemite Association is celebrating its 80th year of supporting the park through its publishing, membership, outdoor adventures, volunteer, and other programs.