[Posted by Chuck Almdale]

Birding festivals were very popular for many years. Then Covid-19 hit and the idea of getting together in large groups to talk about your hobby or vocation kind of went out the window, and they just…stopped. Our blog site still has a page devoted to California bird festivals which I diligently maintained for over a decade. I haven’t updated it since 2019, and the page still shows “26-Mar 1 Wed – Sun 2020: 24th Annual San Diego Bay Bird Festival.” But for Covid-19 this coming festival would probably read “30th Annual…” If I had learned of it earlier, I would have posted this earlier.

I encourage every birder in the area to go to this festival if you have the time free. If you have only one or two days free, you can probably sign up for a bird walk on those days. If you’ve never been to a bird festival, they are lots of fun with artwork and books and ‘stuff’ to buy, lectures to attend, dinners, bird walks led by local experts. It’s a tremendous bang for your birding buck. Meet other birders, see new birds, learn a lot.

Read more about it at San Diego Bird Festival, where you can also view their programs and register.
Or just Signup!
Or see their entire program!

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Here’s an announcement I swiped off an email from Pasadena Audubon Society website.

San Diego Bird Festival Invites Nature Lovers to Marina Village:
“Where Passion Takes Flight”

SAN DIEGO, CA. The San Diego Bird Alliance is proud to announce the return of the San Diego Bird Festival, scheduled from February 25 to March 1, 2026, at the Marina Village Conference Center in Mission Bay. This premier five-day celebration centered around the theme “Where Passion Takes Flight” invites birders of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels to explore the region’s unique biodiversity.

The 2026 festival features an expanded lineup of world-class keynote speakers across iconic San Diego venues. Highlights include Jason Hall at Festival HQ, Makeda Dread Cheatom and Marilú Lopez-Fretts at the WorldBeat Cultural Center, Dexter Patterson at the San Diego Natural History Museum, and birding legend Kenn Kaufman at the Hyatt Regency.

“Our keynote series anchors each day, offering fresh perspectives on birds, culture, creativity, and conservation,” says the festival team. Beyond presentations, the festival offers high-demand “Signature Programs” such as Pelagic Birding trips, Birding the Border excursions, and the 100 or More Challenge.

New “Awe-Factor” programs debuting in 2026 include:

• A Walk with the Raptors: An exclusive outing with Sky Falconry featuring close-up encounters with birds of prey.
• Birding Beyond Binoculars: A nature journaling masterclass focused on mindful observation.
• 1st Annual Bird Film Festival: Featuring the debut of the documentary Hawkwatch.
• Walk, Roll, and Stroll: An accessible outing designed for mobility, sensory, and cognitive needs.

The festival also fosters a vibrant social community with daily gatherings at the Uncommon Saloon, featuring local craft beer and bird trivia. Families are encouraged to join the Free Community Days at Marina Village or attend the Bird-day Cake celebration on Sunday, March 1, to close the event.

Visit www.sandiegobirdfestival.org for more information. Early registration is highly recommended for limited-capacity trips and keynotes.