Ladd Marsh Bird Festival – LaGrande, Oregon

The festival opens Friday night with music (original songs about birds and birding) by the Odd Strings followed by a presentation by Mark Obmascik, author of “The Big Year” and “Halfway to Heaven.” Beginning Saturday morning and through weekend, the wildlife area is open to birding and exploration. From 6:00 am to noon on Saturday, six stations will be staffed by local birders to assist visitors with finding and identifying birds. Also at the birding stations, artists sponsored by Art Center East will be painting or sketching plein air. Kid’s activities, including building a birdhouse, coloring a canvas tote and the Junior Birder program will be available from 9:00 am–3:00 pm. Also on Saturday, take in an afternoon bird walk, a live raptor presentation by Blue Mountain Wildlife and information on native plants for birds. On and off-site field trips Saturday and Sunday wrap up the weekend. Registration for the Festival is free but is required in order to receive your permit to be on portions of the wildlife area normally closed to entry. For more information see www.friendsofladdmarsh.org and click on the Bird Festival tab.