Visitors can discover the world of birds by learning all about these feathered friends at Sam A. Baker State Park on Saturday, May 30. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be held at the day use area starting at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
This birding festival will feature live bird presentations, guided bird watches, activities and crafts for the whole family. Throughout the day from 3 to 7 p.m., there will be activities and crafts that will cover such topics as migration, hunting game birds and bird behavior. Members of the East Ozarks Audubon Society will also provide guided bird walks; identifying and pointing out birds that call Missouri home.
A new feature this year will be a falconer with her live raptors on display. Guests will learn all about this hobby and more during this fun-filled festival.
Bird merchandise will also be available for purchase throughout the day. Food and entertainment by the Shoestring Band will be available from 6-7 p.m.
Guests will wrap up the event with the Raptor Awareness Program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. The program will cover information about birds of prey during a live bird presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis, featuring the raptors of Missouri, such as hawks, owls and falcons.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-856-4514. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.