Flocking to Fairchild for the Annual Bird Festival

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is once again celebrating its feathered friends at the annual Bird-Festival, presented in partnership with the Tropical Audubon Society, from October 3-4, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Visitors can learn all about birds and their habitats with energizing bird walks, dynamic lectures from birding experts, bird-attracting plant sales, and interactions with special avian guests.

South Florida is a bird haven during the fall and winter months, welcoming dozens of migratory species to its warm climate. One of the best ways to see them is a guided birding tour. In addition to two days of on-site tours at Fairchild, the Tropical Audubon Society will lead two days of off-site tours on October 1-2 before the festival, registration is required here.

For more ways to see the amazing diversity of bird species, stop by the festival booths of local organizations presenting fun encounters with birds from around the world.

James A. Kushlan Keynote Speaker Kenn Kaufman, author of "Kingbird  Highway" and winner of the American Birding Association's lifetime achievement award, will take guests through a vicarious journey of his many cross-country birding travels during his lecture. Other notable speakers include Brian Rapoza, Joe Barros, Nils Navarro, and Angel and Mariel Abreu.

Held in conjunction with the Bird Festival, the 77th Annual Member's Day 
Plant Sale features plants grown by Fairchild horticulturists. A garden tradition, the sale is held in appreciation of Fairchild Members who help support the growth of the garden. This year's offerings include native South Florida plants, butterfly attractors, fragrant varieties, and more.

Winners of Fairchild's "Birds of South Florida" Photo Contests will be announced before the Keynote Lecture on Saturday. Be sure to check out the top 20 entries displayed digitally throughout the garden and on social media.

The Bird Festival is made possible by the generous support of the James A. Kushlan Bird Conservation Program at Fairchild.

Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, $12 for children 6-17, and free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables.

For more info, please call 305-667-1651 or visit Fairchildgarden.org/Bird-Festival.