Bluebird Watch
Boise, ID; all summer
Want an up-close look at Mountain and Western bluebirds? Golden Eagle Audubon’s founding member Al Larson relies on a dedicated team of volunteers to help monitor hundreds of bluebird boxes in southeastern Idaho for this 30-year-old project.
More info: goldeneagleaudubon.org/Larson-Bluebird-Trail
Summer Bat Walks
Irvine, CA; Fridays and Saturdays through September
As night falls over the sage-covered slopes of Irvine in late summer, baby bats emerge with their mamas to hunt insects. Take an evening hike with Sea & Sage Audubon Society and get the scoop on the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary’s two resident species: the Mexican free-tailed bat and the Yuma myotis.
More info: seaandsageaudubon.org/BatInformation/batwalkssummer.htm
Audubon Art and Craft Festival
Hawley, PA; July 18-19
The finest art and craft show in the Poconos, sponsored by Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society, only comes around once a year. This family-friendly affair has something for everyone: a live wildlife show, ice sculpting exhibit, and, of course, photographs, illustrations, and more from leading wildlife artists.
More info: audubonfestival.com
Tucson Bird and Wildlife Festival
Tucson, AZ; August 12-16
Southeast Arizona is known for its ravishing birds, including the Gilded Flicker and the Red-faced Warbler. See the desert in all its glory at Tucson Arizona’s fifth annual festival. Up for a challenge? Sign up for the Sky Islands Birding Cup and compete to observe the most species in 24 hours, while raising funds for conservation.
More info: tucsonaudubon.org/festhome.html
Shorebird Saturday
San Antonio, TX; August 29
Ditch the beach and head to the wetlands at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. You’re guaranteed to spot a world-class lineup of shorebirds, and may even catch migrating Wilson’s Phalaropes spinning on the water to create whirlpools that stir up fuel-rich invertebrates. Watch hummingbirds from the center’s porch while the kids enjoy crafts and games indoors.
More info: mitchelllake.audubon.org
Midwest Birding Symposium
Bay City, MI; September 10-13
This not-just-birding event, organized by Michigan Audubon and other groups, is held every other year in the early flashes of fall. It promises morning trips to Lake Huron to observe waterfowl and raptors, and balances recreation with more cerebral sessions, like a John James Audubon reenactment and native plants talk.
More info: midwestbirding.org