Are you interested in learning which birds are in your backyard? Do you want to assist researchers take a snapshot of their populations? You can do both, and more at the 9th annual Bird Fest event.
Bird Fest 2025 is back on Saturday, February 15th from 10 AM-2 PM at the Burien Community Center.
This local family-friendly event is hosted in partnership between the Environmental Science Center (ESC) and the City of Burien. It offers families, friends and neighbors an opportunity to learn about local birds and plants while participating in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. This national community science project encourages everyone to go outside to search for birds and submit what you find to help scientists better understand and protect bird populations.
During ESC’s festival, folks can participate in facilitated bird walks in Dottie Harper Park to learn how to identify species by sight and sound to build your birding skills and contribute to the national dataset. This festival also offers a variety of presentations, community organizations, hands-on science activities, and live raptors! There is something for everyone to experience.
Last year’s festival saw over 200 community members from all over King County who came to celebrate birds. Folks of all ages joined for a day of learning, connecting to nature, and building excitement for environmental stewardship. This year’s festival will feature local speakers, including Ed Dominguez from the Seward Park Audubon Center, presenting on topics such as falconry, owls in Seattle, and American Dippers.
In addition to the facilitated bird walks for birders of all knowledge and skill levels, we also will be hosting a family nature walk and family bird walk designed to give families with kids ages 2-13 an age-appropriate experience to practice birding together. All participants can connect to a dozen local organizations who host bird programs, stewardship events, or science education to find new opportunities to get involved in our area.
Lastly, the festival offers raffle prizes, provided by Wild Birds Unlimited Burien, light refreshments, and the chance to engage with your community in a whole new way.
We invite you to join us at the Burien Community Center for this year’s event and look forward to connecting with you!
ESC hosts free, nature-based events throughout the year if you are looking to get involved and learn more about how you can be a nature hero.
For more information about ESC and our programs please visit: EnvScienceCenter.org or call 206-248-4266.
For questions, accommodations, and more information reach out to our Community Engagement Manager at katy@environmentalsciencecenter.org.
