Join the premier celebration of the wild birds, habitats, and bird-friendly people at the San Diego Bird Festival.
Schedule of Events
February 26, 2025
Birds and Brunch
Event Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Fee: $60.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Novo Brazil Brewery- Imperial Beach
Meet@: Bayside Birding and Walking Trail
Transportation Type: Self-Drive
Start your festival with some easygoing birding on an accessible trail on the bay shoreline, and then brunch at Novo Brazil Brewing.
As we stroll along the trail, we'll observe a diverse array of bird species, including migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds.
Visitors can expect to see a rich mix of birds preparing for spring migration. Look out for California Gulls, Western Grebes, and Brants, which are commonly seen during this time of year. You may also spot Red-tailed Hawks soaring above, or Northern Pintails and American Wigeons in the shallow waters. Shorebirds like the Black-bellied Plovers and Least Sandpipers often forage along the mudflats while Double-crested Cormorants and Brown Pelicans can be seen gliding over the bay.
After the field trip, we'll go to Novo Brazil Brewery for brunch. Their menu includes items like breakfast burritos, chilaquiles verdes, and steak and eggs.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip. Price of the trip inclues a meal and a beverage at Novo Brazil.
San Diego Bird Festival Opening Reception
Event Hours: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: No Leaders
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: Marina Village Conference Center
Come to Marina Village to check in and enjoy some introductory activities.
Check-in is available from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
Entertainment will take place in the courtyard from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
There will be a walk to the San Diego River from 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Heavy appetizers will be served in the Marine Room from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
The Uncommon Saloon will be open from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
You are welcome to drop in and attend any of these activities as they interest you.
Low Tide Estuary Walk
Event Hours: 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Guide/Speaker: Richard Cuthbertson | Joanne Sherif | Christopher Gilbert
Fee: $0.00
Trip Type: Field Trip- Meet-You-There
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Meet@: MVCC- Courtyard
Transportation Type: Walking
An easy walk to the San Diego River Mouth at low tide. This walk follows sidewalks to the street, crosses Quivira Way and proceeds on dirt paths along the river, stopping for views of shorebirds on the sand bars.
Embark on a scenic birding walk from the Marina Village Conference Center to the San Diego River Mouth, a prime spot for observing coastal and migratory birds, especially during low tide. The walk, approximately 1 mile round trip, takes you along the water’s edge, offering a close-up view of diverse bird species, particularly on the sandbars exposed by the receding tide. If you have mobility challenges you can meet us at the San Diego River Mouth. Just pick a group that matches your interests! We'll have reps from some of our optics companies with gear to showcase. Join the Fujifilm Tech Rep to try out Fujinon Techno-stabi, Hyper-clarity and Mariner Binoculars.
Starting at the Marina Village Conference Center, you’ll follow the shoreline path toward the river mouth. At the river mouth itself, the sandbars provide excellent habitat for a variety of shorebirds.
San Diego Bird Festival Opening Keynote with Alvaro Jaramillo
Event Hours: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Event Type: Birding
Fee: $25.00
Trip Type: Presentation
Venue: Marina Village Conference Center
Alvaro Jaramillo will be the featured Keynote for the evening, in the Starboard room at 6:00 to 7:30 pm
A shuttle to and from the Dana Resort will be available from 3:00 to 7:30 pm
You are welcome to drop in and attend any of these activities as they interest you.
Date: February 26 - March 2, 2025
