Morro Bay Bird Festival Brings Birdwatchers From Across the Country

Another event that went on during the festival was the morning walk. Afterwards, there was a bay cruise where people who went could bird spot along the bay in a two-story riverboat that has panoramic windows with a roof deck. Then there was a lunch which was included for all people who were registered for the festival.

The festival has over 260 events and is held to showcase the biodiversity in Morro Bay. Morro Bay is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area because of the range of wildlife in the area. On top of the festival, there is also a “For The Birds” art showcase that is part of the festival each year. Some other examples of events that went on during the festival were kayaking through the bay and looking at all the different birds in the area, as well as a visit to a beaver dam in Atascadero.

Last year’s festival had visitors from 35 different states, showing how large of an event this is in the bird-watching community. This festival ranks 5th in the nation due to the location, since so many birds migrate through this area. Susie Reddy is the festival’s Community Outreach and Marketing Committee Member and said, “I think our festival is impressive because of the location.” She added, “People coming to our festival can feel confident when they get here, there’s going to be lots of birds.” 

The festival is designed for everybody, not just experienced bird watchers. There are workshops that are meant to teach people about bird watching for those with no experience. Max Roberts, who used to be an ornithology teaching assistant at Cal Poly, recommended the festival for experienced bird watchers, but also beginners or those who want to start birdwatching. He said, “Morro Bay is a one-of-a-kind place for birds, there’s just a huge number of birds that are hard to find elsewhere. And there’s also a great diversity, too. It’s not just the birdwatchers coming across the states, it’s the birds too.”