Poudre Pet & Feed Supply sponsoring Northern Colorado Birding Fair

Crazy about birds or just curious? Want to learn more about birding close to home? Everyone is invited to a free weekend of fun and learning for the entire family during the 8th Annual Northern Colorado Birding Fair. The theme this year is, “Birding for the whole community.” Kids who complete activities win a free pair of binoculars.

Schedule of Events:
• Sept. 28, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Birding Behind the Scenes at Soapstone Prairie. City of Fort Collins Biologist Aran Meyer and Educator Sue Kenney will take you to some areas closed to the public for some birding and share information about the internationally renowned Lindenmeier early man site. Transportation from Fort Collins provided. Free, registration required, call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com

• Sept. 28, 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Birding Tour of Three Bells Conservation Easement. Join volunteer naturalist Carl for a special tour of the 3-Bells Conservation easement, a private property just north of River Bluffs Open Space. This beautiful conserved area, normally closed to the public, boasts a lovely section of the Poudre River, home to many different bird species. Free registration required. Register at http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/registration/index.cfm

• Sept. 29, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Northern Colorado Birding Fair at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space Guided bird walks at 7, 7:15, and 10 a.m.
Hands-on activity booths, silent auction, and vendors from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Presentations at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Interactive Clinics at 10 a.m. and noon

Updates and details at www.larimer.org/naturalresources/birding_fair.htm

Service for the birds!

Everyone is invited to a family-friendly Fishing Line and Litter Pick-Up in honor of National Public Lands Day, from 2 – 5 p.m. at Arapahoe Bend Natural Area (4109 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins) on September 29, 2012, just after the Birding Fair wraps up. Free; registration is required at www.rei.com/fortcollins

More About the Northern Colorado Birding Fair
No matter what tickles your fancy, birders young and old, beginner to experienced, will find something at the Birding Fair to fit the bill. Don’t miss the visit from Professor Avian Guano, one of the wacky alter egos of famous naturalist Denny Olson, who will entertain and delight audiences of all ages with his theatrical and educational comedy. Other presentations are focused on bird identification, ethical bird feeding, and travelogues of birding trips to South America. You can even test your skills mimicking bird calls at several Bird Call Contests (kids to experts welcome!), led by the hilarious Prof. Guano (who can make over 100 bird calls himself!).

Visitors will also enjoy over 15 interactive booths, guided bird walks, a silent auction, and, vendors showcasing birding equipment. There will be food and drink available courtesy of Friends of Larimer County Natural Resources, and the Berthoud Lion’s Club. Prizes will be available for children 12 years of age or under who participate in activities and turn in their Birding Fair Passport.

Did you say free? Entry to the Northern Colorado Birding Fair is free for all thanks to sponsorships and local vendors who participate. To help keep the event free, donations from the visiting public will also be accepted.

Directions and more information: The Northern Colorado Birding Fair is at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, on Carpenter Road, 1-mile west of the I-25/Hwy 392 Windsor exit. Contact Rob Novak at Larimer County Department of Natural Resources for more information, 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org.