Bring the Family to BirdFest Texoma

BirdFest Texoma, May 3 -5, will offer several free events at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for youngsters and families.  On Saturday, May 4,  Eensy Weensy Spider will be presented by John Slaughter at 10 am and Leave it to Beaver will be presented by Texas Parks and Wildlife ranger, Kelly Lauderdale, at 1 pm, both in the Audio Visual Classroom at the Refuge.  Please register in advance for these events.   

From 9:30 – 11 am on Saturday, May 4, Susan Knowles will be on the Visitor Center patio to help visitors identify birds at the feeders and houses near the Visitor Center.  No registration is necessary to join in.   Free coffee will be available.

Jarryd Robison will exhibit snakes all day Saturday, May 4, and The Raptor Project, live outdoor show with 36 birds of prey - owls, hawks, eagles and falcons, is set for 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm on May 4, and for 1 pm and 3 pm on Sunday, May 5.

A general presentation on snakes will be given Sunday afternoon by Don Walker, at 1:30 pm in the A/V Classroom.  Advance registration is recommended for this event as well, to guarantee seating.

Families can also enjoy reading a nature-themed story together as they walk the Storybook Trail at the Refuge, available from 9 am – 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday.  On Sunday afternoon, the Bluestem Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists will help children make wildflower seed bombs, from 1 – 4 pm on the Visitor Center patio.

Food and nature-themed merchandise vendors will be on hand throughout the festival, or families may bring picnics and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass allowed) and enjoy one of the three picnic areas at the Refuge.  There is no charge for parking or admission. Hagerman NWR is located on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, at 6465 Refuge Road.  Information and registration is online at www.birdfesttexoma.org, or call the Refuge, 903 786 2826.