Past Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
Bird School Project Takes on the Festival of Birds
The Monterey Bay Festival of Birds has existed under Bird School Project’s leadership since 2022. The annual event happening the second weekend in October has worked to celebrate the birds of the area in different ways over the years. Through field trips and events, BSP has loved celebrating the birds of the area with community.
You can learn more about the types of field trips through the most recent festival in the link below! *Please note that although many trips show up year to year, there are no guarantees.
Community Events Highlight
Bird School Project started with the Nature Extravaganza, as a Saturday afternoon community event. In 2022 and 2023, it took place in Watsonville with non-profit booths, food and craft vendors.
In 2024 we moved to an evening event with the Birders Night Market. Similar to the Extravaganza, this event included non-profit, craft vendors, and food to browse and mingle with others in the birding community. There have also been classes and experiences to join throughout the event. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate and wonderful leaders for hosting workshops!
Central Coast Birding Collective has hosted a Birds and Brews Trivia Night one night each year for the MBFOB. It is a fun way to socialize with fellow birding enthusiasts and test your bird and bird adjacent knowledge.
In addition to Trivia Night and the Extravaganza/Night Market, past Monterey Bay Festival of Birds have always included free trip offerings. Often through amazing community partners, these offer an opportunity for a variety of birders to join without a cost barrier.
Attendee’s Comments
“I loved it! I also enjoyed having so many young and skilled bird guides!” - Dawn, 2025
“Younger Lagoon and Elkhorn Ranch. First time at both locations. Appreciate the access to both as they were very special indeed. Would repeat!!” - C, 2025
“The falconry demonstration at the night market was super cool!!” - N, 2025
“The E Cat electric catamaran field trip into Elkhorn Slough was wonderful. I did this for the first time at last year's festival and brought my cousin along this year. The guides were both very knowledgeable and everyone on board was helpful and very happy!” - Debbie, 2025
“Birders Night Market was an eye opener and a treasure. I had no idea there was such an incredible art mural area and so many groups involved directly or in part with birding conservation. Wonderful! Great diversity, too. Yay!!!” - Josefa, 2024
“I especially loved getting to go places not ordinarily open to the public. Also, am incredibly inspired at the young people you have that are dedicated to teaching the public about birds and so much more.” - Suzie, 2024
“All of the guides we well-prepared, knowledgeable and friendly. The wide variety of field trips made it difficult to choose, but I'm very pleased with my choices. This is the third year I've attended the Monterey Festival of the Birds, and I hope to return next year.” - Candace, 2024
“The Arana Gulch trip with Benny was excellent. Lots of birds & information about them!” - Deborah, 2023
“With my dad, I attended the owling night, big sur and palo corona. All of the leaders were incredible, some of the best trips I've been on.” - Chris, 2023