Natural History Wanderings

The Kern Valley Turkey Vulture Festival is Saturday, September 28   6 am — 1 pm 

Fall is a great time to enjoy the Kern River Preserve. As birds fly south from their summer breeding grounds they need places like the preserve to rest and replenish. One of the largest concentrations of migrating turkey vultures in North America comes down the Sierra Nevada and through the Kern Valley. If may be possible to  see “kettles” of hundreds of vultures swirling up into the morning sky. For more details and schedule click read more

6 AM–Early Bird Walk at Migrant Corner Trail–  Many species can be found during the fall migration moving through the forest canopy from this spectacular overlook. Migrating warblers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Tanagers and other species can be seen.

7:30 AM–Bird Walk at Kern River Preserve headquarters– The nature trails at the Kern River Preserve are beautiful in the fall. Take this walk with a knowledgeable guide to visit the river forest and to see a wide variety of birds and if we are lucky migrating Turkey Vultures.

8:30 AM – Nature Hike by Kern River Valley Environmental Magnet School – Local students will lead this walk to show kids and their adults about what they have learned here at the Preserve over the last few months.

9 AM to 3 PM–Information Booth

10 AM to Noon–Children’s Activities– There will be Junior Biologist activities for children, this is a great way to learn about our Preserve’s wildlife and our conservation mission. Kids can do nature art, dissect owl pellets (yuck), learn bird identification and make bird feeders.

10:00 AM– Bird Walk. A naturalist will lead a bird walk at the preserve headquarters.There are some great birds out there and we will have a knowledgeable guide to help you find them!

12:00 PM to 1 PM–Picnic Lunch. Sit in the shade and enjoy the Preserve and music while having a leisurely lunch. Bring your lunch

Noon- Banshee in the Kitchen – (Celtic Music), Shivaree ( Old Tyme Music), and the OMG Band (Country/Folk).  Each will play about 45 min. 

Questions e-mail rtollefson@audubon.org or call 760-378-2531.