North Coast Nature Festival!

Sorry, it's me with my pretend photo smile. You'll find me standing in the same place, but probably talking a lot!

The North Coast Nature Festival kicks off this Friday evening with talks by Bill of the Birds himself, aka Bill Thompson III of Bird Watcher's Digest.

Nope, not Bill of the Birds, actually, I'm not sure what his name was. This Yellow-rumped Warbler was in Rocky River munching on a delicious Bluet dragonfly. Speaking of munching, food will be available for people too!

If you've never attended this event, you owe it to yourself to stop out and make a day of it. The weather is going to be GREAT this weekend! In addition to the Friday evening keynote speaker, there will be wild animals programs with Back to the Wild and The Lake Erie Nature and Science Center , nature related vendors (including yours truly!), nature walks with park naturalists, speakers throughout the event, bird banding demonstrations and more will be available for your enjoyment.

Our buddy and master bander, Julie Shieldcastle, banding a Downy Woodpecker last year.

We've attended and been a part of this great event for a couple of years now and we always have a fantastic time. I've met many wonderful people and birds, too! I've even taken a few nice photos through the window behind my display! You never know who you'll meet along the trails, so keep your eyes open.

Kimmay and Kenn looking at the wonderful birds to be found here!

This Carolina Wren kept me entertained outside the window of the Rocky River Nature Center.

It's very easy to find in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Maps are available on line through this parks link.

Be careful! If you think you're hearing a White-breasted Nuthatch, it may really be Laurie-loo!