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The annual Festival of Flight will return for its second year, helping to celebrate and educate about the key role migrant bird species play in the local ecosystem and economy.
This year, the Dripping Springs Festival of Flight will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park from 7:30 a.m. to noon. The event is hosted by the city of Dripping Springs’ Parks and Community Service Department — along with the Hays County Master Naturalists, Tree Folks, the Dripping Springs Birding Club and Dripping Springs Wild Birds Unlimited. Entry to the festival is free and open to all.
The Festival of Flight is one of many worldwide events held as part of World Migratory Bird Day, an annual, global campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It is one of many initiatives the city of Dripping Springs holds throughout the year to help protect birds and their habitats.
“This local event will help educate attendees on how migrant species play an important economic role in Dripping Springs and help generate millions in recreational dollars statewide,” the city said in a statement. “Festival of Flight will also educate the citizens on migratory birds and their habitats, including how they are declining throughout the Americas and how they face a growing number of threats on their migration routes in both their summer and winter homes.”
Following on the heels of Dripping Springs’ Bird City Texas designation, the event recognizes a significant effort by the city to value migratory birds and their habitats.
“Because of the designation, it’s even more of a celebration this year,” said Amanda Pena Bustillos, Dripping Springs Wild Birds Unlimited. “It’s such an amazing time to celebrate watching the birds, feeding the birds, and birds here in our area in general.”
“It’s exciting — I feel like Dripping Springs is a really unique and special place to enjoy birds, migration time more so than ever,” she continued. “Everybody can come together and go on these walks with local biologists. We plan to have this festival every May, so it’s something to look forward to every year moving forward.”
Various organizations at the event will share ways individuals can help protect these sensitive, migrant species. Guided bird hikes will take place at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Family-friendly activities and crafts will also be available.
For more information, visit cityofdrippingsprings.com/festival-offlight. For any questions, contact Caylie Houchin at [email protected] or call the Parks and Community Services department at (512) 894-2400.
